From Library Journal
Goff (history, Appalachian State Univ.) spreads the word of white gospel music in this well-researched social history. Starting with the music's 19th-century evangelical roots, he charts the emergence of shape-note musical notation, which gained popularity through singing schools and songbooks. He then unearths gospel pioneers and religious entrepreneurs such as James David Vaughan, Virgil Stamps, and Jesse Baxter, who furthered the music through singing schools, monthly publications, songbook companies, radio stations, record labels, and such quartets as the Speer Family and the Lefevres. The author continues with the post-World War II commercialization of Southern gospel with television, gospel songwriters such as Lee Roy Abernathy, concerts, and professional groups such as the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, and the Statesmen. Lastly, he charts the rise in the 1970s of the more secularized, popularized contemporary gospel of the Imperials and the subsequent reemergence of the conservative evangelical quartets. Basing his history on more than 60 interviews and dozens of other sources, Goff delivers a well-written account that engages despite its somewhat specialized focus. Recommended for gospel fans, social historians, and music libraries in the South. Dave Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, SeattleCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Singing News
"[Goff] has given us the first balanced and comprehensive history of Southern Gospel Music. . . . This book is truly remarkable."
Library Journal
"Goff spreads the word of white gospel music in this well-researched social history. . . . [He] delivers a well-written account that engages."
Book Description
Comprehensive and richly illustrated, Close Harmony traces the development of the music known as southern gospel from its antebellum origins to its twentieth-century emergence as a vibrant musical industry driven by the world of radio, television, recordings, and concert promotions. Marked by smooth, tight harmonies and a lyrical focus on the message of Christian salvation, southern gospel--particularly the white gospel quartet tradition--had its roots in nineteenth-century shape-note singing. The spread of white gospel music is intricately connected to the people who based their livelihoods on it, and Close Harmony is filled with the stories of artists and groups such as Frank Stamps, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Blackwood Brothers, the Rangers, the Swanee River Boys, the Statesmen, and the Oak Ridge Boys. The book also explores changing relations between black and white artists and shows how, following the civil rights movement, white gospel was influenced by black gospel, bluegrass, rock, metal, and, later, rap. With Christian music sales topping the $600 million mark at the close of the twentieth century, Close Harmony explores the history of an important and influential segment of the thriving gospel industry.
About the Author
James R. Goff Jr. is professor of history at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He also serves as the chief historical consultant for the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and is a regular columnist for Singing News magazine.
Close Harmony: A History of Southern Gospel FROM THE PUBLISHER
Close Harmony traces the development of the music known as southern gospel from its origins in nineteenth-century shape-note singing to its emergence as a vibrant musical industry driven by the world of radio, television, recordings, and concert promotions.
FROM THE CRITICS
Singing News
[Goff] has given us the first balanced and comprehensive history of Southern Gospel Music. . . . This book is truly remarkable for a number of reasons. Foremost, Goff manages to strike a perfect balance among his roles as historian, teacher, and Southern Gospel Music fan. . . . Most importantly, Goff is a Southern Gospel fan, and his passion for and love of music and the people who create it permeates every page of Close Harmony.
Dolly Parton
I am so happy that someone has written a book on the history of southern gospel music. I am especially glad that it was James R. Goff Jr. This is a wonderful book, and it really covers everything.
Bill Gaither
It's good to finally have a good resource book of the music and people that we all dearly love.
Library Journal
Goff (history, Appalachian State Univ.) spreads the word of white gospel music in this well-researched social history. Starting with the music's 19th-century evangelical roots, he charts the emergence of shape-note musical notation, which gained popularity through singing schools and songbooks. He then unearths gospel pioneers and religious entrepreneurs such as James David Vaughan, Virgil Stamps, and Jesse Baxter, who furthered the music through singing schools, monthly publications, songbook companies, radio stations, record labels, and such quartets as the Speer Family and the Lefevres. The author continues with the post-World War II commercialization of Southern gospel with television, gospel songwriters such as Lee Roy Abernathy, concerts, and professional groups such as the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, and the Statesmen. Lastly, he charts the rise in the 1970s of the more secularized, popularized contemporary gospel of the Imperials and the subsequent reemergence of the conservative evangelical quartets. Basing his history on more than 60 interviews and dozens of other sources, Goff delivers a well-written account that engages despite its somewhat specialized focus. Recommended for gospel fans, social historians, and music libraries in the South. Dave Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Art & Photography
Book Info
