Progressive Southern gospel music is
music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding
Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. Progressive Southern gospel is a form of
Christian music and a subgenre of
gospel music and
Southern gospel.
Like other forms of
music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of progressive Southern gospel varies according to culture and social context. It is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. However, a common theme, as with most Christian music, is praise, worship or thanks to
God and/or
Christ.
Origins
Progressive Southern gospel is an
American music genre that has grown out of
Southern gospel over the past couple of decades. The style can trace its roots to groups like the Nelons in the 1980s, who appeared regularly on events with traditional Southern gospel groups despite their sound which was called "middle of the road" at the time.
Current progressive Southern gospel is characterized by its blend of traditional
Southern gospel instrumentation with elements of modern
Country and
pop music. Hints of other styles are frequently employed in the mix as well. In some progressive Southern gospel, you can hear a touch of
Cajun,
Celtic,
Bluegrass, or even
Southern rock.
Where...
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