The Birth of Gospel (2026)

This episode of Chicago Stories traces the birth of gospel music in Chicago in the 1930s.

• Documentary
• History

This episode of Chicago Stories traces the birth and growth of gospel music in Chicago in the 1930s. The story follows "The Father of Gospel", Thomas A. Dorsey, who wrote one of gospel’s early hits while coping with his grief over the death of his wife and child. It explores the roots of gospel from southern spirituals during slavery, through gospel’s early years.

Release date

May 6, 2026

Runtime

57m

Language

English

Director

Stacy Robinson

Status

Released