Preachers and Bluesmen:1928-1931

Abstract If Dorsey had been the only source for gospel song, there might never have been a gospel blues movement—especially in old-line churches. He could never have mustered the extensive resources to bring about the radical change of tastes required for widespread acceptance of gospel blues. As it was, however, the practice of promoting the gospel through a musical medium was somewhat widespread before Dorsey adopted it. Other than his use of blues, Dorsey makes no claim to the term “gospel music”: The Phrase “Gospel music” was used extensively by the end of the nineteenth century.