From the Church to the Charts: The Influence of Gospel Music 

This is the biggest episode we've done all year. LA pitched the idea when Sound Field started a year ago, and for the last 7 months we've been putting this episode together. Filmed in 3 cities with over 8 hours of footage. I can't wait to share this one with y'all and introduce you to the talented musicians of the black gospel church.

It’s because gospel music is heavily arranged. Having the opportunity to play it every Sunday will level up your chops real quick

The black church has produced the greatest artists of all time

We're skilled because we practice hard.no one is born like this

I’m an intermediate gospel piano player. I play in a predominantly white church now. They’re blown away by the way I play, and ask me questions all the time...I’m like, “guys....this is basic stuff”. They send me a lot of “white” Christian music with redundant chord patterns. Very basic stuff and because of gospel music I’m able to play all kinds of variations and substitute chords to give it a fuller and more diverse sound. Thanks Gospel for keeping us all on our toes. Now if only we could get a gospel only section on all these streaming platforms...

Church is essentially a "concert" (of sorts) that you perform 52 times a year....there's no other place that you can play that often in front of an audience....that's why all the musicians and singers are so advanced in terms of chops, stage presence and crowd control compared to other genres

Imagine if they also got Cory Henry here lol

As a black musician who didn’t grow up in the church I often get jealous when I meet back musicians who grew up in the church. Doesn’t matter how young they are playing decades ahead of what someone else is. It’s the fact that they not only play week in and week out but that it is a save space.

A few things that I expected to hear to answer the question was, that gospel musicians have many things layed out to their advantage, contrary to the rest of the musical world: 1.the regularity of performing live. every Sunday you play in front of a congregation and you have to be on top of your game, otherwise someone else will play instead of you. BUT 2. it's not a hostile and competitive environment. Sure, you have to be good to play, but it's not about the money and it's not about which people you know and what education you have - it's inherent, that the whole environment is friendlier because of the religious background. 3. Learning to play these songs is more than playing just music - its an act of faith, almost like praying. An act of living out your religion and your belief - if you are a religious person, it comes much more naturally, that you spend much more time with music, because for you it is the same as spending time with God. The motivation is so much higher with this strong intent to put in the work and time and get really really good. All of these things combined lead to the fact that there are many unbelievably capable gospel musicians. Best example that you totally missed: Cory Henry!

I think it has a lot to the spontaneity of the black church. Singing and playing in church means you have to be ready for whatever. Nowadays church music has become so scheduled and formatted. However, back in the day you had to be prepared for anything. There was no sheet music, no song list, it was spontaneous. When you learn to adapt in that regard then you become extremely versatile.

If all churches were like this, I’d never miss a Sunday.

When it comes to people honing their skills in the church, it reminds me that Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, and Curtis Mayfield were all in the same church choir together in Chicago

I grew up in church and the reason why they are talented is because the black church encourages participation. They allow musicians to make mistakes and its heavily improvised. Mix those elements w blues and jazz chord progressions and playing 6 services a week. Viola! You sir,have a world class musician.

So shedding is basically like a freestyle cypher only instead of using your voice to rap you playing drums instead. Thats dope as hell.

Totally down for this to become its own series, just sayin...so good to see a video give the black church and gospel musician community the attention they deserve! The crazy amount of talent that even the “average” church musician has is so hard to convey to a non-church attendee. Super humbling for any musician.

I've grown up in a Hispanic Pentecostal church which was a combination of Rock, CCM, Country, and Gospel. But I played in a black church back in 2008 for a few months and learned real quick how much I needed to catch up. No charts, just ear and feel. But the MD will guide you, not baby you, but guide you. Played in a white church for a little while and found it to be too easy and forced. I appreciate the growth and challenge of the black gospel, but I thoroughly enjoy the variety in the Hispanic church.

God given talent is given free reign to grow and develop in the Black Church. If a child shows passion and gifting early on, it's usually acknowledged, encouraged, groomed and displayed in service of the Church. The Church has a musical community of singers, musicians and other creatives who learn from each other, sharing ideas and always pushing musical boundaries as well as themselves.

LA, your passion and energy on this episode were really contagious. I also really loved Nahre's respectful approach to the musicians. You guys are awesome!

I play guitar and growing up in a traditional black church, we had service atleast 3-4 times a week. Sometimes we would have church all week (especially in the summer months). My brothers and I were the musicians in the church, so we were doing music all the time!

I'm not even vaguely religious, and all the religious music I know is pretty much medieval, Russian, or both. That said, this almost makes me want to go to church. That shedding session was unreal. Time to go hit up Spotify and see if they have some of those old gospel songs. Thanks for another fantastic episode.

This is one of the best episodes I've ever watched. Gospel musicians are one of the most frightening bunch because their musicality and technical ability on instruments is insanity. You actually have to think twice to play, especially at crusades or events, because there are more than 10 musicians who play your instrument watching you. It honestly leaves something to aspire too, because they keep pushing the boundaries of music. As a human being, I am grateful for gospel because man, where else would we get those 16th note triplet chops, ridiculous chord substitution and reharmonization and jaw-dropping solos.

holy i was completely unaware of these drummers, their sense of subdivision is insane

As a church musician, y’all made me proud with this video! Love the history, research, and clear care that went into this video. Mad props

"Message is words, sound is sound"......preach

The spirit of GOD in us that no other people has gives us that gift.

Early exposure, a “high bar” for quality in the community/mentors, constant rehearsal/shedding/performance, the fact that playing gospel music is “addictive” in a positive way and feels good, and possibly the internet

This is clearly LA's episode, right? He's basically in his home turf. It would be interesting to see something similar to this, but instead focusing on classical music, which is Nahre's speciality

I'm agnostic myself but I can feel the energy and passion in this music and it's a beautiful thing. Great episode! Thank you for all that you do I enjoy it very much :D

You can hear call and response in a lot of Caribbean musics. I grew up on Reggae and Salsa, and those songs all trace back to West African music. The pocket is something everybody feels uniquely and the standard for musicality is high.

The same thing that makes any musician skilled. Hours and hours and years and years of PRACTICE.

Tye's brother Thad is a BEAST on bass.

We're so skilled because parents had us in church 24/7 as kids.. Revivals, programs, & Choir Days which was like a holy Apollo.. Others practice.. We shed!! Showcasing & learning from each other daily!!

Hey, I'm a musician and I've been playing at churches for five years. It's where I got my start as well. But I did have about a year where I struggled with idolizing the music over God. I feel like there's some of that going on here. Edit: I do also want to mention that as a lover of music, I do appreciate this video a lot though. the above is just something to think about.

Literally every black musician you've ever heard of probably started in church. Lol even rappers and singers and producers

What makes’ em so skilled? Well duh; it’s the Holy Spirit.

There’s something so special, and and natural about the black voice. It’s unparalleled. Raw, naturally flowing, powerful. So many aunties with powerhouse voices who are just born being able to sing like that and love sharing is with their community and family. There’s nothing else like it. ♥️ Loved this!

I'm already amped on this. And you guys got Donald Lawrence and Tye Tribbett? Its's going to be wild.

I did not expect babyboydrummer to be a literal baby boy. That's incredible Great episode as always! I've really grown up around a lot of Kirk Franklin in a black household but I've never really appreciated the versatility of the genre til now. I can't wait for when we get to Gospel IDM

Babyboydrummer Justin Wilson II is incredible!

God, duh! ;)

The only premiere I’ve set a reminder for...

I saw. I clicked. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR TWO DAYS?! I can't wait.

This episode is so informal and a game changer! I’ve had countless conversations with my white friends or international friends who want to understand sound of black Gospel music and the culture which I came from. Great work guys! Looking forward to hear more 💯👍🏾

After high school, I played as the rythm guitarist in a gospel choir at a norwegian bible school, and I have never learned more about music than from that experience in my entire life. We played Kirk Franklin and James Fortune and even a Tye Tribbett song! It’s an amazing spiritual and musical experience, and it’s some of the most technical music out there. Listen to the opening of James Fortune’s «Favor of God» for a stunning example of proficiency.

The title alone made my heart melt! Not a musician but I feel seen when my culture is appreciated - thanks Sound Field!

RU-vid finally recommending me good content👏🏾

They go out every sunday and just give the church their best. One thing i’ve always heard was the saying “make a joyful noise and magnify the lord” and you really hear the passion they put forward in every song they sing.

I'm a Russian white girl, but I dreamt of playing and singing gospel in church since my very childhood

13:58 I can hardly believe this! "Holds his own" he said. The understatement of the year!

This brings me to tears. As a professional musician (predominantly jazz), minister of music, and music educator, you don't know how many times I've had to debate with musicians or even music lovers twice and thrice my age on my craft and how Christian music *historically* has evolved over time. My University was a United Methodist HBCU and my degree followed a classical tract. Music history proves what I live every day. If you don't want Christian music to develop, then we should all be singing Gregorian chants. Our music shouldn't be in 4/4 because the trinity is holy but 2 brings about division. Tell Bach to sit down. Tell the Protestant church and Catholic church not to split. Tell Jesus not to walk with sinners. Undo an assignment that literally fights against Lucifer. As long as the message is biblically sound, the genre shouldn't matter. Having a preference is one thing, but the prejudice we have just makes the traditional religious shoot themselves in the foot. This documentary is powerful and these things make me want to brush up on my music history. Thank you for sharing, come to Detroit next time!

even tho you pluck the wrong string for the chord or press the wrong note, nobody will know that you did something wrong when you're focused or enjoying yourself praising his name. and the church is so perfect for voice and instrument practice because you need to be there every Sunday. its like a gym for your soul

It helped me; by the time I was 18 I had about 5 years of travel, performance, and recording experience. I'd gone and recorded at the Gospel Music Workshop of America a few times; nightly worship videos, one track on the Youth Choir album and then did a lot of local Mass Choirs all while in High School. By the time I entered the professional world I had more experience and understanding than a lot of musicians coming straight out of college with performance degrees.

That’s crazy I was just at that church a couple of weeks ago! This recording didn’t do justice of how good they are 🤣

The traditional Gospel Sound is what I'm so used to by living in the South. This beautiful sound came from our ancestors that were forced to be slaves, while working in the fields. My people, we got to continue our traditions for future generations. There is is nothing like a choir swaying down the isles in church. Good stuff!

This is an awesome documentary. I’m blessed to have a part in it. Makes me feel very blessed and honored. All praises to the most high for the gift he bestowed up on me . Never take it for granted. #grateful

This is great work! I'm proud to be a part of such a rich heritage of Gospel music! There's nothing like the sound and I pray that Gospel music continues to stay committed to proclaiming the message of the good news! ( and, as a keyboard player, I know how that guy felt in that drum shed!)

The late Thomas Clay invited me to his church one weekend for a shed almost 10 years ago. I could barely hang back then but everyone was so open and positive. My drumming and musicianship took off after that. Amazing what is coming out of the black churches and now every musician from around the world that gets exposed to them. Great vid, thanks. 🙏🎼

I live in south east asia country and i'd say the easiest way to understand black gospel music is by listening to Israel Houghton. The music is so rich without losing its purpose; to glorify God. It's so refreshing considering mainstream christian music is boring and repetitive

I am from Russia and I want to thank your channel. It's really interesting, keep on guys!

Ones “Gift will make room for them.” Ultimately the answer to the question is “God.”

This is it chief i learned to play the drums watching my uncle play growing up in the black church, singing and leading songs from my grandmother leading the choir. I learned to read music and play alto saxophone in school. But i learned to listen an improvise playing in the church. This is such a good shine on what musicians do in a black church. after church jam sessions was the reason i was up first to go to church lol.

Church musicianship is so good because as Donald alluded to...You have to be good If you're not you'll get drowned. They are serious about their craft, work on it everyday, live it, & breath it. Chicago especially. It must be something in the water in that city I've seen 12 & 13 year olds that will make grown men look silly.

I’m glad this video exists. Shines some light on us and the impact of our culture

Wow, I am so happy to consistantly see the contributions of African Americans to contemporary music highlighted in this series. African American voices are missing from the discussions around music on youtube at the moment. These serve as excellent introductory lessons for the uninitated. But honestly, seeing Nahre in situations where she is not comfortable is my absolute favorite part of this. Because she is classically trained, her journey of understanding these other forms helps me understand the mindset of a classical player. (I started wathing this show because I am a Nahre fan,btw). PBS once again is providing programing that is superior to other organizations. They have caught up to the new internet phenomenon. I hope this trend continues.

The answer is simple the gift comes from the pains of bondage and slavery that's where the heartfelt passion comes from

The Church teaches us grace, so we learn to be gracious, the Lord shows us perfection, so we strive to become more perfect. This is the winning equation.

wow i love this episode!!! being black and raised in the church I've always had an appreciation for gospel music even tho im not religious

I had the pleasure of being exposed to playing this style of music as soon as I immigrated to this country. Those two years changed my playing forever.

The video I knew I needed and Sound Field gave me :) Love this content. Thank you very much. I am not American I have been in a Gospel Church, but before I could understand the English language I knew that Gospel is the mother of the other genres. What I like the most is that you can see, listen to and feel how those interpreters are able to connect to the lyrics, to the message. It is pure soul becoming a form of art. Love it :) Thank you guys for uploading this!

How do you wrap an episode like this without including John P. Kee, The Winans or Mary Mary?!! Now I need a whole series on the origins of contemporary gospel music 😂

I think a big reason is the freedom to fail afforded by ideas of grace and forgiveness that a good church should teach. If we aren’t afraid to mess up, we can play more and experiment more. Love this episode!

Also the anointing that comes from using your gifts to worship God, I believe, elevates the skill of musicians who come from the church....you can shed all day but there's a spiritual aspect that is beyond the physical skill of man alone.

Ooo message is words, and sound is sound. Now THAT’S a word right there. “Congregation open your bibles and turn with me to....” 😂

Don’t forget Richard Smallwood, he mixed European classical with gospel music.

Gospel was here long before this started and has always given people a way to express themselves. Elvis Presley spent time in the black church and learned well from it. I have studied this form of music for many years and watched it change and grow. Thank you for furthering my education on this form of music.

Oh man, opening with Tye Tribbet! Excellent. Edit: it got better! This is an excellent short documentary. This is getting saved

What's being left out is the one who inspires the music...Jesus Christ!

I absolutely love this show. Thank you for teaching us!!

I’m 13 and play Electric guitar for my church right next to my friend who plays The drums and honestly everytime when on the stage we are always better than the last time

Thanks for making this, I cant say how happy i am watching this, as a former church musician who also learned a lot and built my foundation from saturday practice, sunday worship, and also thursday midweek service, after church jams, I was just playing and playing and didnt know I was improving until i got out into the real world and started jamming with secular musicians that i realized that damn, Im actually pretty good (at least my ears are). I dont go to church anymore but am forever grateful of how I got my musicianship there, and always astonished to see gospel musicians today like anderson paak, his sound was so gospel inspired but so secular and god damn its so good to see that talent in modern pop music.

Love it! Finally someone got the correct answer to what came first, blues or gospel. A. Both at the same time.

You can make a case for Gospel Music springing from multiple places along the Mississippi River including Memphis, TN and St. Louis, MO along with other places including Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL. But Dr. Dorsey is truly the pioneer.

This involves serious, no joke practice. These folks are immersed in a rich musical culture.

I respect gospel music and musicians like I've never respected any other group of musicians more. The pure energy makes you really want to join in. Even if you're not religious, it has this power to pull you in like close to no other genre has.

THE INFLUNCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS WHAT MAKES REAL GOSPEL MUSIC & ITS MUSICIANS 🎶 THE BEST. GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD, NOT HIS PEOPLE.

I love going to black churches to hear good music!

I'm so ready. All of your videos are fire, especially when you have a bit of a budget.

Tye tribbett "kingdom music" yass!

black gospel is dope ♥

I love hearing these drummers.

The reason why is because we are the true chosen people of THE MOST HIGH GOD. SHALOM

I'm so glad you guys mentioned Gospel Chops here. It was my first-ever exposure to Western music as a child growing up in an Indian classical household in LA and I've adored it ever since. I would love a series that could document the role that gospel had in successful musicians' lives like Eric Moore, Tony Royster jr, Thomas Pridgen (I'm a tabla player so I'll always be partial to drummers) and many more!!!

Another wonderful episode. That singing was great - and the drumming was just unbelievable. The historical exposition was everything I hoped it would be. :) This is why I like SoundField so much. I really feel I've learned something. I know it would require a lot more resources to do longer episodes, but I wouldn't have minded some explanation on the timbres and chord-qualities predominant in gospel, the key- and vocal-techniques used alongside the explanation of call-and-response, 12-bar structure etc. ...Hey PBS - give those guys more resources! As an "outsider" to all things religion (which I'm generally rather critical of) - I won't lie and say that the singularly preaching and praising messages don't feel a little odd sometimes, like if you saw so many people putting such talent and energy into praising Zeus, Odin or the Invisible Pink Unicorn. But hey - as long as the platform isn't used to promote more boundaries between people (be it in terms of politics or sexuality or what kind of music is appropriate etc) - I won't yuck anyone's yum. And I can certainly appreciate the amazing talent, the energy and devotion to art. And what's more - if it helps musicians get together, learn and enjoy themselves - and give something positive to their community... that really makes me smile. More power to you! Those were some seriously, *seriously* amazing musicians - and a great episode. Thank you!

You guys have quickly become my new favorite channel with all of the amazing music related content you put out, but this one takes the cake. Just realized I wasn't subscribed, but that changes now!

I grew up in a highly religious family in Arkansas. I played drums & keyboard for my grandpa church and my cousin church in Stuttgart. Throughout my teenage years I've struggled hard with faith. Being 24 & still playing for their churches I've been non-religious since graduating high school. While being there every Sunday helping them do what I don't believe in, I only play for the vibe it gives me (and I ain't talking about no Holy Ghost 😂). I also started making beats for my friends & other local rappers as a teenager. But not anymore because alot of them feel that my beats sound too sad and that's due to the fact that I'm so used to playing worship music in church 😏. So now I'm starting to make my own beats using Neo-Soul and R&B with some of that church in it. With all that said, I strongly agree that playing in church is an extraordinary experience.

Seeing those artists during their shedding session was so amazing to me because the drumming responses reminded me of the west African talking drum

The music is amazing obviously and well praising God is the best thing ever especially with your talent from Jesus 😌🙌

Awesome Video..... Much respect✊🏾✊🏾🥁🥁... #neverstopthechop

The best thing about this channel is the feeling of listening to people who just genuinely love music, and that comes through extremely clearly here. Thank you for this video

Pray for Chicago , pray for all right now. God bless and stay strong.