Gospel blues (or holy blues) is a form of blues-based gospel music that has been around since the inception of blues music. It combines evangelistic lyrics with blues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment.
According to musician and historian Stefan Grossman, "holy blues" was coined to originally describe Reverend Gary Davis's style of traditional blues playing with lyrics conveying a religious message. Davis and Blind Willie Johnson are considered the genre's two dominant performers, according to Dick Weissman. Other notable gospel-blues performers include Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Washington Phillips.
Blues musicians who became devout, or even practicing clergy, include Reverend Robert Wilkins and Ishman Bracey.Wardlow, G., and Komara, E. M. (1998). Chasin' That Devil Music: Searching for the Blues. San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books. pp. 43, 45. . Bluesmen such as Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, Son House, Bukka White, Bukka White・・ genius.com Retrieved 28 November 2024 and Skip James also recorded gospel blues or religious songs.From Satan to Jesus Skip James Guitarplayer.com Retrieved 26 November 2024 Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton released gospel songs under a pseudonym. Charley Patton, Elijahwald.com, Retrieved 26 November 2024
See also List of gospel blues musicians Southern soul Soul blues Boyd Rivers
References
External links The Gospel Blues Society