Southern Gospel Treasury: Songs Of Hope And Faith

when i wake up to sleep no moresouthern gospel treasury

When I Wake Up to Sleep No More is a song by the Southern Gospel Treasury, a collection of music available on Amazon.com.

Characteristics Values
Song Title When I Wake Up [To Sleep No More]
Artist The Inspirations
Album Southern Gospel Treasury Series
Year Released 2004
Duration 2:07
Genre Southern Gospel
Songwriter Marion Easterling

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Gospel music as a genre

Gospel music is a diverse and wide-ranging genre that has evolved over time and spread across the globe. The term "gospel music" was first coined in the 19th century by Philip Bliss to describe a new genre of Christian church music. It was in the 1920s, with the advent of radio, that gospel music became associated with Black music and culture, particularly in Black churches across the American states. This association with Black culture and communities has persisted, and gospel music has played a significant role in Christian culture worldwide.

Gospel music has many sub-genres, including Christian country music (or country gospel), British black gospel or UK gospel, and Urban Contemporary gospel, which is the most common form of recorded gospel music today. Christian country music blends gospel with country flair and is sometimes known as "quartet music" due to its traditional "four men and a piano" setup. It has artists like Grandpa Jones, Webb Pierce, Porter Wagoner, and the Oak Ridge Boys. British black gospel refers to the music of the African diaspora produced in the United Kingdom, influenced by UK street culture and the African and Caribbean majority black churches in the country. Urban Contemporary gospel, on the other hand, combines the themes and heritage of traditional Black gospel with the rhythms and instrumentation of contemporary secular music, including electronic beats. Notable artists in this sub-genre include Kirk Franklin, Andrae Crouch, the Clark Sisters, Mary Mary, and Yolanda Adams.

The genre has also influenced and been influenced by other musical styles. For example, contemporary gospel incorporates electronic instruments like keyboards and guitars, making it easy to integrate with other genres like pop, rock, blues, and rap. This fusion with secular music has attracted younger audiences and led to the rise of Christian rap/hip-hop, with artists like Lecrae and Reach Records finding commercial success. Additionally, gospel music has its own awards and charts, such as the GEM (Gospel Entertainment Music) Awards, MOBO Awards, and the Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart, further solidifying its place as a distinct and diverse genre.

Gospel music, as a genre, continues to evolve and find new expressions, such as the fusion of Afrobeat and Gospel, exemplified by artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Pentatonix with their song "Mary, Did You Know." The genre remains vibrant and diverse, with various artists and sub-genres, continuing to attract new audiences and shape the musical landscape.

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History of Southern Gospel

Southern gospel music is a genre of Christian music that originated in the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its eclectic mix of musical styles, including traditional hymns, a capella, country, bluegrass, spirituals, and "convention songs". The term "gospel song" was first published in 1874, with the original gospel songs written and composed by authors such as George F. Root, Philip Bliss, Charles H. Gabriel, William Howard Doane, and Fanny Crosby. The music grew out of the musical traditions of white musicians from the American South and is differentiated from black gospel, which has its roots in the music of African Americans, both during and after slavery.

The date of southern gospel's establishment as a distinct genre is generally considered to be 1910, when the first professional quartet was formed to sell songbooks for the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company in Tennessee. However, the style of music existed prior to this, with some sources citing the 1870s as the decade in which it was "invented" by circuit preacher Everett Beverly. This is supported by the existence of shape-note singing schools in the 1800s, which used a system of distinctive shapes to identify musical notes, making it easier for singers to sight-read and improve their singing. The work of Charles Davis Tillman, who popularized "The Old Time Religion" and wrote "Life's Railway to Heaven", also points to the existence of the genre before 1910.

Southern gospel music was promoted by traveling singing school teachers, quartets, and shape-note music publishing companies. The success of early southern gospel quartets inspired the formation of musical groups of other sizes, including duets, trios, and larger ensembles. The advent of radio in the 1920s and the growth of the recording industry played a significant role in expanding the audience for southern gospel music, with radio airplay charts and fan-based awards further promoting the genre.

Over time, southern gospel music evolved into a popular form of music across the United States and overseas, particularly among baby boomers and those living in the Southern United States. It is known for its close harmonies and strong religious lyrical content, with songs expressing either personal or communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life.

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Influence of religion on music

Religion has had a profound and enduring influence on music, with numerous musical genres and traditions emerging directly from religious practices and beliefs. One such example is the Southern Gospel Treasury, a collection of songs that celebrate and explore themes of faith, spirituality, and personal testimony. At the heart of this musical tradition is the song "When I Wake Up to Sleep No More," a beloved and enduring composition that has touched the hearts of many.

Composed by Marion Easterling, "When I Wake Up to Sleep No More" is a testament to the power of Gospel music to inspire and uplift. Easterling, who passed away in 1989, left behind a rich legacy of musical contributions, including this song, which has been recorded and performed countless times by various artists. The song's popularity and resonance among listeners have solidified its place as a staple in the Southern Gospel Treasury.

The song is often performed in a call-and-response style, a characteristic feature of Gospel music. This style of delivery encourages engagement and interaction, creating a sense of community and unity among those singing and listening. The lyrics of "When I Wake Up to Sleep No More" explore themes of faith, eternal life, and the joy that comes with the promise of salvation. The song's message resonates with individuals who find comfort and strength in their religious beliefs.

"When I Wake Up to Sleep No More" has been interpreted and recorded by numerous artists, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the song. One notable rendition is by The Inspirations, whose version is included in their album "Southern Gospel Treasury Series." Released in 2004, their soulful and harmonious performance of the song has touched the hearts of audiences, both within the religious community and beyond.

The influence of religion on music is evident in the enduring popularity and impact of songs like "When I Wake Up to Sleep No More." This song, and the broader Southern Gospel Treasury genre, serve as a testament to how deeply held beliefs and spiritual traditions can inspire and shape musical expression. Through their uplifting messages and communal nature, these songs continue to play a significant role in the lives of believers, offering comfort, hope, and a sense of connection to something greater than themselves.

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Lyrics and their interpretation

"When I Wake Up [To Sleep No More]" is a popular English song from the album "Southern Gospel Treasury Series" by The Inspirations. The song was released in 2004 and is one of the hundreds of songs written by prolific composer Marion Easterling, who passed away in 1989.

The song has been recorded multiple times by various bluegrass and southern gospel artists, including the Kingsmen Quartet, London Parris and the Apostles, and the Thrasher Brothers. The Gospel Plowboys, a popular sextet from North Carolina, also released their version of the song in 2019. The Plowboys are known for their distinctive stage attire, including denim bibs, white shirts, and red ties, and their uplifting bluegrass gospel music.

The lyrics of "When I Wake Up [To Sleep No More]" are not provided in the sources, but the title itself suggests a theme of awakening and leaving sleep behind. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual awakening or a newfound sense of purpose and enlightenment. The song's inclusion in the "Southern Gospel Treasury Series" and its performance by gospel artists indicate that it likely contains themes of faith, salvation, or heavenly reward.

Without the full lyrics, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive interpretation. However, the song's title and the context of its inclusion in gospel music suggest that it may explore ideas of transitioning from a state of spiritual slumber to one of awakening and renewed faith.

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Musical composition and style

"When I Wake Up to Sleep No More" is a popular song in the Gospel tradition. It was written by Marion Easterling, a prolific composer who died in 1989, and has been recorded dozens of times by bluegrass and southern gospel artists. The song is from the album "Southern Gospel Treasury Series" by The Inspirations, released in 2004.

The Inspirations' version of the song is an uplifting, joyful rendering in the 4-part, call-and-response style. It is a powerful collection of classic recordings, including other tracks like "Swing Wide the Gates", "Touring That City", and "I'm Taking a Flight".

The Gospel Plowboys, a popular sextet from North Carolina, have also recorded the song. Their version is available in digital form wherever you stream or download music online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct. The Plowboys are known for their distinctive stage attire – denim bibs, white shirts, and red ties – and their uplifting bluegrass Gospel music.

"When I Wake Up to Sleep No More" is an English language song. Unfortunately, I could not find more information about its musical composition and style.

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