The Gospel Train
GOSPEL’s hour 1 takes the gospel train north to Chicago, where southern migrants Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe blended the melodic sounds and instrumentation of blues and jazz with lyrics about God’s goodness. Like the blues, gospel would become a commodity, but one built by Black-owned publishing companies like Martin and Morris and sustained by Black audiences.
Previews + Extras
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
S1 E1 - 2m 45s
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.
Mahalia Jackson's Major Label Debut
S1 E1 - 2m 2s
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.
The Art of Black Preaching
S1 E1 - 48s
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.
Thomas Dorsey's Legacy
S1 E1 - 2m
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.
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