There is good news for gospel music in 2006 and it's not just in the message of the music. According to Nielsen SoundScan, gospel music album sales experienced a double-digit percent increase in sales at the mid-year point in 2006, compared to the first half of 2005.

This marks the first time since 2002 that gospel music sales have risen in the first half of the year. When factoring in rising digital tracks sales (which were not tracked until two years ago), the total sales impact of gospel music adds up to a reason for rejoicing, said John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA).

As of July 2, 2006, nearly 18 million gospel music albums, including those sold via digital download, have been sold year-to-date compared to 16 million albums for the same six-month time period in 2005. That represents an 11.6% increase in sales in a 2005 to 2006 year-to-date comparison. In contrast, the overall music business reports a 4% decline in album sales.