Bluegrass Gospel - Ben Atkinson

Bluegrass music is a genre with a unique history and is one that has ironically manifested itself within a community that is quite different from where it began. It borrows from immigrants to this country, some from the United Kingdom and more interestingly, some from African-American jazz and blues. The mandolin, fiddle, and acoustic guitar give bluegrass a very folksy feel. The sub-genre I want to discuss is bluegrass gospel and how it transcends racial and cultural barriers through its Christian message. How bluegrass gospel originated speaks to the identity its listeners realize. It has the unique ability to bridge the gap between African-Americans and old time southern aristocrats. It has been used to bring people together to dance and for fellowship with each other and God.