The Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation was established three years ago to celebrate and educate people everywhere about the rich heritage of the gospel music genre through word and song by Gospel Music Advocate Carl Davis. In 2008, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) led the passing of a resolution in both chambers declaring September as “Gospel Music Heritage Month”. In each year since its establishment, both local and global celebrations have been held to educate and entertain diverse audiences with the rich history and legacy of gospel.
The celebration, EVOLUTION OF GOSPEL, is a star-studded and foot-stomping event, celebrating the history of gospel music. Its format tells the story of gospel through narration and song, beginning with the Middle Passage, and it winds its path through gospel voices like Thomas Dorsey and Walter Hawkins. It spotlights the narrative with performances by our nation’s top traditional and contemporary gospel artists. Additionally, the Foundation honors individuals whose work and devotion to gospel music have resulted in world-wide exposure of the art form.
Gospel music roots run deep into the foundation of America. Its sound, soul and spirit have inspired some of the biggest names within secular music like Al Green, Alan Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Mariah Carey, Marvin Gaye, Randy Travis, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Whitney Houston, among many others. These artists have borrowed gospel from the pews of churches and transported it to the stages of many nations, breaking cultural, religious and geographical boundaries with a message that ignites faith, love and hope. We invite you to join the celebration!