The Rise of Gospel Blues

The Music of Thomas Andrew Dorsey in the Urban Church

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Jazz & Blues, Blues, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies
Cover of the book The Rise of Gospel Blues by Michael W. Harris, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael W. Harris ISBN: 9780199879885
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: June 23, 1994
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Michael W. Harris
ISBN: 9780199879885
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: June 23, 1994
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Most observers believe that gospel music has been sung in African-American churches since their organization in the late 1800s. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, as Michael W. Harris's history of gospel blues reveals. Tracing the rise of gospel blues as seen through the career of its founding figure, Thomas Andrew Dorsey, Harris tells the story of the most prominent person in the advent of gospel blues. Also known as "Georgia Tom," Dorsey had considerable success in the 1920s as a pianist, composer, and arranger for prominent blues singes including Ma Rainey. In the 1930s he became involved in Chicago's African-American, old-line Protestant churches, where his background in the blues greatly influenced his composing and singing. Following much controversy during the 1930s and the eventual overwhelming response that Dorsey's new form of music received, the gospel blues became a major force in African-American churches and religion. His more than 400 gospel songs and recent Grammy Award indicate that he is still today the most prolific composer/publisher in the movement. Delving into the life of the central figure of gospel blues, Harris illuminates not only the evolution of this popular musical form, but also the thought and social forces that forged the culture in which this music was shaped.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Most observers believe that gospel music has been sung in African-American churches since their organization in the late 1800s. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, as Michael W. Harris's history of gospel blues reveals. Tracing the rise of gospel blues as seen through the career of its founding figure, Thomas Andrew Dorsey, Harris tells the story of the most prominent person in the advent of gospel blues. Also known as "Georgia Tom," Dorsey had considerable success in the 1920s as a pianist, composer, and arranger for prominent blues singes including Ma Rainey. In the 1930s he became involved in Chicago's African-American, old-line Protestant churches, where his background in the blues greatly influenced his composing and singing. Following much controversy during the 1930s and the eventual overwhelming response that Dorsey's new form of music received, the gospel blues became a major force in African-American churches and religion. His more than 400 gospel songs and recent Grammy Award indicate that he is still today the most prolific composer/publisher in the movement. Delving into the life of the central figure of gospel blues, Harris illuminates not only the evolution of this popular musical form, but also the thought and social forces that forged the culture in which this music was shaped.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Insecure Gulf by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Whither China? by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The General Theory: Self-Control: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Making Magic by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Minds and Gods by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Phobic and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book How to Think Seriously About the Planet by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Worldwide Financial Reporting by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Colonial Capitalism and the Dilemmas of Liberalism by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Peruvian Traditions by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Developmental Plasticity and Evolution by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Balkan Idols by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Puritanism: A Very Short Introduction by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The Great Risk Shift by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Salafism: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Michael W. Harris
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy