Gospel music developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the American South; "Southern" was affixed to the name to emphasize these roots. The genre traditionally has been associated with African-American spiritual communities, but today it is enjoyed by a wide-variety of people. It is not known when Southern Gospel music was first played in Arizona.
The Southern Gospel Music Association is a nationwide organization for gospel artists. It claims to be the largest gospel organization in the world. The smaller Western States Gospel Music Association (WSGMA) covers several states, including Arizona. The WSGMA lists upcoming concerts of member artists on its website.
In Arizona, you can catch a Southern Gospel concert at local churches or concert halls. Phoenix has two gospel music stations, KIDR 740 AM and KPHF 88.3 FM. Internet and satellite radio also provide gospel music stations that you can listen to while in Arizona.