Make a Joyful Noise! A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in America

Kemp, a music director and minister, recounts the history of gospel music as a Christian ministry in America. Kemp is a knowledgeable and lucid guide, but the book’s attempt at comprehensiveness leads to pacing issues, as the history and context of African-American spirituals get only 10 pages while prominent 20th-century figures such James Cleveland or Thomas Dorsey get three or four times that. The book feels undecided on its exact purpose or audience, as it alternates rapidly between scholarly and devotional tones, and fails to balance expository and analytical writing; in many places expository paragraphs are followed by direct quotes that add little extra insight or interest, and in other places readers are presented with long lists of names of gospel composers and artists with minimal additional detail, which is overwhelming for those new to the topic. In general, readers looking for a broad overview or deep analysis will be disappointed, but readers with a love for gospel music and some grounding in the topic will enjoy this as a detailed local history, particularly of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. (BookLife)