FA actually believe it or not, had a one time (as it turns out) opportunity to teach music appreciation at a junior college in 2009. To my surprise, since I am more of a classic/new age pianist, they assigned me "History of Rock Music" and "Jazz Appreciation." Then the funding ran out due to the ongoing recession and it has never been offered again.
But anyway, doing lots of crash reading and preparation, I noted that way rock and jazz came out of blended influences of course, but African influenced and "country" American music still both continued to exist and evolve in their own paths from early sources. They still are parallel distinct types, often with the same earthy concerns as rock (and still an influence on rock) but also more religiously-tinged lyrics. The rural religious tends to be called "gospel" but younger audiences listen to "contemporary Christian."
Anyway, here are three selections that help illustrate a very old tune that has survived in Ireland, an American modern religious example, and bouncing back again to Europe, an Irish singer's version of what (I think) is the same newer tune. I'm not 100% sure it is a version with added words but the title and refrain suggest it is. At least, it shows how there is a mutual cross-Atlantic influence.
Sorry I don't see how to make them embedded in the post like againbanned has been doing, so click on links:
