Host, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. interviews Donald Lawrence in a recording studio for GOSPEL | Image via McGee MediaGet ready for a soul-stirring journey into the rich history of Black spirituality as PBS and WETA announce “GOSPEL,” a four-hour docuseries premiering in February 2024. Led by executive producer, host, and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., this captivating exploration promises a deep dive into the soulful world of gospel music.
African Americans have been pivotal in sonic innovation from blues to hip-hop for over a century. “GOSPEL” celebrates the enduring strength, courage, and wisdom found in gospel music, a constant source of inspiration from the pulpit to the choir lofts on Sundays.
Accompanying the series is a special one-hour concert recorded in Los Angeles featuring gospel and secular artists. Hosted by Gates, this concert aims to showcase the profound impact of gospel music on culture and pop.
The series, premiering on February 12th and 13th, features interviews with figures like Donald Lawrence, Jekalyn Carr, Dionne Warwick, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, and Rev. Otis Moss III. Musical performances by talents such as The Belle Singers, Cory Henry, and Celisse add to the soul-stirring experience.
“GOSPEL” explores the history of Black religious music and preaching and delves into the symbiotic relationship between words and songs within Black churches. Gates, known for his acclaimed documentaries, continues his legacy in bringing the African and African American experience to a broad audience.
The series will be accompanied by an outreach program, offering communities opportunities for dialogue about the impact of Black culture. Educational resources will be available through PBS LearningMedia.
Join the conversation on social media with @HenryLouisGates and mark your calendars for this musical and cultural extravaganza. “GOSPEL” is a production of McGee Media, Inkwell Media, and WETA Washington, D.C., with support from Bank of America and major funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. Public television viewers like you were crucial in bringing this incredible series to life. Don’t miss out on this celebration of a treasured genre that has influenced African American culture for generations!
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