Rosetta Tharpe

‘How Sweet the Sound’ Reveals L.A.’s Role in Gospel Music History

A new exhibit reveals Black L.A.’s key role in the evolution of gospel music. “How Sweet the Sound: Gospel Music in Los Angeles” uses vintage photographs, video recordings and other memorabilia to tell how African American artists and churches created a global musical phenomenon. The multi-media presentation is at the California African American Museum in Exposition Park until August 26. The historical display charts the Black religious experience in Los Angeles from 1872 to the early 1970s. Within that timeframe, a range of innovators and ministries are highlighted for their contributions to the genre. Starting with Biddy Mason, the founder of First AME