The Gospel Blues Train ...... Gospel blues is a form of blues-based gospel music that has existed since the earliest days of the blues. It combines Christian, evangelistic lyrics with traditional blues instrumentation, most commonly featuring blues guitar accompaniment. The term 'holy blues' was originally coined to describe the music of Reverend Gary Davis, whose masterful traditional blues guitar playing was paired with deeply religious lyrics. 

Along with Blind Willie Johnson, Gary Davis is widely regarded as one of the genre's most influential and enduring performers. Other notable gospel blues artists include Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Washington Phillips. 

In addition, several well-known blues musicians later became devout Christians or entered the ministry, they including Reverend Robert Wilkins and Ishman Bracey. Many artists who performed both secular blues and gospel music and adopted different names for each style, reflecting the tension that often existed between the sacred and the secular. 

A classic example is Tallahassee Tight. Born Louis Jackson (reportedly in October 1895), he recorded gospel music under the name Louis Washington, while using the stage name Tallahassee Tight for his blues recordings. This separation of identities illustrates the careful distinction many musicians made between their religious convictions and their blues careers.

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