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 Stroke Diaries by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Dead End by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The Age of Silver by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The Marketplace of Revolution by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book A Well-Regulated Militia : The Founding Fathers And The Origins Of Gun Control In America by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The Final Revolution by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The Non-Local Universe by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book The White Working Class by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book To Lead the World by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Simple Heuristics in a Social World by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Middle Kingdom and Empire of the Rising Sun by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book John F. Kennedy Level 2 Oxford Bookworms Library by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Individual Freedom in Language Teaching - Oxford Applied Linguistics by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Linus Pauling by Michael W. Harris
Cover of the book Loose Canons 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