Final answer:
Gospel music is called so because it originated from African American spiritual songs sung by enslaved individuals, combining African musical elements with Christian hymns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gospel music is referred to as such due to its origins in the African American spiritual songs of the enslaved individuals in the United States. These spiritual songs were deeply rooted in African musical traditions and combined biblical verses and Christian hymns with African musical styles, including call-and-response, syncopated rhythms, and the use of 'blue' notes. The spirituals were a form of expression for the enslaved, allowing them to convey messages of hope, struggle, and overcoming adversity. The influence of gospel music can be seen in the development of various musical genres, like blues, jazz, and rock n' roll.