Question 1

True or false: The Gospel Music standard 'Oh Happy Day' was composed in the 1800s.

Accepted Answer

False. The famous gospel arrangement of 'Oh Happy Day' was created by Edwin Hawkins in 1969; the original hymn dates to the 18th century.

Question 2

True or false: Gospel Music was popularized by Thomas A. Dorsey in the 1930s.

Accepted Answer

True. Thomas A. Dorsey, a former blues pianist, is known as the father of gospel music after composing many songs and promoting the genre in the 1930s.

Question 3

True or false: Gospel Music heavily influenced the development of soul music in the 1950s and 1960s.

Accepted Answer

True. Soul music emerged from the blending of gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz; many soul artists began singing gospel in church.

Question 4

True or false: Gospel Music is traditionally sung without any musical instruments.

Accepted Answer

False. Gospel music often features piano, organ, drums, and other instruments; a cappella is one style but not the tradition.

Question 5

True or false: Mahalia Jackson performed Gospel Music at the 1963 March on Washington.

Accepted Answer

True. Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, sang "I Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned" just before Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

Question 6

True or false: Gospel Music was first composed by a white American in the 1800s.

Accepted Answer

False. Gospel music originated in African American churches in the early 20th century, not from white composers in the 1800s.

Question 7

True or false: Mahalia Jackson performed Gospel Music at the White House in 1961.

Accepted Answer

True. Mahalia Jackson performed at the White House for President John F. Kennedy in 1961, showcasing gospel music on a national stage.

Question 8

True or false: Thomas A. Dorsey, the founder of Gospel Music, was trained in classical music.

Accepted Answer

False. Thomas A. Dorsey was a blues pianist and composer, not classically trained; his style blended blues with gospel.

Gospel Music Trivia Questions