Gospel: America's Art and Soul

American Visions, Dec, 1998 by Abby Ellis

Nevertheless, Boyer has every faith that this music will return to its origins: "Although black gospel has become American popular music, I think it's getting close to the edge. I don't believe it can go much farther in the direction it's headed before it falls off. It's been co-opted by everybody, whether they know the church or not, because it's a new sound that permeates everything else. For that very reason, once it becomes all-pervasive, people will become interested in something else, which I believe will give true gospel a chance to reclaim its religious roots."

Boyer is equally confident that gospel music is finding its rightful place in the pages of American music studies. "American music, including black gospel, is finally becoming recognized as an important part of the curriculum of this country, so we're gradually coming around," he says. "It's wonderful to be on the ground floor of this academic breakthrough, particularly with my students, who are learning from those of us who have experienced what we teach. It's a great experience for me to be able to share with them what I've lived and researched."

Boyer, who sits on the University of Massachusetts faculty with such legendary men' of music as Yusef Lateef and Archie Shepp, recently published a comprehensive account of gospel history, How Sweet the Sound: The Golden Age of Gospel. In its pages he confirms his belief that the music, as it was originally created, expressed and intended, will prevail. "Like the blues, gospel will become part of the fabric of American music and will become synonymous with American music," he writes. "It will be heard in elevators, over telephones, in department stores, movies and commercials. But while it is being used for advertising and dancing, it will also be used for meditation and worship.

"As the Reverend C.L. Franklin said, `Gospel music mends the broken heart, raises the bowed-down head, and gives hope to the weary traveler. Indeed, each time gospel serves a function, it will surely create a `Happy Day.'"

Abby Ellis is a freelance writer in Denver. Her last article for American Visions, "The Boys Choir of Harlem," appeared in the December 1989 issue.