Review
'British Black Gospel' by Steve Smith is quite simply a must read for anyone who has the slightest interest in the development of this musical genre in Britain. How fascinating to learn that so many of our current leaders, preachers, Gospel and R&B artists are also pioneers of British Black Gospel. It is amazing that this is a first book on the subject and I hope that there is more to come from Steve and others, further exploring this musical legacy. --Bishop Dr Joe Aldred, Churches Together in England
Product Description
Gospel music in Britain today is a rapidly emerging genre and its effect and influence on other areas of the record industry cannot be underestimated. The style of gospel is wide and apart form the traditional hymn based choir arrangements there is a whole range of subgenres incorporating Soul, Jazz, Funk, Reggae, R n B, Calypso, classical music, hip hop and praise and worship which form part of this colourful and inspirational market. Steve Smith traces the roots of modern black gospel from 19th Century Black pioneers such as Thomas Rutling and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, who performed for Queen Victoria, to the contemporary sound of the London Community Gospel Choir. He tells his story with a wealth of anecdotes and photos. The book is accompanied by an audio CD of the spectrum of British black gospel.
About the Author
Steve Smith, a Science graduate from the University of Westminister, is a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist based in London. Smith was born in West Yorkshire, Huddersfield, England in 1963 and was reared in a devout Christian home. With over 35 years of experience playing and teaching drums, he honed his skills within the flourishing and dynamic musical environments of various Pentecostal churches.
