Stylistic origins Spirituals
blues
hymns | ||
Cultural origins Late 19th century, African Americans Typical instruments Early:
Vocals
guitar
drums
Contemporary:
Vocals
guitar
drums
piano
organ
electric guitar | ||
Gospel blues or holy blues is a form of blues-based gospel music that has been around since the inception of blues music, a combination of blues guitar and evangelistic lyrics. Notable gospel blues performers include Blind Willie Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Reverend Gary Davis and Washington Phillips. Blues musicians such as Boyd Rivers, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, Sam Collins, Josh White, Blind Boy Fuller, Blind Willie Mctell, Bukka White, Sleepy John Estes and Skip James have recorded a fair number of Gospel and religious songs, these were often commercially released under a pseudonym.
Additionally, by the late 1950s and 1960s when some musicians had become devout, or even practicing clergy, this was the case for musicians such as the Reverend Robert Wilkins and Ishman Bracey