City Cast Chicago logo
Advertisement image
February 25, 2026

How Modern Gospel Was Born on the South Side

City Cast Chicago

How Modern Gospel Was Born on the South Side

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

Gospel music has roots in southern spirituals during slavery and migrated north during the Great Migration in the early 1900s. Chicago has staked its claim as the birthplace of modern gospel thanks to Bronzeville’s Pilgrim Baptist Church and Thomas Dorsey, its choir director for 50 years. In 2022, we talked with writer and producer Stacy Robinson about the WTTW documentary “The Birth of Gospel” and Chicago’s place in music history.

Good News: The DuSable Museum - Black History Month Closeout Celebration

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us @citycastchicago

You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 25 episode:

Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
November 4

Here’s Who Won the Midterm Elections

The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro break down who won and who lost on Election Day i...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
November 3

It's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food

Today we’ve got your Election Day FAQ’s including where to register and vote, the most helpful voter guides, and which restaurants to may...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
November 2

Why Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge

Today we’re talking about the race for Illinois lieutenant governor and why it’s drawing more attention than ever.  Also, what happe...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 30

Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago

It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brown Line’s Ghazala Irshad join us with what they’re l...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 29

Who Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?

Monday was the deadline for candidates for mayor and City Council to submit their petitions to get on the 2027 ballot. Host Jacoby Cochra...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 28

Do You Know Who Owns Your Building? Plus, Can Doula Care Really Cost Thousands?

We’re asking a question most Chicago renters probably can’t answer: who owns your building? Today we’re talking about the two competing r...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 27

Are Pritzker and Preckwinkle Shoo-Ins on Election Day?

We have covered school board elections, nonbinding ballot questions, and judicial retention elections ahead of election day next Tuesday....

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 26

Waymo in Chicago. Plus, Investing in Crisis Response

We’re still not done talking about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal. Contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch discuss crisis ass...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 23

What’s in the Mayor’s 2027 Budget Proposal?

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his $17.6 billion budget proposal at City Hall this week. The mayor called it “Chicago’s Fair Share Budget...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
October 22

Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support

This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.  Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art