Birth of Gospel music

The birth of gospel music can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly flourishing at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, around the 1930s under the leadership of Thomas A. Dorsey, who is often referred to as the 'Father of Gospel Music.' This genre emerged from the fusion of spirituals and blues, serving as a powerful musical expression for African American faith communities during and after the Great Migration, as they sought both solace and community in urban centers.