Gospel singers of the world. Masterpieces of gospel music, recommended popular songs.
A roundup of classic gospel hits and recommended artists!
We’ve picked a wide range—from staple gospel music to slightly lesser-known tracks.
Gospel was born from a blend of Black music and classical music.
Its history is relatively young, said to be a genre that gradually took shape around the time the United States was founded.
This time, we’re highlighting the allure of gospel along with timeless songs and artists.
If you love Black music, be sure to check it out!
Gospel singers of the world. Classic gospel music and recommended popular songs (1–10)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve SeenLouis Armstrong
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” released by Marian Anderson in 1952.
The origins of this song are unclear, but records show it was already being sung by 1867.
It’s a very famous standard in gospel music.
Many artists have covered it, but a standout recommendation is Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” where his warm vocal style fits the song beautifully.
HallelujahPentatonix
I think many of you have heard this “Hallelujah” as well.
If you don’t know much about the song, you might assume it’s an old piece.
While it does have the feel of a hymn, it was actually composed by Leonard Cohen in 1984.
The melody is very noble and evokes a Noël-like image, so it feels like a song with a long history, doesn’t it? There are many covers, but I recommend the one by Pentatonix.
Oh Happy dayHARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR
I think many of you are familiar with “Oh Happy Day.” Since it was sung in the hit movie “Sister Act 2,” a lot of people may have learned about it through the film.
In fact, “Oh Happy Day” has a very long history.
It’s a hymn by Edwin Hawkins from the 18th century, and it has been loved by many people from then to now.
Because it was also used in the movie, it’s a piece of gospel music that has been embraced across religious boundaries.
Amazing GraceMahalia Jackson
I think many people in Japan are familiar with the gospel song “Amazing Grace.” In some schools, students even study it as an assigned piece.
The lyrics are said to have been written by the famous British clergyman John Newton.
The composer remains unknown, and it is unclear whether the melody originated as a folk tune from Ireland or Scotland, or whether it was created in the American South.
Touch the Hem of His GarmentSam Cooke
Sam Cooke’s classic “Touch the Hem of His Garment.” It’s one of my personal favorites.
When I listen to this song, even hardships and pain feel lighter.
There are songs with that kind of power, aren’t there? I think that’s especially true in gospel music.
At first listen, this track may sound like ordinary soul music, but it’s actually a song themed around Jesus Christ.
It was released in 1956, yet it continues to be loved by people all over the world to this day.
JoyGeorgia Mass Choir
A staple of gospel music, “Joy.” Among the many gospel songs out there, this one is arranged to especially highlight the vocals.
It’s been covered by famous artists like Whitney Houston.
With its slow tempo, it lends itself to a wide range of arrangements and is beloved by singers who like to use lots of vocal runs.
If you’re the type who can’t stop once you start riffing, this might be the perfect song for you (lol).
Be sure to check it out.
Move On Up A Little HigherMahalia Jackson
Composed in late 1946 by W.
Herbert Brewster, this song “Move On Up a Little Higher” was first performed by the John Sellers Brothers, but it’s best known through Mahalia Jackson’s cover.
For those familiar with the piece, the title “Move On Up a Little Higher” usually brings this version to mind.
While it might sound like straightforward soul music when sung solo, it is in fact a bona fide hymn—that is, gospel music.