Mountain Gospel
tagStarted 19th centuryPeak 1927–1955Last big hit still activeFrom Appalachia, United States
Located in 3 routes
Mountain gospel brings hymn and revival repertory into Appalachian string-band and high-lonesome practice: close harmonies, unvarnished lead vocals, acoustic guitar or banjo, and a devotional seriousness that can feel both communal and deeply solitary.
History
The style grew from church singing, shape-note influence, family groups, and the way sacred repertory moved easily between home, meeting house, and early radio.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Library of Congress
- Smithsonian Folkways
- NPS
- Britannica. citeturn16search0turn8search6turn7search1