Southern gospel music is one of the most popular sub-genres of gospel music. Its first professional quartet was formed in 1910 and this is why the same year is considered to be the establishment of the genre. However, it had actually been around as early as the 1870s.

Originally, southern gospel was also called quartet music because of the original all-male quartet (tenor, baritone, lead, and bass make-up). However, these days, it has dramatically evolved and is already popular with more soloists and duos. But just like the old days, southern gospel is more country than city. It has remained closer to home than anywhere else.

This subgenre of gospel songs was traditionally sung in a cappella or accompanied by a guitar or piano. As time went by though, full bands have been incorporated, and even more recently, pre-recorded accompaniments were utilized. These days, it is not uncommon to see Southern gospel groups singing as they use pre-recorded tracks that are augmented with a piano or other instrument.

The primary way of promoting southern gospel music was by quartets, traveling teachers of singing schools, and music publishers. Eventually, it became a very diverse form with some groups doing black gospel-influenced music, a cappella (jazzy style without instruments), traditional hymns, country, and convention songs. The last one was the most difficult because different conventions from across the US were organized for the purpose. In school, this was used to train quartet members to sing and concentrate on their own part. If you want to get a fuller idea of how diverse this subgenre was like, download southern gospel songs online and find out.