From the Church to the Charts: The Influence of Gospel Music

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This is the biggest episode we've done all year. LA pitched the idea when Sound Field started a year ago, and for the last 7 months we've been putting this episode together. Filmed in 3 cities with over 8 hours of footage. I can't wait to share this one with y'all and introduce you to the talented musicians of the black gospel church.

[@maciejszpyra]

8hours of footage and only 15 min video.. :(

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@maciejszpyra Pretty wild huh! Of course there's plenty of other footage and LOTS of drumming, but we are always focusing on what's interesting and adds to the story.

[@timboot5412]

Any chance of an outtakes video or something like that? :)

[@suhaib168]

Would happily watch more.

[@woodman2855]

Thank you. This has been your best video so far. It's definitely payed off.

[@iTzJakedood]

It’s because gospel music is heavily arranged. Having the opportunity to play it every Sunday will level up your chops real quick

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Then sometimes the arrangement get 're-arranged" because the singer got happy :)

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

TRUE.

[@christianhenry4173]

Personally I would prefer Jazz over gospel music. The disrespect from it makes me tired of being a church musician. But I respect it for the sake of Honoring God.

[@Am71919]

Playing every Sunday and a few hours a week at home is not a good way to build your gospel chops up, you'll just end up sounding like 90% of other musicians, nothing about your playing will really stand out, the musicians that you see doing unorthodox and eye-catching stuff are the musicians that play every single day on their respective instruments for hours on end, and they're also the musicians that get the most and the highest-paying gigs, why do people think Cory Henry stands out so much from other musicians? It's because Cory Henry plays every single day for long periods of time, honing his craft

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

@@christianhenry4173 Disrespect?? That's just shade and hate. I I know many jazzers who cant play or understand Gospel music. And, I if you ask them to come and playa Gospel gig, I will they tremble in fear. Like any forms of music, Gospel music has its own language. Just like bebop and Blues and classical. There is a language you have speak in order to both play and understand the musical art form.

[@versatilethearcane]

Church is essentially a "concert" (of sorts) that you perform 52 times a year....there's no other place that you can play that often in front of an audience....that's why all the musicians and singers are so advanced in terms of chops, stage presence and crowd control compared to other genres

[@jonathanwallace5140]

Some churches have 2 and 3 services each week, each with different songs. Some musicians play for multiple churches/multiple services a day. So now you're talking about playing live in front of many people 150+ times per year easily.

[@aiconic10]

The reason the musicians are so skilled is because church is SUPER HYPER COMPETITIVE musically. Weak players will never see a Sunday holding an instrument.

[@versatilethearcane]

@@aiconic10 that too....and it's been that way since the Bible days

[@HydrusT]

CC GAME STRONG!

[@Malik-ps4xs]

The black church has produced the greatest artists of all time

[@mikejones4984]

Malik I know and heard white church play better then the black church

[@ceecee8757]

Whitney, Aretha...

[@legolwa]

@@mikejones4984 "than"

[@mikejones4984]

legolwa that hurted 👈🏼

[@ruhmankhalid6675]

D' angelo, nuff said

[@zildtinio6250]

Imagine if they also got Cory Henry here lol

[@janbonne]

Zild Tinio 😍 needs his own episode! Jam session!!!!

[@tobyryberg]

The fact that this comment got a heart is making me excited.

[@hardiksharma1428]

Larnell Lewis too

[@MinCraige]

I agree Cory Henry and PJ Morton as well.

[@johnmcureton9244]

He is insane

[@Azzamislegend]

As a black musician who didn’t grow up in the church I often get jealous when I meet back musicians who grew up in the church. Doesn’t matter how young they are playing decades ahead of what someone else is. It’s the fact that they not only play week in and week out but that it is a save space.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

yeah but they spent tons of time in church getting brainwashed, so you win in the end

[@NothingBetterToWatch]

Augford P. Doggie lol dude I’m agnostic and I’d still be down to try and get in a church choir to learn their technique.

[@acarouselofantics]

@@Augfordpdoggie Actually many of them do not get 'brainwashed' as you say because many just went to the church to play music. I grew up in the so-called 'Black church' and knew many musicians who lived differently than the very religion that they were supposedly practicing inside of the church's four walls on a Sunday or Wednesday night.

[@deb1920]

@@Augfordpdoggie A good number of church musicians are not actually members of the church and are not "saved."

[@deb1920]

@Shock Saved and perfect are not synonyms. Kind of the whole point of it all.

[@furstnaymelassnaim9206]

I’m an intermediate gospel piano player. I play in a predominantly white church now. They’re blown away by the way I play, and ask me questions all the time...I’m like, “guys....this is basic stuff”. They send me a lot of “white” Christian music with redundant chord patterns. Very basic stuff and because of gospel music I’m able to play all kinds of variations and substitute chords to give it a fuller and more diverse sound. Thanks Gospel for keeping us all on our toes. Now if only we could get a gospel only section on all these streaming platforms...

[@praisefabilola]

Hahaha!

[@furstnaymelassnaim9206]

Mr No Weapon I agree with this. From experience.

[@lmlowemusic]

Black churches are starting to play that worship music that has the same chords too 😿

[@GarethFrow]

@Mr No Weapon racist :)

[@furstnaymelassnaim9206]

Sugarcane Slim sure a lot of the mainstream gospel does, but the gritty gospel doesn’t. Unless it’s covered by some watered down “Christian” band.

[@enricodemeo]

A few things that I expected to hear to answer the question was, that gospel musicians have many things layed out to their advantage, contrary to the rest of the musical world: 1.the regularity of performing live. every Sunday you play in front of a congregation and you have to be on top of your game, otherwise someone else will play instead of you. BUT 2. it's not a hostile and competitive environment. Sure, you have to be good to play, but it's not about the money and it's not about which people you know and what education you have - it's inherent, that the whole environment is friendlier because of the religious background. 3. Learning to play these songs is more than playing just music - its an act of faith, almost like praying. An act of living out your religion and your belief - if you are a religious person, it comes much more naturally, that you spend much more time with music, because for you it is the same as spending time with God. The motivation is so much higher with this strong intent to put in the work and time and get really really good. All of these things combined lead to the fact that there are many unbelievably capable gospel musicians. Best example that you totally missed: Cory Henry!

[@Am71919]

Not all of your statement is true, if you develop a personal connection with the pastor, usually, you'll have a long-term position in that church as a musician, it all comes down to the WAY you play, playing every Sunday is not a good way to build your skills up as a musician, you'll just end up sounding like 90% of other musicians, nothing about your playing will really stand out, and pastors aren't interested in a musician that sounds like every other musician he's heard in other churches, the musicians that fall in favor with the pastor are the same musicians who play every single day on their respective instruments for hours on end at home, if they're going to do shed sessions, they're going to do them every day for 6-9 hours, whereas your average musician that just plays every Sunday in church will probably do a shed session two or three times a week for maybe four hours at the most, that just doesn't cut it in the gospel realm, pastors always favor musicians where something is "different" about their playing, there's a reason Cory Henry stands out so much from your average Church musician

[@In-The-Truth-Man]

Though great points. It's possible to become stuck to a certain sound because you may play the same thing every Sunday. You can get comfortable. Though you have a platform every week, you have to find motivation to continue to grow. Musically, Sunday Services can get redundant. But like you said it can provide a wonderful platform to practice.

[@ArlisaSThomas]

Truth Man I think it’s important to know that are tons of black churches that don’t have musicians and/or they don’t have good musicians.

[@In-The-Truth-Man]

@@ArlisaSThomas Check out Loop gospel and stems plus. These sites are an efforted attempt to help with that problem.

[@bccstat]

Not about the money 🤣🤣🤣 a musician will leave in a heartbeat over more money, singers are not paid however

[@Adrenalean767]

We're skilled because we practice hard.no one is born like this

[@BernellJonesII]

Fast Lane facts 🙌🏿

[@anaturalmusic_1983]

True, but also understand some folks are just born with unique gifts. You see it all the time, in cases like Jayden Arnold or Aronthebassist.

[@Adrenalean767]

there are gifted people yeah

[@1SquidBoy]

Absolutely. It's a culture of musical excellence pumping out such great folks

[@nunnayuhbitness6708]

Even those who are naturally gifted with musicianship have to seriously practice, in order get anywhere in their musicianship.

[@JrRimp]

I think it has a lot to the spontaneity of the black church. Singing and playing in church means you have to be ready for whatever. Nowadays church music has become so scheduled and formatted. However, back in the day you had to be prepared for anything. There was no sheet music, no song list, it was spontaneous. When you learn to adapt in that regard then you become extremely versatile.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Exactly!

[@blueskyes9380]

Cory Rimpson Totally agree.

[@twrendy9142]

On the point you made, I feel that the number of these types of artists and singers may begin to decrease due to the way many black churches are evolving and the decrease in church attendance of the coming generations.

[@keraatkins7833]

I still play at my parents church like this

[@fromnothingthreads]

Bingo

[@derekdauchan2741]

God given talent is given free reign to grow and develop in the Black Church. If a child shows passion and gifting early on, it's usually acknowledged, encouraged, groomed and displayed in service of the Church. The Church has a musical community of singers, musicians and other creatives who learn from each other, sharing ideas and always pushing musical boundaries as well as themselves.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

EXACTLY.........I agree with you WHOLEHEARTEDLY!!!!

[@derekdauchan2741]

@@frederickweeksjr.1189 Appreciate you Brother Weeks ! Bless you man !

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

@@derekdauchan2741,yessir. I learned piano "late" ( at 35 yrs old),and from travelling to various ministries ( local and nationally known) I've found there are so many differences between musicians styles and personalities that there's no one way to play, and each group has a specific " Chemistry " that makes them stand out. As long as there's humility everything runs well.

[@QCRSK8]

Perfect Explanation

[@DJC955]

I've grown up in a Hispanic Pentecostal church which was a combination of Rock, CCM, Country, and Gospel. But I played in a black church back in 2008 for a few months and learned real quick how much I needed to catch up. No charts, just ear and feel. But the MD will guide you, not baby you, but guide you. Played in a white church for a little while and found it to be too easy and forced. I appreciate the growth and challenge of the black gospel, but I thoroughly enjoy the variety in the Hispanic church.

[@eleintblood]

LA, your passion and energy on this episode were really contagious. I also really loved Nahre's respectful approach to the musicians. You guys are awesome!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching! You know LA was just like a kid in a candy shop the whole time. Meeting some of his favorite musicians and getting to jam with his friends.

[@thereisnospace]

@@SoundFieldPBS you two are one of the best odd couples on youtube! Your different approaches and energies work really well together!

[@ke9184]

@@thereisnospace oh wow, are they really like an actual 'Couple'? (I'm new to this channel...)

[@thereisnospace]

@@ke9184 not that i know. Odd couple just means two people wo work or live or do anything together who are very different from one another but have a chemistry that wouldn't seem obvious at first sight.

[@Lamo2100]

I grew up in church and the reason why they are talented is because the black church encourages participation. They allow musicians to make mistakes and its heavily improvised. Mix those elements w blues and jazz chord progressions and playing 6 services a week. Viola! You sir,have a world class musician.

[@FIIux]

my name is NOT viola

[@JoshReels]

As a church musician, y’all made me proud with this video! Love the history, research, and clear care that went into this video. Mad props

[@tonylancer7367]

This is one of the best episodes I've ever watched. Gospel musicians are one of the most frightening bunch because their musicality and technical ability on instruments is insanity. You actually have to think twice to play, especially at crusades or events, because there are more than 10 musicians who play your instrument watching you. It honestly leaves something to aspire too, because they keep pushing the boundaries of music. As a human being, I am grateful for gospel because man, where else would we get those 16th note triplet chops, ridiculous chord substitution and reharmonization and jaw-dropping solos.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

We appreciate you Tony!

[@Ted_Swayinghill]

To answer the "16th note triplet" and "re-harminizarion" is that the greats studied a lot of musicians from other genres usually that came before them. As a drummer, a lot of guys studied a lot of Jazz and or Jazz Fusion players.

[@johnettaqueen2764]

Living in this Gospel world is amazing. We have so many jam sessions while hanging out and eating and stuff! We'll all start randonly harmonizing at ihop. We all know each other around the different cities... Every family has its own musical fame... Literally everyone is soooo talented. It's so fun! And the constanttt jamming for pleasure makes you SO GOOD!

[@fromnothingthreads]

You summed it up well

[@JL-vw6wx]

@@Ted_Swayinghill Jazz, blues, rhythm and blues and/or RnB, especially soul, Neo-soul etc., etc., are all based out of the African-American church. Do some research on the pioneers of the aforementioned genres and you will soon realize its birthed from Black gospel music.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

If all churches were like this, I’d never miss a Sunday.

[@waynecrowe9790]

Just gotta find one of those churches, man!

[@dsg3053]

Pastoring over everything bruh.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

Music.

[@Noelciaaa]

For reals.... meanwhile during the Christmas Eve mass where you sing carols a lot, me and my sister actually making the effort to sing well with some minor harmonization efforts (soprano + alt) had been turning heads, my mom said they looked like they thought we were from some concert band ahahah. The bar is literally so low for white churches XD.

[@ronaldbibi209]

just find one then

[@quentinjohnson750]

I play guitar and growing up in a traditional black church, we had service atleast 3-4 times a week. Sometimes we would have church all week (especially in the summer months). My brothers and I were the musicians in the church, so we were doing music all the time!

[@Unkinwndbdudi]

Faxx when it's summer time. You had no choice as a child but go to church all week

[@Toywins]

Oh, so you did revival, my respects to you!! 😩😂😂

[@SarahPaik]

Totally down for this to become its own series, just sayin...so good to see a video give the black church and gospel musician community the attention they deserve! The crazy amount of talent that even the “average” church musician has is so hard to convey to a non-church attendee. Super humbling for any musician.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching! What would you imagine the new series looks like?

[@SarahPaik]

@@SoundFieldPBS a study of different gospel sounds based on region or having sheds in different cities. maybe what i really want is a similar episode but with a focus on the organ? the possibilities are endless! this was truly a gem of a video.

[@melvinbowen2nd]

Sarah the GOAT!

[@SarahPaik]

​@@melvinbowen2nd lol i'm out here struggling like everyone else! but thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@anthonyd1659]

Sarah Paik Organ ‘dialects’...Rich!

[@Odin029]

When it comes to people honing their skills in the church, it reminds me that Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, and Curtis Mayfield were all in the same church choir together in Chicago

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

All of the Temptation, Gladys Knight..Beyonce(Destiny's Child), Luther van dross, Freddie Jackson, Prince....You start seeing a pattern??? It's the black music experience..

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

Wow,that's interesting to note.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

@@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION interesting point.

[@trublgrl]

Thanks for that awesome fact! I have been Mayfield-Obsessed for decades, but just became enthralled with Sam Cooke recently. Lou Rawls is not even on my radar. I will do some listening thanks to your insight.

[@nedisahonkey]

Wait what???? I'm a HUGE soul music fan, to the extent I have a tattoo of Sam Cooke, how have I never heard this.

[@mizzbelle97]

There’s something so special, and and natural about the black voice. It’s unparalleled. Raw, naturally flowing, powerful. So many aunties with powerhouse voices who are just born being able to sing like that and love sharing is with their community and family. There’s nothing else like it. ♥️ Loved this!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Anna Banana!

[@jaypatton217]

So shedding is basically like a freestyle cypher only instead of using your voice to rap you playing drums instead. Thats dope as hell.

[@scottwhite9804]

But now...think Keyboardists, bassists and organists do it too. And sometimes it happens all together.

[@kazzd58]

Exactly just a different way of communicating

[@zac3392]

Jay Patton Or maybe... dope as HEAVEN! 😆

[@robertdaryton3512]

We do it all together nowadays!!!💯💯

[@marrsx8656]

It started on drums in dc with Aaron spears, buggy and Tim Steele. Check out the Zildjian Live Aaron spears interview with Sput Seawright

[@123blastoffful]

They go out every sunday and just give the church their best. One thing i’ve always heard was the saying “make a joyful noise and magnify the lord” and you really hear the passion they put forward in every song they sing.

[@Simrasil_]

I'm agnostic myself but I can feel the energy and passion in this music and it's a beautiful thing. Great episode! Thank you for all that you do I enjoy it very much :D

[@Boogers32150]

Mike Morbuk nah

[@lorebay2593]

Simrasil GOD is as real as the air you breathe, you can have a relationship with Him if you receive JESUS or Yeshua as some call Him, because He will shew you the Father. God does not reveal Himself to everyone though it is possible to know Him for God says Hear ye Him(JESUS) in whom I am well pleased. Read the Gospel of John and learn of Him it will be a blessing to your soul and you too can be saved by God’s wonderful grace in the Son.

[@vanthdreadstar8788]

@@lorebay2593 That person just stated they respect the skill level and passion it takes to play gospel music and you immediately began proselytizing.

[@wesleyking2212]

We're so skilled because parents had us in church 24/7 as kids.. Revivals, programs, & Choir Days which was like a holy Apollo.. Others practice.. We shed!! Showcasing & learning from each other daily!!

[@MissQueen131]

I’m so grateful to have grown up in this, and to be leading it now as an adult. A lot of it is generational as well… I have a huge Black, Gospel-singing family. My mom is 1 of 9 siblings and they have a singing group… They all taught my cousins and me to sing and play all the instruments.... and now we all do it 3 to 4 times a week-especially on Sunday. Sometimes you’re just doing it in the house to have fun 😂 The constant exposure to music & the high skill level demanded makes it all just happens naturally! You look up & you’re in your teens / 20s with his crazyyyy skill set... Well I guess I don’t consider it that “special” because I’m doing it all the time… haha. Just did it a few hours ago for New Year’s service leading worship. Mannn we had a High time tonight! So much singing and dancing. LOL King

[@TheArtofGuitar]

God, duh! ;)

[@Saint.questions]

That part lol

[@zivkovicable]

@@ObliviousVibes It is for believers to provide evidence for the extrordinary claim for the supernatural..

[@e7thstar]

@Dan Wruck bro, tell the mayans, aztecs, native Americans. Native Africans that God doesn't exist. God isn't owned by the Christians or Jews. We all have the same story of creation. Don't be a stupid sheep

[@mobkun6457]

Good to see you here sensei

[@danj8038]

@@zivkovicable nope. technically its both sides that have the burden of evidence

[@MaxwellKozen]

I'm already amped on this. And you guys got Donald Lawrence and Tye Tribbett? Its's going to be wild.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Yeah! We joined Tye Tribbett at his church in Orlando, and Donald Lawrence in the studio in Chicago.

[@edithlong1260]

The spirit of GOD in us that no other people has gives us that gift.

[@dogsandyoga1743]

Or, we are gods...😋

[@RizRa]

Thank you Edith Long. It's the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, not some self inflated false idea of ourselves. ⬆️

[@dogsandyoga1743]

@@RizRa Our musical and rhythmic greatness goes back long before we had ever heard of a holy ghost 😀❤

[@RizRa]

"My people perish for lack of knowledge..." my dear I promise you, I grew up thinking the GOD of the bible had nothing to do with me and who 'we' were, only to come to the knowledge of the truth - WE ARE the people of the bible. There is nothing you can tell me as there is no so called 'tradition' or religion I didn't go into - including yoga, buddhism, kemetic tradition, african religion and hinduism just to name a few. I figured I knew the truth and all the new age doctrine I was learning was leading to somewhere, and it was - darkness. The only light is in the word of GOD. I've read other 'spiritual books' with their temporary highs - the word of GOD is living and active, the only thing truly powerful to TRANSFORM you. If you haven't read the bible I implore you to. At least see what it's saying, especially Deuteronomy chapter 28. It will sound familiar. I grew up in the church, turned away and my HEAVENLY FATHER brought me back home - original prodigal daughter. Educate your spirit dear one. I don't have religion, I have a relationship with the MOST HIGH YAH, the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT who informs my being.

[@RizRa]

Our gifts are from GOD, he won't take them away from us but they're meant to exalt HIM. "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." Psalm 150. What we see in the church with these musicians is the pure power of GOD. All the glory goes to HIM.

[@kaydrelia48]

"Message is words, sound is sound"......preach

[@Bunfire123]

kaydrelia which is false. Sound = energy. Energy has a altering pattern and creates an output. Sound can’t be overlooked.

[@GeronFletcher]

@@Bunfire123yeah but there isn’t only ONE good sound energy though

[@aiconic10]

The same thing that makes any musician skilled. Hours and hours and years and years of PRACTICE.

[@8020drummer]

Early exposure, a “high bar” for quality in the community/mentors, constant rehearsal/shedding/performance, the fact that playing gospel music is “addictive” in a positive way and feels good, and possibly the internet

[@MissQueen131]

The 80/20 Drummer yep! A lot of it is generational as well… I have a huge Black, Gospel-singing family. My mom is 1 of 9 siblings and they have a singing group… They all taught my cousins and me to sing and play all the instruments.... and now we all do it 3 to 4 times a week-especially on Sunday. Sometimes you’re just doing it in the house to have fun 😂 The constant exposure to music & the high skill level demanded makes it all just happens naturally! You look up & you’re in your teens / 20s with his crazyyyy skill set... Well I guess I don’t consider it that “special” because I’m doing it all the time… haha. Just did it a few hours ago for New Year’s service leading worship. Mannn we had a High time tonight! So much singing and dancing. LOL

[@fromnothingthreads]

Def feels good 😭🔥

[@LeafGreen906]

holy i was completely unaware of these drummers, their sense of subdivision is insane

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

From the mother land of Africa.. The root.. Go there and hear the time divisions..Then to Brazil, Jamaica...

[@brianmcdonald42]

I'm not even vaguely religious, and all the religious music I know is pretty much medieval, Russian, or both. That said, this almost makes me want to go to church. That shedding session was unreal. Time to go hit up Spotify and see if they have some of those old gospel songs. Thanks for another fantastic episode.

[@xlcoldj]

What do you think about this one? "I Can't Feel At Home"- New Jerusalem Baptist Church kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5-VqqJrnM1rkMU

[@jdblake3224]

Mississippi Mass Choir is a good place to start

[@superjam18]

I like YPJ & FVC..theyre not mainstream gospel artists but i love their music

[@zac3392]

Brian McDonald C’mon to church!!

[@timobatana6705]

I agree on the first part. They are not religious. It's odd that they say they are.

[@renee7528]

The title alone made my heart melt! Not a musician but I feel seen when my culture is appreciated - thanks Sound Field!

[@jharsch3453]

You can hear call and response in a lot of Caribbean musics. I grew up on Reggae and Salsa, and those songs all trace back to West African music. The pocket is something everybody feels uniquely and the standard for musicality is high.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

True. The sounds all come from our African Ancestors. I know that they are proud.

[@fromnothingthreads]

That’s awesome

[@GryynGlo]

After high school, I played as the rythm guitarist in a gospel choir at a norwegian bible school, and I have never learned more about music than from that experience in my entire life. We played Kirk Franklin and James Fortune and even a Tye Tribbett song! It’s an amazing spiritual and musical experience, and it’s some of the most technical music out there. Listen to the opening of James Fortune’s «Favor of God» for a stunning example of proficiency.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Sooo cool you played a Tye song ! Thanks for sharing your experience

[@30jersey478]

Tye's brother Thad is a BEAST on bass.

[@zac3392]

Yes!!

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

DEFINITELY.

[@themelodicpoet]

Soundcheck as a whole was a CHEAT CODE! If you grew up in the church or listened to Gospel in the 00s, what we experienced with them was so unreal

[@marrsx8656]

There hasn’t been a band like soundcheck since ! They were unreal

[@QCRSK8]

@@themelodicpoet Right...even creating new melodies during live recordings. Straight Ridiculous!

[@LDrumsOhio]

It helped me; by the time I was 18 I had about 5 years of travel, performance, and recording experience. I'd gone and recorded at the Gospel Music Workshop of America a few times; nightly worship videos, one track on the Youth Choir album and then did a lot of local Mass Choirs all while in High School. By the time I entered the professional world I had more experience and understanding than a lot of musicians coming straight out of college with performance degrees.

[@leonscott543]

Literally every black musician you've ever heard of probably started in church. Lol even rappers and singers and producers

[@dubsteppro777]

Except Cardi, she started in a different kinda church.

[@macybautista1301]

Is Cardi part black? Sorry, I'm not really too sure, I think she's Hispanic, right? I mean, she could be part black too, ya know, Caribbean.

[@dariusewing6962]

leon scott facts

[@acarouselofantics]

That's changing now though. Because more artists in the last couple of generations are more secular and without religion.

[@TheLilly]

That's because God is the beginning and the end of it all.

[@goober4502]

What makes’ em so skilled? Well duh; it’s the Holy Spirit.

[@baconator6374]

Amen! Hahahaha

[@bphilbac]

And a lot of practice

[@dr.rhythm2886]

Some of them do have formal training as well.

[@uniqueorganicshaircare9880]

Lol a lot of practice

[@ruready4adventure743]

If their truly led by the Spirit. Most rob their gifts and use it for personal gain. Never ends well.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

The traditional Gospel Sound is what I'm so used to by living in the South. This beautiful sound came from our ancestors that were forced to be slaves, while working in the fields. My people, we got to continue our traditions for future generations. There is is nothing like a choir swaying down the isles in church. Good stuff!

[@chadpollard2019]

Hey, I'm a musician and I've been playing at churches for five years. It's where I got my start as well. But I did have about a year where I struggled with idolizing the music over God. I feel like there's some of that going on here. Edit: I do also want to mention that as a lover of music, I do appreciate this video a lot though. the above is just something to think about.

[@terrencegooden1104]

This is great work! I'm proud to be a part of such a rich heritage of Gospel music! There's nothing like the sound and I pray that Gospel music continues to stay committed to proclaiming the message of the good news! ( and, as a keyboard player, I know how that guy felt in that drum shed!)

[@dariru27]

even tho you pluck the wrong string for the chord or press the wrong note, nobody will know that you did something wrong when you're focused or enjoying yourself praising his name. and the church is so perfect for voice and instrument practice because you need to be there every Sunday. its like a gym for your soul

[@torrencec5337]

This is it chief i learned to play the drums watching my uncle play growing up in the black church, singing and leading songs from my grandmother leading the choir. I learned to read music and play alto saxophone in school. But i learned to listen an improvise playing in the church. This is such a good shine on what musicians do in a black church. after church jam sessions was the reason i was up first to go to church lol.

[@izzysosa]

The only premiere I’ve set a reminder for...

[@SoundFieldPBS]

That was the right move, this one is going to be an experience.

[@sicario7738]

I’m glad this video exists. Shines some light on us and the impact of our culture

[@silvercruiser]

I did not expect babyboydrummer to be a literal baby boy. That's incredible Great episode as always! I've really grown up around a lot of Kirk Franklin in a black household but I've never really appreciated the versatility of the genre til now. I can't wait for when we get to Gospel IDM

[@frye-er]

This is clearly LA's episode, right? He's basically in his home turf. It would be interesting to see something similar to this, but instead focusing on classical music, which is Nahre's speciality

[@blackishbean3235]

Wow these comments are super constructive

[@einars899]

13:58 I can hardly believe this! "Holds his own" he said. The understatement of the year!

[@m.c.ravioli1521]

That little boy is so talented for his age

[@StoicContrarian]

M.C.Ravioli imagine how accomplished he’ll be in his teen/adult years. Just followed him.

[@m.c.ravioli1521]

@@StoicContrarianI know right!

[@jonathankrieger9121]

I saw. I clicked. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR TWO DAYS?! I can't wait.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

It'll be worth it I promise. I wanted to make sure y'all could talk to LA during the premiere, because there's so much to unpack in this episode!

[@jabez36]

I had the pleasure of being exposed to playing this style of music as soon as I immigrated to this country. Those two years changed my playing forever.

[@EricMooreIIOfficial]

This is an awesome documentary. I’m blessed to have a part in it. Makes me feel very blessed and honored. All praises to the most high for the gift he bestowed up on me . Never take it for granted. #grateful

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You are an incredible talent shouts out to Eric Moore II

[@obiee12]

This episode is so informal and a game changer! I’ve had countless conversations with my white friends or international friends who want to understand sound of black Gospel music and the culture which I came from. Great work guys! Looking forward to hear more 💯👍🏾

[@annaanon8419]

I literally came here by typing in "what makes some music sound uniquely black?" I'm white, and musically inclined, but every time I listen to gospel, blues, jazz, etc... I hear these chords that are SO RICH.... like- you know it's different from "traditional" music of any kind but there's an invisible "something" floating in there i just can't grasp- like chasing a will-o-the-wisp. Just beautiful

[@Dorian_sapiens]

Babyboydrummer Justin Wilson II is incredible!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Seriously he's a star

[@sonicgoo1121]

What will happen? kzbin.info/www/bejne/foK6eXiXj7h8kKs

[@DIDAMI.Experience]

KZbin finally recommending me good content👏🏾

[@BettyAlexandriaPride]

This brings me to tears. As a professional musician (predominantly jazz), minister of music, and music educator, you don't know how many times I've had to debate with musicians or even music lovers twice and thrice my age on my craft and how Christian music *historically* has evolved over time. My University was a United Methodist HBCU and my degree followed a classical tract. Music history proves what I live every day. If you don't want Christian music to develop, then we should all be singing Gregorian chants. Our music shouldn't be in 4/4 because the trinity is holy but 2 brings about division. Tell Bach to sit down. Tell the Protestant church and Catholic church not to split. Tell Jesus not to walk with sinners. Undo an assignment that literally fights against Lucifer. As long as the message is biblically sound, the genre shouldn't matter. Having a preference is one thing, but the prejudice we have just makes the traditional religious shoot themselves in the foot. This documentary is powerful and these things make me want to brush up on my music history. Thank you for sharing, come to Detroit next time!

[@jpm7049]

The late Thomas Clay invited me to his church one weekend for a shed almost 10 years ago. I could barely hang back then but everyone was so open and positive. My drumming and musicianship took off after that. Amazing what is coming out of the black churches and now every musician from around the world that gets exposed to them. Great vid, thanks. 🙏🎼

[@johnettaqueen2764]

TC!!!

[@aniellis1455]

Ones “Gift will make room for them.” Ultimately the answer to the question is “God.”

[@g_y.rtz420]

Thanks for making this, I cant say how happy i am watching this, as a former church musician who also learned a lot and built my foundation from saturday practice, sunday worship, and also thursday midweek service, after church jams, I was just playing and playing and didnt know I was improving until i got out into the real world and started jamming with secular musicians that i realized that damn, Im actually pretty good (at least my ears are). I dont go to church anymore but am forever grateful of how I got my musicianship there, and always astonished to see gospel musicians today like anderson paak, his sound was so gospel inspired but so secular and god damn its so good to see that talent in modern pop music.

[@blegghhh]

wow i love this episode!!! being black and raised in the church I've always had an appreciation for gospel music even tho im not religious

[@LydianMelody]

I think a big reason is the freedom to fail afforded by ideas of grace and forgiveness that a good church should teach. If we aren’t afraid to mess up, we can play more and experiment more. Love this episode!

[@thegladys2651]

The video I knew I needed and Sound Field gave me :) Love this content. Thank you very much. I am not American I have been in a Gospel Church, but before I could understand the English language I knew that Gospel is the mother of the other genres. What I like the most is that you can see, listen to and feel how those interpreters are able to connect to the lyrics, to the message. It is pure soul becoming a form of art. Love it :) Thank you guys for uploading this!

[@АннаКомиссарова-ц2д]

I am from Russia and I want to thank your channel. It's really interesting, keep on guys!

[@SkipRogersJr]

Wow, I am so happy to consistantly see the contributions of African Americans to contemporary music highlighted in this series. African American voices are missing from the discussions around music on youtube at the moment. These serve as excellent introductory lessons for the uninitated. But honestly, seeing Nahre in situations where she is not comfortable is my absolute favorite part of this. Because she is classically trained, her journey of understanding these other forms helps me understand the mindset of a classical player. (I started wathing this show because I am a Nahre fan,btw). PBS once again is providing programing that is superior to other organizations. They have caught up to the new internet phenomenon. I hope this trend continues.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

Most classically trained musicians WANT to know more about gospel music. I play by ear and when I traveled the country, I'd stop at Guitar Center to practice. Most classically trained musicians would try to overplay me ( in some cases to let " their voice be heard), or in others they'd ask me how I played certain chords. A lot of stems from the heart of the individual, for I have great respect for CTM'S,as well as those who went to school or play by ear. I think once a person learns an individual you'll experience WHO they are through their music.

[@SkipRogersJr]

@@frederickweeksjr.1189 Oh yea, I am a technically untrained vocalist. So how trained people think of music is fascinating to me. I just create, but they have a set of rules they follow. They also feel like they are the only ones entitled to a musical opinion, lol. But thats neither here nor there, lol.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

@@SkipRogersJr EXACTLY.

[@prof32]

Yes! It's gotten better but there has long been a condescending manner in which some music educators felt and some still feel for those who don't know how to read music. Reading is fine but you can read written notation and play what's on the page but have none of the "feel" for the music. You can't write out feel on paper. That's what some of them don't understand. And I don't even have to go into which ones act this way.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

@@prof32 very TRUE.

[@eipxen]

The best thing about this channel is the feeling of listening to people who just genuinely love music, and that comes through extremely clearly here. Thank you for this video

[@mylesjaeger]

That’s crazy I was just at that church a couple of weeks ago! This recording didn’t do justice of how good they are 🤣

[@susanmazzanti5643]

Gospel was here long before this started and has always given people a way to express themselves. Elvis Presley spent time in the black church and learned well from it. I have studied this form of music for many years and watched it change and grow. Thank you for furthering my education on this form of music.

[@susanmazzanti5643]

His original jubilee was to steal from them and to stop young white people like I was then from supporting those artists. I did not like his music until he went to ballads. I had heard better.

[@Echoxxx]

I absolutely love this show. Thank you for teaching us!!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Kat! It means a lot to us

[@Metaljonus]

Gospel Chop Drummers are some of the best in the world! Mad men!

[@trublgrl]

The Church teaches us grace, so we learn to be gracious, the Lord shows us perfection, so we strive to become more perfect. This is the winning equation.

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Because Jesus Christ is being given love and respect and he graces the musicians with Soul and skills. Praise Jesus = Being graced by ones father...

[@QCRSK8]

Church musicianship is so good because as Donald alluded to...You have to be good If you're not you'll get drowned. They are serious about their craft, work on it everyday, live it, & breath it. Chicago especially. It must be something in the water in that city I've seen 12 & 13 year olds that will make grown men look silly.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Exactly what I saw too. It’s amazing

[@bigstacks1463]

Yep, that was my experience as a drummer in church from childhood.

[@waynecrowe9790]

Oh man, opening with Tye Tribbet! Excellent. Edit: it got better! This is an excellent short documentary. This is getting saved

[@railbuilderdhd]

Love it! Finally someone got the correct answer to what came first, blues or gospel. A. Both at the same time.

[@daniekbote3525]

I'm so glad you guys mentioned Gospel Chops here. It was my first-ever exposure to Western music as a child growing up in an Indian classical household in LA and I've adored it ever since. I would love a series that could document the role that gospel had in successful musicians' lives like Eric Moore, Tony Royster jr, Thomas Pridgen (I'm a tabla player so I'll always be partial to drummers) and many more!!!

[@JoroJojoro]

I respect gospel music and musicians like I've never respected any other group of musicians more. The pure energy makes you really want to join in. Even if you're not religious, it has this power to pull you in like close to no other genre has.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Hey JoroJojoro! Thanks for watching, we appreciate you

[@JoroJojoro]

@@SoundFieldPBS Thank YOU for the always on point content!

[@kidcartoony6624]

I’m 13 and play Electric guitar for my church right next to my friend who plays The drums and honestly everytime when on the stage we are always better than the last time

[@wingnutofcoolness]

I love hearing these drummers.

[@MrKerryDouglasYoutube]

Love this, thank you for sharing!

[@djkellyflavour5481]

The answer is simple the gift comes from the pains of bondage and slavery that's where the heartfelt passion comes from

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

Say that!!! Nobody can understand it like us, it's our tradition.

[@lonewolfmgtow7187]

This documentary has blessed me tremendously because I grew up a gospel musician myself this has truly giving me a new outlook on gospel music

[@warpigs330]

I'm so ready. All of your videos are fire, especially when you have a bit of a budget.

[@michaelmattson3515]

I had the blessing to be a part of a Sunday performance playing my guitar in a gospel group. It was a blast. What an experience.

[@jakeivey2011]

I love going to black churches to hear good music!

[@tones.melodies]

Beautiful! This is probably my favorite video so far. Keep grinding Sound Field, blessings from Chicago.

[@avebac1]

Tye tribbett "kingdom music" yass!

[@preciousajaero8352]

Seeing those artists during their shedding session was so amazing to me because the drumming responses reminded me of the west African talking drum

[@santinocastillo9348]

THE INFLUNCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS WHAT MAKES REAL GOSPEL MUSIC & ITS MUSICIANS 🎶 THE BEST. GIVE THE GLORY TO GOD, NOT HIS PEOPLE.

[@donaldham1218]

Thank you for what you are doing because this conversation is needed. There is not one mainstream artist that is the industry that didn't start in the church.

[@MinCraige]

You can make a case for Gospel Music springing from multiple places along the Mississippi River including Memphis, TN and St. Louis, MO along with other places including Detroit, MI and Chicago, IL. But Dr. Dorsey is truly the pioneer.

[@MinCraige]

Shock To your point I would have to include multiple places in the south on my list. But it cannot be denied that the history is rich and goes back quite far I the other cities I mentioned.

[@MinCraige]

Shock I will in no way dispute that the art form we know as Gospel had its beginnings in the south with the Georgia Songs, Gullah/Geechee call and response (Kumbahyah), “Dr. Watts,” and Negro Spirituals going back to the 1700’s so you are correct. Professor Dorsey’s contribution marks a major shift in the “evolution” (for lack of a better term) of what became known as Gospel music.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

Wherever I African Ancestors were forced to work, they brought their musical talent. Yes, that includes from Mother Africa.

[@rolandfelice6198]

Wow! This channel just keeps pumping out brilliant vids, time after time. I come away so moved by what I've just experienced. Magic.

[@matthiasrambally1899]

The music is amazing obviously and well praising God is the best thing ever especially with your talent from Jesus 😌🙌

[@junglejoes]

I don’t comment often on videos, but tjis was done super well! Thanks for sharing this with everyone!!

[@shawnshawnskye]

Ooo message is words, and sound is sound. Now THAT’S a word right there. “Congregation open your bibles and turn with me to....” 😂

[@rodneyskinnermusic]

I really enjoyed this video. I'm a Christian and a Musician and I believe that its important to gain a knowledge and understand about not just Gospel Music but other styles as well. I live in the suburbs and there is still a number of musicians both young and old are still playing as if they are from the 1800s, 1960s, 1970s, the same triad chords and bass notes, and these are musicians in conservative traditional religious black churches. If you have a desire to be the best musician that you can be, you can't be one dimensional, there is so much to explore and in exploring different styles and techniques it will do a world of wonders for you. The only limits that you have are the ones you put on yourselves. Even Sometimes the church, particularly religious dignified folk need to be quiet and stop besmerching musicians and singers who's musicality spans from traditional to contemporary. As it was said: Thomas A. Dorsey was a blues musician before he gave is life to Christ and created what is now "Gospel Music". And so for these ol skool folk to criticize by calling it "The Devils Music". Well, Define exactly what you think sounds like Gospel. I'm not talking about instruments like Piano, Organ, etc etc. I'm talking about stylistically. Regardless of how it is packaged instrumentally, its the lyrics that ties a bow on it that makes a song great. The most important thing is that people get the message.

[@akirahrenee7166]

Also the anointing that comes from using your gifts to worship God, I believe, elevates the skill of musicians who come from the church....you can shed all day but there's a spiritual aspect that is beyond the physical skill of man alone.

[@fabiopalma4429]

Gospel musicians grow in a sort of great fulfilling uplifting energy, mixing every musical aspects with that way of feeling. That motivation tends to be one of the best ways to genuinely learn anything. Just try, and make mistakes, and try again, and just be alright with all the process :) Thank God for Gospel

[@alejandroraimondi6785]

There's one of the drummers in the Shed that is wearing Argentina Football Asociation (AFA) pants at 12:39. Hi from Argentina! Great episode, keep it up! Good things and Viva Perón. Don't call it soccer.

[@MisterAppleEsq]

This was lovely to watch, LA is clearly so passionate. Also it's nice how accepting all the gospel musicians were of gospel growing and incorporating new genres.