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Progressive Southern Gospel
Stylistic origins:	Sacred Harp music, shape note singing, hymns, Southern Gospel
Cultural origins:	Late 20th century white evangelical Americans
Typical instruments:	guitars, drums, keyboards, percussion
Mainstream popularity:	Original Southern gospel music was popularized by such secular artists as Elvis Presley and Tennessee Ernie Ford and has been incorporated into evangelistic meetings by notable ministers Billy Graham and Jimmy Swaggart
Subgenres
Bluegrass gospel, Southern Gospel
Regional scenes
southeastern and midwestern United States
Other topics
Gospel Music Association - Christian music - Southern Gospel Music Association - The Singing News Magazine

Contents 1 Origins 2 Impact of The Gaither Homecoming Series 3 Sample Artists 4 Related links

Progressive Southern Gospel is an American music genre that has grown out of Southern Gospel over the past couple of decades. The style can trace its roots to groups like the Nelons in the 1980s, who appeared regularly on events with traditional Southern Gospel groups despite their sound which was called "middle of the road" at the time.

Current Progressive Southern Gospel is characterized by its blend of traditional Southern Gospel instrumentation with elements of modern Country and pop music. Hints of other styles are frequently employed in the mix as well. In some Progressive Southern Gospel, you can hear a touch of Cajun, Celtic, Bluegrass, or even Southern Rock.

Where traditional Southern Gospel more often emphasizes blend and polish, Progressive Southern Gospel tends to be presented with a more emotional tone. Vocalists are known for experimenting, stretching, scooping, slurring, and over accentuating melodies and diction.

Lyrically, Progressive Southern Gospel songs are patterned after traditional Southern Gospel in that they maintain a clear evangelistic and/or testimonial slant. In many cases, lyrical content and/or Country diction are the only elements separating a Progressive Southern Gospel artist from a pop oriented, Contemporary Christian music artist.

In the early 1990's, songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither developed an enterprise known as The Gaither Homecoming Series. This did much to introduce Progressive Southern Gospel to the masses. Through video and television distribution many Progressive Southern Gospel artists such as The Martins, The Hoppers and The Isaacs became household names.

The series has also taken these groups to such places as Ireland; Sydney, Australia; London, England; and South Africa; not to mention almost every major US city for live concerts.

Several groups have made Progressive Southern Gospel their genre of choice. One of the most popular and outstanding of these are the Crabb Family. With origins that go back to the country gospel genre this group has now become one of the leaders in Progressive Southern Gospel and has even crossed over to contemporary christian as well.

Another group that has made a huge impact on the Progressive Southern Gospel genre would be The Isaacs. This group is deeply rooted in Bluegrass gospel but over the last decade has erupted onto the Progressive scene with such hits as "Friend To The End", "Stand Still", "Carry Me" and the a capella spiritual "I Have A Father Who Can".

Other artists in the Progressive Southern Gospel genre include The Talley Trio, The Jody Brown Indian Family, The Hoppers and The Martins.

• The Jody Brown Indian Family
• The Ruppes
• The Talley Trio
• The Gaither Vocal Band
• The Martins
• The Isaacs
• The Crabb Family
• Hope's Call
• CrossWay
• Three Bridges