Southern Gospel Essentials

Southern Gospel Essentials

Southern gospel is a broad term that describes several interrelated styles. Initially, it referred to vocal quartets like The Blackwood Brothers, from the Great Depression era, who applied intricate harmonies and piano to “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and other hymns. Later on, The Oak Ridge Boys inherited the tradition, but on 1969's “I Am a Pilgrim”, they started inching toward the Nashville sound thanks to a prominent pedal steel. By the time Southern gospel reached Lynda Randle, whose “God On the Mountain” is a modern standard, it had been reimagined as solo music sweetened with touches of country pop and adult contemporary.

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