Many Alabama Baptists know and appreciate southern gospel music, whether it be from a CD they listen to in the car, a group that sings occasionally at their church or a television show they watch each week.
And with September being Southern Gospel Music Month, fans were quick to explain the special qualities that come along with this music genre, noting how it reverberates in the soul and fills a need that other music just can’t.
According to Deon Unthank, owner of and columnist for www.SouthernGospelNews.com (the largest Internet site devoted to southern gospel music), the music is unique in its sound and style. It is vocal-based and accompanied by just a piano or a piano and guitar and characterized by close harmony.
‘Good singing’
“I am always amazed when I get people to sit down and listen to some good southern gospel music. They always say the same thing, ‘Oh that music is so soothing.’ Then when I tell them it’s southern gospel music, they look at me and say, ‘No, it can’t be,’” Unthank said. “They expect to hear twang in the singing and instead hear good, close harmony singing.”
He said the music is also characterized by a basic gospel message. Its roots come from the times following World War II, when people gathered in churches looking for hope and security.
“They found this message in the music of the church, and then the music found its way into camp meetings and tent meetings,” Unthank said, adding that quartets would often travel the country selling music books containing these songs, leading to the popularity of quartets.
‘Natural fit’
The same message of hope is heard in the music today, he said. “As troubling times come and as we think more and more of heaven, the songs we sing are a natural fit,” Unthank said.
Cas McWaters, a southern gospel vocalist and member of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, agrees that the power of the message is what appeals to and touches people.
The music focuses primarily on heaven, the sacrifice of Christ and living a life for Christ, he explained.
“Southern gospel music tends to convict and remind us of the hope we have in the promise of heaven,” McWaters said.
Each month at the Creek Bank Singings at Azalea Baptist Church, Mobile, the gospel message comes through loud and clear. Since 1996, the group Endless Praise and two other groups or soloists from across Alabama have been entertaining fans at the singings.
“The responses we get from the audiences shows us that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the cross, the resurrection and God’s amazing love for us is still coming through in southern gospel music,” said David Todd, a vocalist with Endless Praise and member of Azalea Baptist.
And the message reaches across denominational lines and out to those searching for answers.
“Southern gospel music appeals to Christians of all denominations because it speaks of the saving blood of Jesus and our destination of an eternal home in heaven,” said Julie White, a vocalist with the group Twice Blessed and owner of Gospel Gatherings Promotions in Remlap.
“This music is also a way to reach the lost. Often an unsaved person who would never think of attending a church service will attend a musical event.
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