Black Gospel Music Has A New Genre Title: “Smooth”

If someone simply says, “Gospel Music”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Something relating to the Biblical message of Jesus Christ?

Of course.

That’s the “Gospel” part of it.

However, the “Music” part comes in MANY styles—and some people may like one in particular but not the others. Therefore, it’s necessary to identify WHICH TYPE of Gospel Music you’re referring to, and certain terms have been generally used for years

The term “Black Gospel Music” is used to differentiate from the various styles of “White” Gospel Music—which includes “Southern”, “Christian”, “Country”, “Bluegrass”, “Old-Time”, “Folk”, and others.

Yet, even in Black Gospel Music there are distinct types that differ from the others with each having it’s own loyal audiences. They’ve been usually grouped into five major categories: “Traditional”, “Spiritual”, “Quartet”, “Praise & Worship”, and recently; “Urban”.

BUT!

There are many popular Black Gospel Music singers and songwriters whose styles don’t really fit into ANY of these five categories—yet for years there’s been NO adequate term to apply to them.

There is now!

“SMOOTH Gospel Music”!

Who’s “Smooth”? Richard Smallwood. Take 6. Edwin Hawkins. Walter Hawkins. Tramaine Hawkins. Daryl Coley. Yolanda Adams. Andre Crouch. The Winans. Helen Baylor. And on, and on, and on.

Yes, we “borrowed” the term from the “Jazz” world, which they use to describe Jazz that is neither too far to the left or right but “goes down smooth” for just about everybody.

Well, that’s also true for “Smooth Gospel Music”, which is why the term not only fits so well but is quickly gaining favor all over the country.

With this in mind, The Gospel Music Institute has launched “SmoothGospelMusic.com”, a new database site where the people who MAKE “Smooth Gospel Music” and the people who LIKE “Smooth Gospel Music” can NETWORK with each other for their mutual benefit.

The ENTIRE Gospel Music public is invited to join us.

Rodena Preston, sister to the late great Gospel & Pop organist Billy Preston and a well known Black Gospel Music singer, musician, and choir director herself, says of “SmoothGospelMusic.com”, “We’ve really needed this, and it’s long overdue.”

Rodena is also on the Board Of Directors of The Gospel Music Workshop Of America, founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland.

Contact Information

Rev. Alex Hamilton

Pastor

The Gospel Music Institute

Contact via E-mail