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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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The Gospel Truth

The Gospel Truth: Episode 1

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Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Gospel Truth, Episode 1

Financial educator Alvin Hall examines gospel music and commercialisation.

Gospel is world famous. But can gospel be gospel if it makes money as well as praises the Lord? Financial educator Alvin Hall examines gospel music and Mammon. Hallelujah!

Gospel's uplifting and rejoicing sound is world famous, a multi million-dollar music genre that in many ways has ended up the beating heart of American popular music. But can gospel be gospel if it entertains and makes money as well as praises the Lord? Financial educator Alvin Hall explores how this American religious music genre has been affected by commercialisation.

In this first episode Alvin examines gospel's journey from the church to the charts through the music of Thomas Dorsey, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. Now considered some of gospel's greatest artists, these early singers all met with strong criticism from the church as they took their songs from the sacred world into the secular. Alvin also reveals how other gospel performers in the first half of the 20th century struggled fulfilling their religious obligations whilst battling with the temptations of life on the road.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Factual: Money

Alvin Hall explores how gospel has been affected by commercialisation.

Financial educator Alvin Hall explores how this American religious music genre has been affected by commercialisation.

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