Gospel

Until the 1940s, male quartets dominated gospel recordings. But, in 1947, Apollo Records, a small independent label decided to take a chance on Mahalia Jackson, an accomplished singer on the Chicago gospel scene. The success of "Move on Up a Little Higher" proved that Gospel music could be both spiritual and profitable.

"She believed and trusted in god, and was not ashamed -- and would let you know that." Dionne Warwick weighs in on what was special about Mahalia Jackson's voice.

"I listen to C.L. Franklin still to this very day, because of his skill at the preaching exercise." Rev. Dwight Andrews discusses C.L. Franklin and what Black preaching is.

Seeking to grow his audience beyond New Bethel's walls, Rev. Franklin recorded more than 70 albums of sermons with the help of Joe Von Battle, a local record store owner in Detroit.

Thomas Dorsey co-founds the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in 1933 -- soon the gospel choir would be one of the most important elements of the gospel tradition.

From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there's one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality

Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. visits the Hampton University Ministers' Conference, where he speaks with Bishop Rudolph McKissick and Rev. Dr. William Curtis about the art of Black preaching.

Shirley Caesar's 1988 album Live in Chicago features the song "Hold My Mule," which tells the story of Shoutin' John, a man whose praise won't be silenced.

Andrae Crouch becomes the go-to producer for pop and Hollywood -- bringing the gospel sound to the music of Michael Jackson and Madonna, as well as an Oscar-nominated classic.

Twinkie Clark demonstrates two of her gospel compositions -- the Clark Sisters' bluesy hit "Is My Living in Vain" and the classically-inspired ballad "My Soul Loves Jesus."

To reach a population of young black millennials motivated by digital activism, married pastors Gabby and Andrew Wilkes began their ministry in Brooklyn. They aptly titled it "The Double Love Experience."

Less than a month after the March on Washington, four little girls were murdered at a Sunday School in Birmingham. Several days later, a gathering of musicians by the gifted choir master James Cleveland would offer a powerful message of resilience.

The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom would be a showcase for sermon and song. The day's program packed, King only had a few minutes to deliver the speech of a lifetime. And, as always, Mahalia was there to lift him up.

The legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson provided the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement, financial support with her checkbook and emotional solace in Dr. King's darkest hours.

Mahalia Jackson records on a major label for the first time in 1937 -- and surprisingly, the Queen of Gospel's records are not well received.

Cory Henry plays "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" (arranged by Kenneth Morris) on the Hammond organ, an instrument integral to the gospel sound. Dr. Henry Louis Gates sits with Reverend James Bryson of the legendary First Church of Deliverance, who explains the reaction by some church members to this strange new instrument.

From acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., GOSPEL explores Black spirituality in sermon and song. From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. While musical styles come and go, there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage, and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: gospel.