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Popular Gospel Performers in the 1980s and 1990s 2


Cheryl "Salt" James of the rap duo Salt-N-Pepa Image Credit: David Burke

Cheryl "Salt" James of the rap duo Salt-N-Pepa Image Credit: David Burke

Four years later, Franklin's 1997 release God's Property included the crossover hit " Stomp ," recorded with female rapper Cheryl "Salt" James of the rap duo Salt-N-Pepa. The song, named "Song of the Year" at the 1997 Stellar Awards sponsored by the Black gospel music industry, is sold in sacred and secular markets. If one came upon this recording and didn't know the performers, it would be easy to assume that this is funk music-listen to the syncopated riffs by guitar, bass, synthesizer, brass, and woodwinds instruments. The style is evident throughout the song, but especially from 03:27 to 03:47 as the lead singer, Franklin, group of singers, bass, synthesized brass sounds, and drums all provide short riffs similar to what one hears in funk music. In "Stomp" and many other songs, Franklin displays his innovative approach to presenting concerts that include small and large vocal groups, group praise dancing, and instrumental emphasis.

 

The vocal duo Mary Mary , sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, are known for their creativity in combining jazz, soul, funk, and hip-hop with evangelical lyrics. Out of Inglewood, California, they formed in 1998, and by 2000 with their album Thankful, they scored one of the most popular gospel songs of the year, namely " Shackles (Praise You)

Mahalia Jackson

Gospel music is nothing but singing of good tidings-spreading the good news. It will last as long as any music because it is sung straight from the human heart.

Yolanda Adams

There is a sound that comes from gospel music that doesn't come from anything else. It is a sound of peace. It is a sound of, I'm going to make it through all of this.