| Gospel blues | |
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| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Late 19th century,African Americans |
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| Gospel music |
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Roots and beginnings |
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Gospel blues (orholy blues)[1] is a form of blues-basedgospel music that has been around since the inception ofblues music. It combinesevangelistic lyrics withblues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment.[1]
According to musician and historianStefan Grossman, "holy blues" was coined to originally describeReverend Gary Davis's style of traditional blues playing with lyrics conveying a religious message.[2] Davis andBlind Willie Johnson are considered the genre's two dominant performers, according toDick Weissman.[1] Other notable gospel-blues performers includeSister Rosetta Tharpe andWashington Phillips.[3]
Blues musicians who became devout, or even practicing clergy, includeReverend Robert Wilkins andIshman Bracey.[4] Bluesmen such as Blind Willie Johnson,Blind Lemon Jefferson,Charley Patton,Son House,Bukka White,[5] andSkip James also recorded gospel blues or religious songs.[6] Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton released gospel songs under a pseudonym.[7]
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