From spirituals to contemporary gospel: The history, influence of African American religious music

June marks Black Music Month, a celebration that acknowledges the contributions of Black musicians, dating back to the spirituals sung by enslaved Africans. As part of American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series, Host Stephen Henderson talks with Rev. Larry Simmons of Baber Memorial AME Church and Dr. Brandon Waddles, the assistant professor of choral conducting and music education at Wayne State University. They discuss the enduring influence of spirituals and gospel music on American culture, how white entertainers have been influenced by Black music, and the power of storytelling in music. Subscribe to the Detroit PBS channel for more clips: https://www.youtube.com/@detroitpbs Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS Video App: https://www.detroitpbs.org/download-mobile-app/ FOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detroitpbs/ X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/detroit_pbs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitpbs/