It is said that music was created specifically to worship God and give Him praise, meaning it has been in existence since the beginning of time. Throughout hundreds and thousands of years it has gone through changes ranging from harped filled hymns, Gregorian Chant, and heavy metal. BREATHEcast is now looking to capture some of these great eras of Christian music, and we will be starting with the 1950s.

Back in the '50s Christian music was part of popular music with all sorts of artists and groups doing hymns and church music despite what their label may have been. A "Christian music" industry did not really exist yet, but values and God were still something to be spoken about in the country so the music was universal.

The top names of the '50s doing some good old-fashioned "Jesus music," among other things, are Elvis, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Sam Cooke.

(Photo : Wiki Media)

Elvis grew up in the church and was introduced to hymns and gospel classics as a child so it is only natural that he would feel at home praising God.

Some of the songs Elvis became most know for were "How Great Thou Art," "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," and "He Touched Me."

Elvis may not have been the poster child for a Christian artist, with his intense fame, movie accolades, and well documented struggles with substance abuse; but no doubt his contributions to music and the passion of his voice when singing gospel place him at the top.

(Photo : Wiki Media)

If Elvis was the King of Rock & Roll, Sam Cooke was the King of Soul, and though he died at the early age of 33, his impact to gospel and soul music was huge in the '50s.

Cooke, the son of a preacher, got his start as the lead singer of the gospel group The Soul Stirrers. With that group they became known for gospel classics, "Peace in the Valley," "Jesus Paid the Debt," and "One More River."

Cooke along with his group paved the way for younger generations to get into gospel music. According to Digital Library, it was frowned upon for singers that were known for gospel music to then turn and do secular music. His first mainstream solo hit was "Lovable" in 1956, which was a remake of "Wonderful," a gospel song.

From there on, Cooke's gospel days were over, but his lasting legacy in such a short time helped bring gospel to a younger generation and also gave a voice to the african American community.

(Photo : Wiki Media)

The last people to be discussed are legendary group The Blind Boys of Alabama who astonishingly formed in the '40s and are still going strong today. Throughout all these years they never let their lack of sight deter their voice.

In the '50s the Blind Boys advanced beyond singing as children and became part of the black gospel movement of music that was becoming increasingly popular. During this time they put out 10 albums.

After rock & roll, soul, and pop music began to take some inspiration from gospel and soar into unseen heights of popularity, gospel began to decline. The previously mentioned Elvis and Cooke switched their style up to fit with the time, while the Blind Boys never wavered.

Gospel music gave helped give birth to the music of the 60s as well as the also popular jazz. These early pioneers singing their hymns and gospel tunes influenced nearly everyone that came after them.

Stay tuned for for BREATHEcast's weekly series discussing the music of the decade.