It was previously known as the award Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album.
According to the category description guide for the 52nd Grammy Awards, the award is reserved for "albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded traditional gospel vocal tracks" performed by "solo artists, duos, groups or choirs/choruses.
From 2012, recordings in this category were shifted to the newly formed Best Gospel Album category.
Shirley Caesar and The Blind Boys of Alabama were the biggest recipients in this category with five wins each.
^[I] Each year is linked to the article about the Grammy Awards held that year.