Julie A_ Johnson (julajohn@mars.utm.edu) from 206.240.203.148 at 09/27/99 11:16AM
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    Over the past few weeks, I have been learning so much about the southern culture, especially southern music. I never realized what a vivid impact music has had on southern lifestyles, customs, and beliefs. For instance, southern gospel music plays such an important role in the continuing cycle of religion in the south. Southern gospel music has embraced the walls of the church sanctuaries and leaped through the doors into the hearts of not only southern Christians, but also Christians all over the country. Even the earliest forms of rockabilly music, especially the songs portrayed by Elvis Presley, have their roots in gospel music. Some of the first songs Elvis ever encountered were black gospel songs. Music in the south has also played an important role in recognizing the black race. Blacks, most definitely in the south, suffered constant segregation and unequality; however, music allowed some voices of the black race to be heard. Music provided a sense of relief and understanding for the black race in the south. The greatest point I can make about southern music is that no matter if the music orginiated from the church, from the spontaneous actions of Elvis Presley, from the black soul and gospel artists, or from any other form of music, which was a major influence in southern life, southern music is an essential distinguishing factor in the importance of celebrating the southern culture.