Southern gospel

Southern gospel music is a genre of Christian music. Its name comes from its origins in the southeastern United States. Because it grew out of the musical traditions of white musicians from the American South, the name is used to differentiate it from the black gospel tradition.

Its lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music. Sometimes known as quartet music for its traditional "four men and a piano" set up, southern gospel has evolved over the years into a popular form of music across the United States and overseas, especially among baby boomers and those living in the Southern United States.