Gospel Music History Makers: 5 Artists Who've Impacted Culture

As we celebrate the sounds and sights of inspirational music this year, gospel music is undoubtedly present at countless festivals, expos, fairs, concerts, and live experiences. It’s necessary to pause and pay homage to gospel music history makers, including some of Christian hip-hop‘s leading figures and accomplishments. SEE ALSO: Jekalyn Carr Recreates Legendary Gospel Album Covers For Her 27th Birthday With so much black excellence to showcase, it was a tall task to select just a few exemplary names. Nevertheless, here are five artists who have made their imprint on Christian music, the industry, and in our community!

Gospel Music History Makers

1. Mahalia Jackson

Any list about the greats in black gospel music history would be remiss if they didn’t include the late, great Mahalia Jackson. As the undisputed pioneer of both the vintage and modern veins of gospel music, Jackson’s devotion to her faith was the driving force behind her first global reprise single, “Move On Up a Little Higher,” recorded in 1947. Her total sales are estimated to have eclipsed 22 million records and counting, earning her the inarguable title as the “Queen of Gospel.” Without her contributions, gospel music may very well sound very different today. We celebrate a pioneering cornerstone to black gospel excellence!

2. CeCe Winans

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A staple in many homes all through the 80s, 90s, 00s, and today, CeCe Winans boasts one of the most illustrious careers ever in gospel music. With 15 Grammys under her belt (the most for any single female gospel singer), 31 GMA Dove awards, 17 Stellar awards, and seven NAACP Image awards, her decorated resume has blessed listeners with timeless music for many years. With 14 studio albums released, she still performs regularly, and remains in high demand next to names like For King and Country, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Marvin Sapp, and Kirk Franklin. We celebrate her longevity in excellence, and can’t wait to hear more!

3. Tye Tribbett

Energy? Undeniable. Passion? For Christ. Gospel singer and choir director Tye Tribbett is another well-known household name in many Black homes, and not for no reason. In 2024, Tribbett won a Grammy for All Things New, the live recorded album. As a choir director with high energy performances, his shows and albums never disappoint, with many leaving feeling “energized” and “refreshed.” Tribbett also boasts his fair share of impressive industry recognition with a NAACP Image awards 2023 nomination in tow, along with a historic eight nods for the 2024 Stellar Awards, leading this year’s award class with the likes of Pastor Mike Jr., Ricky Dillard, Jonathan McReynolds, and Erica Campbell. Tye has enjoyed mainstream success for most of his career, beginning in 2004 with his first single “Answer.”

To round out his exemplary year, he was also be awarded the James Cleveland lifetime achievement icon award at the Stellar Awards. His live, charismatic performances are a must see, and we celebrate a career of growth and joy!

4. Anike

As the solo woman on the Reach Records roster until (very!) recently, Anike (formerly known as Wande) has delivered hit after hit since her signing in 2013. As one of the icons of female artistry in the Christian hip-hop (CHH) industry, Anike began her recent run in 2018 with her non-album single “Gotta Go” and hasn’t let up. She boasts many talents, one of which is dance, and showcases her love for choreography in many of her music video productions “In the Light ” and the 2021 smash hit “Big God.” Since her signing as an artist, Anike has brought visibility to other women in CHH, hoping that by being Reach’s first ever female signing, more women will have the chance to make a visible, successful career in CHH.  

Anike has collaborated with the likes of labelmate Lecrae, indie tribe’s Torey D’shaun, Eris Ford, V. Rose, Childlike Cici, and more. Her Nigerian cultural background comes to the forefront in her solo music, as well as in popular collabs with fellow Nigerian Limoblaze on “Mo’wanbe” in 2023. For her contributions in dance, entrepreneurial excellence, A&R, journalism, and more, we celebrate this lyrical queen!

5. Lecrae

The world’s most popular Christian rapper began his career in 2004. After establishing the iconic Reach Records with co-founder Ben Washer that same year, his freshman effort Real Talk that year began a career that would see him help forge into what it is today. Lecrae has achieved many firsts, including becoming the first hip-hop artist to win a Grammy for Best Gospel Album for his sixth studio album, Gravity. In 2013, He won Hip-Hop Album of the Year, a GMA Dove Award, and a Stellar for Rap CD of the Year – an incredible feat for a faith-based artist. In 2017 and 2018 respectively, he enjoyed major mainstream and cross-over success with singers Ty Dolla $ign and Tori Kelly with “Blessings” and “I’ll Find You.”

With over 40 total GMA nominations, eight Grammy nominations and four Soul Train Awards, Lecrae has the most awards of any Christian rapper. This year, he performed at Winter Jam with David Crowder, Katie Nicole, Hulvey, Seventh Day Slumber, and Newsong. We celebrate the excellence of a career that has accomplished so much, yet is still undone!