Do you like Southern Gospel music? I suspect that many people, who live in Mississippi now or have lived here in the past, are Southern Gospel music fans.

I mean, even Elvis was. What more could you need to know?

So what is Southern Gospel music? According to my research, the simple answer is:

Southern Gospel music is a genre of Christian music. Its name comes from its origins in the Southeastern United States whose lyrics are written to express either personal or a communal faith regarding biblical teachings and Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music.

Now, I am certain there is no need to share this little bit of info with a fellow Mississippian, but I will anyway, because well, I’m me.

Our state is known as the Birthplace of America’s Music. There, I said it.

And of course, Southern Gospel holds a prominent place in this declaration. We Mississippians have many favorite artists: Elvis Presley (I know I have already mentioned him but he deserves another mention, don’t you think?), the Cathedrals, Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Gold City, Kirk Talley, Michael English, Gerald Crabb, Karen Peck & New River, Kari Jobe and many, many others.

Whew, that was tough and I know I have missed so many of your favorites. I am thrilled that Southern Gospel music is thriving. I must mention not all of the artists I listed above are Mississippians. I have just gotta say — too bad for them, but we do enjoy their music, anyways.

The song title “Step into the Water” I have featured in this column is perhaps not as popular as some we hum while taking our morning shower, but it is an upbeat tune which makes the heart glad and we need that desperately these days.

“Step into the Water” was written in 1979 by Kirk Talley while he was a member of The Cathedrals. Later, in 1992, he wrote “He Is Here” which won the Dove Award Song of the Year award.

Below is the chorus of the 1979 song.

Step into the water,

Wade out a little bit deeper.

Wet your feet in the water of His love.

Oh Step into the water (children)

Wade out a little bit deeper,

Come join angels singin’,

Praises to the Lamb of God.

If you like these lyrics, you will love the tune. If you’ve never heard the tune, then I have a deal for you.

What: Liberty & Friends Sing Gaither Concert, IV: Members of 14 Kemper and Lauderdale County church choirs come together for the fourth year to sing Gaither-inspired Southern Gospel music followed by refreshments and fun Christian fellowship.

When: Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Liberty Baptist Church, 6344 Highway 493, Kemper County, across from the coal plant. For more info, call 601-479-2285.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist and Teaching Artist Rosters. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com