BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – The rise of Gospel Music has a long and complex history. The beginnings of which go all the way back to the founding of the United States.

“I feel that the roots start with our ancestors coming from Africa. Bringing their traditions with them when they were able to do, and they knew how to do in worshipping God,” Quincy Madison said, a retired music teacher in Beckley.

Even with no instruments, enslaved Africans found ways to keep their culture through music.

They incorporated clapping, stomping, and dancing as freedoms of expression.

As African Americans converted to Christianity, they converged this style into the earliest forms of church Gospel music.

Following the end of slavery and Reconstruction, the church and Gospel music served as beacons of hope and refuge for many freed African Americans.

Beckley resident Stephanie Smith said the words used in Gospel music were powerful tools.

“It was wonderful. It made you happy in your heart. It made you move, and it even made you cry sometimes,” Smith said

As Gospel music grew, it gained popularity around the country during the early 1900’s.

As it brought both the younger and older generations together, Gospel music stood as a uniting symbol during the civil rights movement.

Famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson accompanied Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington, bringing people together to fight racial segregation.

Beckley resident Thomas Parham said the ability of Gospel music to evolve and grow is important.

“We were discussing the ability to accept the new music. And so we have to, to try and reach the younger generation,” Parham said.

Even today, Gospel music continues to evolve and influence younger generations.

Beckley resident Sheilah Brown remains optimistic about the future.

She said the music will forever serve as a legacy of the history and traditions passed down to others.

“I think the very tenets of the Gospel music will forever remain. It is evolving, but I feel that it will never leave the Black tradition in the Church,” Brown said.