call and response
A musical dialogue where a leading phrase is answered by a responding phrase.
In Depth
Call and response is one of the oldest and most universal musical structures, found in West African drumming, African American gospel, blues, jazz, Latin music, and many folk traditions. The call states an idea; the response comments, affirms, or contrasts. In gospel, the preacher calls and the congregation responds. In blues, the guitar answers the vocal line. In funk, the band answers the lead singer. Call and response creates community, dialogue, and participatory energy.
Call and response in African American music can be traced directly to West African musical traditions, surviving the Atlantic slave trade to become foundational to virtually all American popular music.