U-M Dearborn Prof's book on gospel music makes notable books list

When people mention music in the Motor City, a number of images come to mind, ranging from Motown supergroups to sonic thrash of The White Stripes' garage rock to Eminem's fist-pumping hip-hop.

The white (or purple) robes of gospel aren't usually one of musical images associated with the Motor City, but it has been a underrated and all-too-important cog in Michigan's long-time thriving music scene. A new book by a University of Michigan-Dearborn professor dives into that genre and its impact both locally and nationally.

U-M Dearborn English Prof. Deborah Smith Pollard wrote "When the Church Becomes Your Party: Contemporary Gospel Music," which has been named one of this year’s 20 "Michigan Notable Books" by the Library of Michigan.

The book is a collection of essays on topics in gospel music, including praise and worship and the clothing worn by gospel artists. It made the Library of Michigan's annual list because of detail of the state's cultural heritage in gospel music. It's a subject Pollard is well acquainted with since she is the gospel music program on Detroit radio station WJLB-FM.

Source: University of Michigan-Dearborn
Writer: Jon Zemke

U-M Dearborn Prof's book on gospel music makes notable books list

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