An important part of African American history resided in the black church. In our community, church was where we learned not only about the possibility of a better life, but about what it meant to be African American. Gospel singing was one of the ways these lessons were taught. They were the good news story. Gospel music has deep roots in the southern black church. It was a precursor to jazz which is the quintessential black music form. The soulful singing of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and a long line of famous soul singers got their start singing in the church in gospel choirs. This piece honors the impact of that tradition.
