1. Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson was born on 26 Oct 1911. She plays a vital role in developing and popularizing gospel blues. Mahalia becomes the first gospel singer to sell one million copies with “Move On Up A Little Higher”.
In fact, she is considered to be the 20th century’s most influential vocalist.
2. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Tasha Cobbs Leonard is a songwriter and gospel singer. She began her career with the album Smile. The album was listed on two Billboard charts. She won the Grammy award for Best Gospel Christian Music Performance. Indeed, Her single “Break Every Chain” is one of the most appraised songs.
3. Cece Winans
Cece Winans is one of the best gospel singers. She has won numerous awards for her stellar performance. Grammy awards, Stellar awards, GMA awards and many more. Apart from her solo career, Cece and her brother Bebe form a duo. The duo achieved great success in the music industry.
4. Gary Davis
Reverend Gary Davis was born on 30 April 1896, in Laurens, US. He was blind but it didn’t affect his skills. In fact, he was a gospel and blues singer. Davis was skilled in playing the guitar, banjo, harmonica. He was one of the most influential singers. Death Don’t Have No Mercy and Samson & Delilah were some of his best songs.
5. Shirley Caesar
Shirley Caeser is known as the “Queen of Gospel Music” and “First Lady Of Gospel Music”. She is a singer and songwriter as well. She started her career at 19, joining the group The Caravans. After eight years, she started her solo career and get successful. She has won several awards be it Stellar, Grammy or GMA.
6. Andrae Crouch
Andrae Edward Crouch was a songwriter, gospel singer. He wrote his first Gospel song at the age of 14. He is also known as the Father of modern gospel music. Indeed, The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, Soon and Very Soon songs made him popular. He has worked with renowned artists and groups.
7. Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin is one of the renowned gospel singers. He is also an author, songwriter and dancer. At the age of 11, Kirk becomes the music director of the Baptist Church choir. Kirk formed a choir of seventeen members “The Family.” The debut album Kirk Frankin and The Family was a superhit.
