Epilogue

Abstract

In looking at Homer Rodeheaver’s life, work, and legacy, the authors offer new context for his contributions to gospel music. He borrowed from evangelical hymns, African American spirituals, and popular music to build a publishing empire in Chicago, selling hymnals the masses as a way to encourage community singing. After the decline of tabernacle revivalism, he successfully transferred his ideas to recorded music, radio, and film. While other gospel musicians had success in one or two of these areas, Rodeheaver brokered all of them to create the modern Christian music industry. His seminal influence is still felt today, even as much of the music he championed has faded into obscurity. Rodeheaver viewed gospel music as a catalyst for spiritual transformation—a belief that continues to shape the contemporary evangelical church.