bet 2005

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - Gospel music is synonymous with African-American history, having served as a musical tapestry of the Black experience for hundreds of years. In a special three-part series, BET NIGHTLY NEWS anchor Jacque Reid takes a journey along the history of gospel music as a preview to BET's annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL concert special, which premieres Thursday, February 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The special BET News series televises Monday, February 21 through Wednesday, February 23 as part of the BET NIGHTLY NEWS telecast at 11 p.m. ET/PT.
"With roots stretching back to the shores of Africa prior to slavery, gospel music has been the spiritual nucleus of Black culture for centuries," said Reid. "This series will draw some connecting lines that start with the African origins of gospel; follow its evolution into a lucrative business; and examine the diversity of opinions about gospel's traditional forms versus the contemporary, urban styles."
Part One of the series starts with gospel's genesis on the African continent and its journey to American soil in the hearts and voices of slaves. Noted gospel historian Wyatt Tee Walker paints a telling picture of gospel as both a means of communication and spiritual encouragement, along with the haunting words of former slaves heard on rare recordings from the archives of the Library of Congress. The series opener also covers the famed Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University, organized just after the Civil War and slavery's end, and still performing gospel's most traditional songs.
The second installment looks at gospel music as a business. Evident in this segment are the influences of the legendary Thomas Dorsey, credited with coining the term "gospel music"; writer of some 800 beloved gospel songs; and voice instructor of gospel great Mahalia Jackson. Viewers can relive the days of early gospel stars Clara Ward and James Cleveland; and well as hear the perspectives of today's gospel legends Walter Hawkins and BET's own Dr. Bobby Jones, host of the network's longest-running program BOBBY JONES GOSPEL. Part II also looks at the racism faced by artists while touring the country.
Part III of Reid's series delves into the contentious debate pitting gospel music's traditional forms versus today's high-energy, urban gospel with its hip-hop rhythms. Against a backdrop of contemporary stars like Lisa McClendon, Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett, and traditionalists like Pastor Shirley Caesar, the question is probed whether today's gospel poses a danger to the religious underpinnings of traditional gospel music. The series finale also previews BET's '05 CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL, including an emotional look at the personal gospel roots of actor/comedian Steve Harvey, host of the show.
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ABOUT BET NIGHTLY NEWSBET NIGHTLY NEWS covers the news of the day - from the main events to in-depth feature segments - with a special focus on African-American viewers. This includes many stories not covered with the same insight or depth by mainstream media. From the decisions of policymakers in Washington to the economy, urban affairs, social issues, sports, entertainment and the world at-large, BET delivers what's important five nights a week. BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American audience. The BET Network reaches more than 79 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.