Christian SoundScan, a system that tracks sales of gospel music at Christian and general market retailers, was introduced 10 years ago.

The system recently has undergone a major upgrade, which includes the addition of digital albums, digital tracks and R&B/hip hop albums charts as well as other new features designed to respond to the growing needs and changing music landscape, said John Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association.

“Christian SoundScan has had an enormous impact on gospel music over the past 10 years,” he said. “It not only significantly raised the profile of gospel music, but it has also provided us with research and marketing tools that have helped us improve the way we do business. I believe these new enhancements will have a dramatic impact over time as well.''

Gospel music sales have grown more than 80% since SoundScan, collected through Nielsen, was introduced.