Illustrated in full color with black-and-white photographs. Gospel music has long been a major part of African American culture, and this gorgeous book captures its unique spirit in words, music, photographs, and dazzling artwork. In her introduction, Vy Higginsen traces gospel's roots:  from the hymns and spirituals sung by slaves in the 19th century to the musical flavor of jazz and blues, and above all, the energy and spontaneity of group singing in church. Her account is supplemented by an album of archival photographs that document gospel, from 1930s Chicago to the stars of today.  The body of the book features 30 songs that have become standards in the gospel repertoire, in authentic original arrangements for piano.  The songs are complemented by Brenda Joysmith's lavish original paintings that beautifully convey the essence and experience of gospel music.