As history continues to progress from century to century, one of the most creative and vocalized pieces expressed through culture and community, in my opinion is gospel music. Throughout African-American societies, these pieces of work seem to be many of the different musical and social phenomenon of the twenty- first century. I love to listen to different types of music that make way for families to continue reuniting, perhaps a sense of unity or music that expresses love and gratitude with thoughts of making a difference. However, the best music I have ever heard would be that of an inspirational and encouraging level also known as gospel music. For quite sometimes now, listening to mainly African-American gospel has been one of the major key influences of contemporary popular music that has shaped my life and made me the person I am today.
             According to B.J. Reagon (2010), "African American music in structure and sometimes in content that drives mainstream popular music worldwide" (Reagon, p. 3). For instance, the way the artist's voice is used, the way the instruments are held and played, or even the way the instruments sound when played. In my opinion, these mainstream indeed show dialogue which can be traced to Black folk religious traditions within African-American societies in the past and present day. Now because this particular race of gospel music is a powerful musical and spiritual expression that may be defined by the musical style and performance practices.
             Now there are a variety of artists that represent my listening preferences and those artist are Kirk Franklin, Dottie Peebles, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Tye Tribett, Tamela Mann, Donnie Hathaway, Shirley Ceasar, and others. This group of individuals represent my listening preferences because they all provide me with a sense of encouragement, integrity, inspiration, and motivation to not only walk by faith, but have enough faith that my worse...