Hawkins's success helped create what is called contemporary gospel, which takes a more pop-oriented approach to the music.

The current format is urban contemporary gospel.

Blessed with a rock-solid foundation, contemporary gospel is thriving.

Then the format changed to urban contemporary gospel with some Spanish religious programming.

They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered as pioneers of contemporary gospel.

However urban contemporary gospel was stressing the back beat much earlier with hand-clapping and tambourines.

Highlighting artistry that flourishes right in the academy's back yard, the series explores the identity of contemporary gospel as both show business and prayer.

The church has also spawned a for-profit subsidiary - a recording company that markets contemporary gospel - and is now exploring televising its Sunday services.

Like contemporary gospel, R&B developed from traditional black gospel music (Bream 1991).

Soul music and Christian rock are also significant influences on contemporary gospel.