Gospel music is essentially a fusion of other musical genres such as blues, jazz, rock n roll, ragtime, and pop. The hymns of Gospel music typically utilize blues and jazz-like chord progressions (12 bar blues, for example), call and response, and syncopation. It's important to understand that Gospel music has its roots in African spirituals, which also incorporated call and response and a strong rhythm section. These elements of worship music were cherished by African American communities as they moved into more urban areas.
