- The origin of gospel music can be traced back to the African-American spirituals sung by enslaved people in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Gospel music derives its influences from various musical genres, including African-American spirituals, blues, jazz, and traditional hymns.
- Thomas A. Dorsey is considered the "Father of Gospel Music." He popularized the genre with his composition, "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," in 1932.
- Gospel music gained significant recognition and popularity in the 20th century through the rise of renowned artists and groups like Mahalia Jackson, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and The Soul Stirrers.
- Notable gospel artists, such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, contributed to the development of rock 'n' roll by merging gospel music with rhythm and blues.
- In addition to its religious significance, gospel music plays an important role in African-American culture and history, serving as a means of expressing spiritual emotions, social struggles, and community empowerment.
- Gospel music has been used in various forms of entertainment, including film, television, and theater, to enhance emotional moments or convey a particular message.
- Gospel music festivals, such as the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, The Black Music Honors, and the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, celebrate the achievements of gospel artists and showcase their talents to broader audiences.
- The genre has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of contemporary music like hip hop, R&B, and pop, giving rise to new subgenres such as contemporary gospel and urban gospel.
- Gospel music has had a profound impact on both sacred and secular music, influencing renowned musicians and genres beyond the realm of gospel, such as rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and funk.