| Gospel blues | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Late 19th century, African Americans |
| This article is a part in a series on |
| Gospel music |
|---|
 |
|
See also: |
Gospel blues (or holy blues[1]) is a form of blues-based gospel music that has been around since the inception of blues music. It combines evangelistic lyrics with blues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment.[1]
According to musician and historian Stefan Grossman, "holy blues" was coined to originally describe Reverend Gary Davis's style of traditional blues playing with lyrics conveying a religious message.[2] Davis and Blind Willie Johnson are considered the genre's two dominant performers, according to Dick Weissman.[1] Other notable gospel-blues performers include Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Washington Phillips.[3]
Blues musicians who became devout, or even practicing clergy, include Reverend Robert Wilkins and Ishman Bracey.[4] Bluesmen such as Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, Son House, Bukka White[5], and Skip James also recorded gospel blues or religious songs.[6] Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton released gospel song under a pseudonym.[7]
- ^ a b c Weissman, Dick; Weissman, Richard (2005). Blues: The Basics. Routledge. p. 77. ISBN 9780415970686.
- ^ Grossman, Stefan (1974). Rev. Gary Davis Blues Guitar. Oak Publications. p. 108. ISBN 9781783234592.
- ^ van Rijn, Guido. "Washington Phillips – Storefront and Street Gospel". Document-records.com. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ Wardlow, G., and Komara, E. M. (1998). Chasin' That Devil Music: Searching for the Blues. San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books. pp. 43, 45. ISBN 0-87930-552-5.
- ^ Bukka White・・ genius.com Retrieved 28 November 2024
- ^ From Satan to Jesus Skip James Guitarplayer.com Retrieved 26 November 2024
- ^ Charley Patton elijahwald.com Retrieved 26 November 2024