Music

The Evolution of Praise & Worship in the Black Church

This was not merely a change in musical style, but a fundamental shift in theology, structure, and the very architecture of the Sunday morning experience.

Published

3 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

A Gospel Newsroom Exclusive powered by iPraiseRadio

Introduction

The sound of the Black Church has never been static. From the moan of the spirituals to the rhythmic drive of quartets and the majestic swell of mass choirs, Black sacred music has always evolved to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of its people. However, the most significant shift in the last 40 years has been the transition from “Traditional Gospel” to “Praise & Worship.” This was not merely a change in musical style, but a fundamental shift in theology, structure, and the very architecture of the Sunday morning experience.

1. The Origins: From Gospel to “Praise & Worship”

While the roots of Black Church music lie in the spirituals and the “Gospel Blues” pioneered by Thomas A. Dorsey in the 1930s, “Praise & Worship” as a distinct genre is a more recent phenomenon.

The Shift (Late 1980s – 1990s)

Historically, the Black Church service began with “Devotion”—a period led by deacons or mothers of the church singing lined-out hymns and “Dr. Watts” songs without musical accompaniment. The choir would then render selections that were often performance-based, ministering to the congregation.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a new wind blew in, largely influenced by the Charismatic movement and the integration of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) styles. The focus shifted from singing about God (testimony) to singing directly to God (worship).

The Originators & Pioneers

Judith Christie McAllister: Often called the “First Lady of Praise and Worship,” McAllister is widely credited with formalizing the P&W structure in the Black Church. As the Minister of Music at West Angeles COGIC, her recordings (like Send Judah First) taught choirs how to transition from “songs” to “flow.”
Fred Hammond: A pivotal figure who bridged the gap between gospel and CCM. His work with Radical for Christ in the 90s (e.g., “Spirit of David”) introduced a band-driven, bass-heavy sound that felt like R&B but focused entirely on worshiping God.
Israel Houghton: Though multicultural in approach, Houghton played a massive role in introducing the “CCM sound” (acoustic guitars, pop structures) to Black congregations, blending it with gospel soul.
West Angeles COGIC: Their 1989 album Saints in Praise is often cited as one of the first major recordings to package the “Praise and Worship” format for the Black Church market.

2. Structural Changes: Choirs, Teams, and Leaders

The rise of P&W brought dramatic structural changes to the church service.

The Decline of the Mass Choir & Rise of the Praise Team

For decades, the Mass Choir was the engine of the Black Church. It represented community, collective power, and tradition. The P&W movement, however, favored the Praise Team—a small ensemble of 3–9 singers, each on a microphone.

Why the change? Praise Teams allowed for tighter harmonies, more complex arrangements, and a “studio-quality” sound that mimicked the records people heard on the radio.
The Impact: This often sidelined the average church member who could “carry a tune” but wasn’t a virtuoso. The “whosoever will” choir loft became a place for the “gifted and talented.”

From “Choir Director” to “Worship Leader”

The role of the musical leader changed fundamentally.

The Choir Director: A technician who directed the choir, taught parts, and controlled the dynamics. Their back was often to the congregation.
The Worship Leader: A facilitator whose primary job is to engage the congregation. They face the people, exhorting them to “lift their hands” or “enter the presence.” They are expected to be spiritually sensitive, capable of “flowing” with the pastor and the atmosphere, often improvising or “prophesying” in song.

3. Leadership Perspectives: Embrace or Shun?

The reception of this evolution has been mixed among Christian leaders.

The Embrace

Many pastors, particularly in non-denominational and “mega” church contexts, embraced P&W as a necessary evolution to reach younger generations. They saw Traditional Gospel as “performance” where the congregation watched, whereas P&W was viewed as “participatory,” inviting everyone into a personal encounter with God.

The Criticism

However, there is a strong contingent of leaders and theologians who critique the movement:

“7-11 Songs”: A common critique is that P&W songs are “7 words sung 11 times.” Critics argue that the lyrics often lack the deep theology of hymns or the narrative power of traditional gospel.
The “Concert” Atmosphere: Some leaders feel that the heavy reliance on lights, haze, and high-volume sound systems has turned worship into a spectator sport, where the congregation watches the Praise Team perform rather than joining in.
Loss of Identity: There is a fear that by adopting CCM songs (from Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation) and style, the Black Church is losing its unique sonic identity—the “moan,” the shuffle, and the blues-based roots.

4. Today’s Landscape: Leading Worship Leaders

Today, the lines between “Gospel” and “CCM” are blurrier than ever. The leading voices are those who can navigate both worlds.

Maverick City Music: The most dominant force in recent years. They have successfully dismantled the wall between Black Gospel and White CCM, creating a hybrid sound that is sung in churches of all races.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard: A powerhouse who blends the Pentecostal “anointing” with stadium-rock worship anthems.
Todd Dulaney: A former pro baseball player who has championed the “vertical worship” movement in the Black Church, often covering CCM songs with a gospel feel.
CeCe Winans: A legend who has seamlessly transitioned into a matriarch of the modern worship movement (e.g., “Believe for It”).
William Murphy & Tye Tribbett: Leaders who maintain the high-energy, “churchy” feel while pushing musical boundaries.

5. The Future of Praise & Worship

Where is it going next?

Genre Blending: We are seeing a massive influx of Afro-Gospel (Afrobeats mixed with Gospel) and Christian Hip-Hop becoming standard in Sunday morning worship, driven by the youth.
Hybrid Worship: Technology is now a permanent fixture. Worship leaders are curating experiences that must translate both “in the room” and “online” for the digital congregation.
The “Remnant” Return: Interestingly, there is a growing counter-movement among young adults craving “roots.” We are seeing a resurgence of hymns and traditional arrangements, but reimagined with modern jazz and neo-soul chords—a desire to look back in order to move forward.

The evolution of Praise & Worship in the Black Church is a story of adaptation. While the methods and sounds change, the core intent remains the same: to create a sound that carries the hopes, prayers, and praises of a people to the ears of God.

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Music

The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Are Heading to Charlotte!

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

CHARLOTTE, NC — Get ready, Queen City! The biggest night in Gospel music is officially making its way to North Carolina. City leaders and event organizers have announced that the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be hosted in Charlotte, bringing the nation’s premier celebration of faith, music, and culture to the heart of the South.

The exciting partnership was unveiled during a press conference at the Charlotte Convention Center, featuring Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell, Mayor Vi Lyles, City Council Member Malcolm Graham, and the visionary founder of the Stellar Awards, Don Jackson. To set the tone for what’s to come, the announcement event featured live performances by gospel powerhouse Jekalyn Carr and the legendary John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir.

A Historic Move to the Queen City

Scheduled for August 15, 2026, the Stellar Awards will transform Charlotte into the epicenter of Gospel music. The move highlights the city’s deep-rooted faith community and its rich ties to Black cultural expression.

“The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is one of the most influential celebrations in gospel music,” city leaders noted, emphasizing that hosting the event places Charlotte on a national stage while providing a significant boost to the local visitor economy.

Produced by Central City Productions, the Stellar Awards have been honoring the genre’s brightest stars since 1985. The 2026 ceremony will be nationally televised on networks including BET, Bounce TV, and the Stellar Network, reaching a combined audience of more than 3.6 million viewers, with millions more engaging across digital platforms.

The Visionary Behind the Stellars: Don Jackson

At the helm of this monumental event is Don Jackson, Founder, Chairman, CEO, and Executive Producer of the Stellar Awards. For over four decades, Jackson has been a trailblazer in Black television programming and a fierce advocate for Gospel music. Through Central City Productions, he created the Stellar Awards to ensure that Gospel artists received the mainstream recognition and high-quality production platforms they deserve. His dedication has helped elevate the genre globally, making the Stellars a highly anticipated annual tradition.

Calling All Artists: Submissions Are Open!

For artists, producers, and creatives looking to be part of Gospel music history, the time is now! The official submission period for the 2026 Stellar Awards is currently open.

Submission Details:

Submission Window: March 2, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Eligibility Period: Projects released between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
How to Submit: Visit the official website at www.stellarawards.com to review the updated rules and regulations and complete the online submission form.
Requirement: All entrants (artists, songwriters, producers, directors, etc.) must be current members of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA).

This year’s updated rules also feature exciting additions, including the reinstatement of the Special Event Album of the Year category and the addition of the HBCU Choir of the Year category.

Mark Your Calendars

As August approaches, fans can expect a week filled with Stellar Plus events, masterclasses, red-carpet glamour, and unforgettable performances leading up to the main taping.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com for all the latest updates, host announcements, and exclusive coverage as the road to the 2026 Stellar Awards in Charlotte begins!

Music

GMA Ushers in March 2026 as the Second Annual Christian Music Month

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

NASHVILLE, TN — The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is officially declaring March 2026 as the second annual Christian Music Month, setting the stage for a 31-day celebration of faith, artistry, and the transformative power of Gospel and Christian music.

Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the GMA aims to significantly boost fan engagement and shine a global spotlight on the genre’s diverse and deeply impactful talent. To elevate this year’s festivities, the GMA has announced an exciting partnership with the Recording Academy to present a special edition of the acclaimed “Positive Vibes Only” performance series.

This exclusive collaboration will feature intimate performances and uplifting moments from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices. Among the heavy hitters slated to appear are chart-topping Christian hip-hop artist KB and multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning worship leader Israel Houghton. Fans can expect an eclectic mix of soul-stirring worship and high-energy anthems that perfectly encapsulate the heart and evolution of Christian music today.

The core mission of Christian Music Month is to connect audiences with the life-changing message of the Gospel through song. By teaming up with the Recording Academy, the GMA is ensuring that the uplifting sounds of artists like KB and Houghton reach an even broader, mainstream audience—spreading hope, joy, and positivity when the world needs it most.

Throughout March, fans are encouraged to actively participate by streaming their favorite artists, discovering new music, attending live events, and sharing how Christian music has impacted their daily lives.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com all month long as we celebrate Christian Music Month with curated playlists, the latest industry updates, and the very best in Gospel music. Let’s make this March a month of unashamed praise and positive vibes only!

Music

Gospel Music Shines at 57th NAACP Image Awards:

Published

1 week ago

March 1, 2026

DEWAYNEBENTONLLC

Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard Take Top Honors

Gospel Newsroom Staff | Powered by iPraiseRadio.com
February 28, 2026

Gospel music legends Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard emerged as the big winners in the gospel categories at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, held Saturday night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. The prestigious ceremony, hosted by comedian Deon Cole and broadcast live on BET and CBS, celebrated outstanding achievements by Black artists and professionals across entertainment.

Gospel Music Takes Center Stage

In a triumphant moment for gospel music, Kirk Franklin claimed the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song award for his powerful single “Do it Again” (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records). The victory underscores Franklin’s continued dominance in the genre and his ability to create music that resonates across generations.

Meanwhile, Tasha Cobbs Leonard made history by winning her first-ever NAACP Image Award, taking home the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album trophy for her critically acclaimed self-titled project “Tasha” (Motown Gospel). Billboard’s Gospel Artist of the Decade received the honor during night two of the virtual pre-show ceremonies.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this honor,” Cobbs Leonard said. “This album represents a season of transformation, faith, and hope. To be recognized by the NAACP Image Awards – alongside so many inspiring artists – fills me with deep gratitude and motivation to continue creating music that uplifts and connects people to God’s love”.

A Star-Studded Gospel Competition

The gospel categories featured an impressive lineup of nominees, showcasing the depth and diversity of contemporary gospel music:

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album nominees included:

Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
Only on the Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel) – WINNER
The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise (James Town Music)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song nominees included:

“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat. John Legend (Motown Gospel)
“Constant – Live” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)
“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records) – WINNER
“Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
“Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters (gamma.)

Cobbs Leonard’s Banner Year

This NAACP Image Award caps off an extraordinary season for Tasha Cobbs Leonard, which included two 2026 Grammy nominations, multiple #1 chart placements, and a historic late-night television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside EGOT-winner John Legend. With over 5 billion career streams and now her first NAACP Image Award, Cobbs Leonard continues to break boundaries and cement her status as one of the most powerful, versatile, and essential voices in music.

A Night of Excellence

The 57th NAACP Image Awards recognized exceptional talent across all categories, with special honors going to Chairman’s Award recipient Viola Davis and President’s Award recipient Colman Domingo. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, with NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson honoring the civil rights activist.

Additionally, Salt-n-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, while A$AP Rocky was honored with the Vanguard Award for Fashion at Friday’s Reception & Fashion Show.

Complete 2026 NAACP Image Awards Winners List

MAJOR AWARDS

Entertainer of the Year
Michael B. Jordan

Outstanding Motion Picture
Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Outstanding Drama Series
Reasonable Doubt

Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary

MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding Album
“Am I The Drama?” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Female Artist
Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Male Artist
Kendrick Lamar (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)

Outstanding New Artist
Lee Vasi – “Love Me to Life” (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)

Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song
“Errtime” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Outstanding Jazz Album
“We Insist! 2025” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)

Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

Outstanding International Song
“Is It” – Tyla (Epic Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
“Tasha” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel) WINNER

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records) WINNER

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground Remix” (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends (Remix)” (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)

Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
“Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score)” (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)

PODCAST AWARDS

Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
“The Don Lemon Show” (Lemon Media Network)

Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help
“IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” (Higher Ground)

Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form
“Interesting Things with JC” (Jim Connors LLC)

For more gospel music news and inspiration, stay tuned to Gospel Newsroom, powered by iPraiseRadio.com – Your source for the latest in gospel music, ministry, and faith-based entertainment.

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Editor’s Note: Submissions for the 57th NAACP Image Awards were received online from September 16 to November 7, 2025, with public online voting running from January 12 to February 7, 2026. The ceremony took place on February 28, 2026, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with portions livestreamed beginning February 26, 2026.