1969 — Gospel Makes Great Industry Strides

GOSPEL MUSIC, songs with lyrics derived from the Old and New Testaments, a music with its roots in church choirs, is one of the oldest forms of music. In terms of contemporary popular music, it is also one of the most influential. Many popular performers got their start in gospel. Two of the best known are preacher's daughter Aretha Franklin, and rock immortal Sam Cooke. In addition, gospel influence is found in the work of almost every contemporary popular performer. From Johnny Cash to Dionne Warwick to John Coltrane to the Beatles, religious influence in music and in content is found.