2003 gospel music sales down 5.2 percent

NASHVILLE — Gospel music sales increased in the second half of 2003 but ended the year down 5.2 percent over the previous year. The Gospel Music Association said Nielsen SoundScan reported 47.1 million albums sold in 2003 compared to 49.6 million in 2002. At the midyear point, sales had declined by 10.4 percent.

Pop gospel was the most popular style of music sold, with 19.4 percent of sales. It was followed by black gospel with 17.9 percent, rock with 14.9 percent and praise and worship with 11.1 percent.

The top-selling gospel album was “Worship Together: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” by various artists. It was followed, in order, by albums by MercyMe, Chevelle, Stacie Orrico and Third Day.