Aretha Franklin is known as "Lady Soul" but like many soul, Rhythm & Blues and jazz vocalists, she is deeply rooted in gospel. Aretha sang in her father, Reverend C. L. Franklin's church since she was very young. And, since she lost her mother when she was a small child, her father not only raised her, but was also a great influence and source of inspiration and support in her youth and throughout her early career.

Aretha is and has always been a mighty powerful singer. All of her music has a strong, gospel tinged, gospel based feel. It is obvious that whether singing gospel or soul, she does so in a dedicated deep felt way. She has been known to say that she can only do a song if she can feel it...and feel she can do it justice...and she does. But when Aretha sings gospel, it feels like church..righteous, soul stirring singing and shouting church.

Amazing Grace, a classic gospel album, a live concert with Reverend James Cleveland, a legendary minister, singer choirmaster and long time friend... and the choral backing of the very great Southern California Community Choir led by Reverend Cleveland. This album is truly monumental, is timeless. It is one that can be visited and listened to over and over , year after year. And, it's Aretha at her best--her joyous, jubilant, spirited, soul-stirring best.

This release features traditional gospel...the foundation of contemporary spiritual music. And on it Aretha gives a gospel rendering to some the most popular hymns. On the opening spiritual, the much favored "Precious Lord," Aretha, joined by Reverend Cleveland and the California Community Choir, performing this graceful hymn in a slow tempo transform it into a deeply moving, inspirational, soul and spirit lifting song. She transitions with equal spirit and ease into upbeat renderings of traditional favorites such as "How I Got Over" and "Climbing Higher Mountains"...and sings like Aretha the preacher on "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

But on the title selection, "Amazing Grace"...it is church time in the house. Aretha's tremendously powerful rendering of this classic spiritual touches the spirit, heart and soul. Her mourningful phrasing and her praiseful, passionate shouting and testifying...gets the audience caught up in the spirit...and she rocks the concert hall...Have mercy.

Amazing Grace showcases Aretha Franklin's incredible, multi-ranged vocal instrument singing some gospel gems...magnificently and majestically. It is vintage Aretha, live and in person. This album leaves little doubt as to why she reigns as the Lady of Soul...and who sings fervently from her heart and soul. And there is no wonder why Aretha's voice is one of the nation's...one of the world's most precious treasures.

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Atlantic, 1972

In The Spotlight...

Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Gospel Train

Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legendary gospel singer, who, like Mahalia Jackson, performed to packed churches throughout the nation. Sister Rosetta also possessed a powerful, strong voice resonant voice that when she lifted it in song she seemed capable of making heaven a joyous noise that rang out...that resounded in heaven and earth.

Sister Rosetta the daughter of a mother who was a Pentecostal minister, made her singing debut at the age of six in a Chicago church before an audience of 1,000 people. And every since that day her powerful voice, accompanied by her steel bodied guitar, resounded in churches from coast to coast as she used her voice as an instrument of praise and brought tens of thousands of clapping gospel music lovers to their feet.

Sister Rosetta was an urban gospel singer who was known for her renditions of traditional spirituals as well as for her spirited, upbeat folk/blues-tinged gospel songs that often included blues and jazz instrumental backing. Except for a brief appearance in a club in New York City, throughout her career she traveled and sang at churches.

Rosetta Tharpe's dynamic, versatile flexible and incredible range that rang out with deep conviction, devotion are showcased on the release Golden Train. This album contains many of the great song that Sister Rosetta was famous for. It contains joyous tunes like "I'll Fly Away" and such songs as her moving, fervent rendering of the folk/gospel song "I Shall Be Free" which was one of the anthems of the civil rights movement.

In the tradition of fine ministers and gospel singers, Sister Rosetta was a story teller who delivered gospel messages through songs that were reminiscent of Biblical parables. And, she performed upbeat, spirited versions of such beloved spirituals as "Joshua Fit the Battle Of Jerico," "Up Above My Head," and "Can't No Grave Keep Me Down."

Golden Train is a release that presents Sister Rosetta Tharpe at her magnificent best...singing the songs she was best known for. And, it is a recording of the legacy of the gospel experience...of a gospel singer who enthusiastically exuded exuberant joy and sang incredible songs of praise.

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Polygram Records, 1989

In The Spotlight...

Danniebelle Hall
The Best Gets Better

"Over the years I have compared writing songs to giving birth to children." They often begin as a tiny seed that God implants in my spirit, and when he does I always consult the Bible to find a corresponding Scripture. It has been my privilege to watch some of those 'babies' reach maturity."

Danniebelle Hall, The Best Gets Better

Danniebelle Hall has a quiet, poised demeanor...and a very versatile, polished voice...that like Mahalia Jackson and Marion Anderson, on one hand can be soft and majestic..and on the other powerful and mighty enough to cause mountains to shake...Hallelujah!

Danniebelle, lived and performed for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she developed a distinguished career and attained the respect of fellow creative artists. And, Danniebelle who has established a fine national and international reputation at a top-notch gospel vocalist, has collaborated with such talented artists as Sandra and Andrae' Crouch.

On the release The Bests Gets Better," Danniebelle uses her disciplined, multi-range voice to perform eight of the eleven precious masterpieces she created. And, every track on The Best Gets Better," such as the upbeat "Put On The Garment Of Praise, is designed to lift up and praise the name of Jesus...and does so wonderfully. On the rhythmic, joyous, praise-filled spirituals like the highly spirited "Gonna Walk On The Jesus In Me" ("No devil in hell gonna walk on the Jesus in me")...and the highly percussion accented Nigeria praise spiritual "O Se' Baba," Danniebelle testifies righteously of victory through the Lord.

And on such selections as "Deeper The Valley," which evokes people to--in spite of the trials and tribulations they are going through, to keep on striving, to keep on trusting...because "the sweeter the victory at the end of the race." Danniebelle says, in spite of the bitterness of the conflict, just keep on fighting... and through the pain and suffering, and in spite of all of the bitterness and darkness..."He Knows Best" ("He knows what's best for me."). And yes indeed, when there's nobody else to go talk to...and when you need shelter and a friend...and in the time of, trouble as the words of multi-talented Dottie Rambo's classic gospel composition say..."I Go To The Rock."

On The Best Keeps Getting Better, Danniebelle Hall lifts her voice, her gifted voice very high to praise and glorify the Lord through song. She uses her excellent, vocal capabilities to to bring joy and assurance to those who have loved hearing the mighty, soul-stirring gospel songs she shared over the years. And for those who are hearing her for the first time she welcomes and introduces them to some of her "best that just got better...Amen, Danniebelle!

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Light Records, Inc., 1995

In the Spotlight...

Sweet Honey In The Rock
Feel Something Drawing Me On

" America's premiere female a cappella quintet, presents a rare experience in sacred song with this album...The selections are drawn from a wellspring of human experiences and are presented to inform and inspire. Sweet Honey is internationally recognized for its originality, distinctive vocal timbres, social consciousness, artistic excellence, and its warmth and feeling."

Pearl Williams-Jones

Sweet Honey In The Rock is a gifted, multifaceted quintet. Its sound is raw, feeling, passion and truth. Whether the group...Bernice Johnson Reagon, Evelyn Maria Harris, Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Yasmeen Bheti Williams-Johnson, Shirley Childress Johnson... is singing an original composition or timeless standards...it does so with purity, clarity, authenticity, and care. Sweet Honey's commitment and conviction are steadfast and unwavering in song and in action...and it is uncompromising in its commitment to work for global freedom.

On the release, Feel Something Drawing Me On," the five artists sans musical instrument accompaniment, use their vocal instruments, their perfect and impeccable harmony and pitch to perform outstanding renditions, interpretations of time withstanding African American gospel songs, protest hymns and traditional West African folk spirituals.

On the opening gospel classic, "We'll Understand It Better Bye And Bye," which was written by Charles Tindley and was originally sung in his Philadelphia church and is still performed there today, is delivered in a joyous, jubilant style. The traditional hymn, "Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee," as Pearl Williams-Jones notes, "Bernice Johnson Reagon draws oh her Baptist roots in Albany, Georgia for the lining-out procedure which she so effectively uses here."

The message of the legendary folk singer Woodie Guthrie's song of protest, "I've Got To Know," sung to the tune of the American Protestant hymn, "Father Along, We'll Know All About It," which was originally written in 1948 and speaks about and raises questions about military proliferation around the world, and current realities still make its lyrics appropriate today. Sweet Honey delivers the song in Baptist style using a spirited call and response technique.

"When I Die Tomorrow" and "Meyango" are two West African spirituals. The first which was found by Yasmeen Williams-Johnson in Liberia among the Bassa people. Sweet Honey performs a moving rendition of Yasmneen's arrangement of this song that states that "death is a passage, a way to the other side." The second song, which Aisha Kahlil arranged, a funeral song in praise of the dead, is performed dramatically and reverentially.

"Waters of Babylon," was recorded and given broader exposure by reggae super star Jimmy Cliff in "The Harder They Come," a film he wrote, directed and starred in. Rounding out this fine work are two traditional gospel favorites "Try Jesus" and "In The Upper Room" which were written by Roberta Martin and Lucie E. Campbell, two outstanding African American gospel song writers, are performed powerfully and gracefully by Sweet Honey. power. "In The Upper Room" was given international exposure through the recording of the late gospel legend Mahalia Jackson.

The title cut, "Feel Something Drawing Me On," is given a soul-stirring, potent, moving, perfect harmony-based delivery by the multi-talented quintet. Their performance on this gospel song and on all of those on Feel Something Drawing Me On, demonstrate that without a doubt Sweet Honey In The Rock is a group of superbly talented artists who names have become synonymous with excellence, sincerity, versatility, commitment...and creativity of the highest caliber.

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Flying Fish Records, 1985

In the Spotlight...

Rev. Louis Overstreet
And The Congregation of St. Luke's
Powerhouse Church of God In Christ

"...There on the sidewalk outside a tavern, was a tall black man dressed in a black robe playing an electric guitar which was plugged into an amplifier with a chord running into a beer joint...About eight feet away from him , around a second mike, standing on the sidewalk and also plugged into the amp, were four young boys playing the role of his choir and congregation. I was captivated by this man's prayers, songs, and intensity of delivery."

Chris A Stanchwitz, 1963 & 1996

Rev. Louis Overstreet's church was a fine example of the sanctified Church of God In Christ, "That encouraged playing of instruments in church...it also placed great importance of being called to preach." Rev. Overstreet, his four sons and the congregation of St. Luke's Powerhouse Church of God in Christ also demonstrated through prayer, preaching, playing (drum, tambourines, wash board and cymbals) and powerful faith inspired singing...a way of authentically, simplistically, sincerely and joyfully singing traditional gospel songs and making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Rev. Louis Overstreet, born near Lakeland, Louisiana, worked in a turpentine factory in De Quincy, Louisiana until he went into the ministry full-time in 1958. However, from boyhood on he had sung with quartets, but stopped doing so because he felt some members of the groups weren't living the lives they were singing about in their songs. Rev. Overstreet vowed then not to sing quartet again until he did so with four sons of his own. He prophesied this and subsequently did have four sons who indeed make up his quartet. In 1938, Rev. Overstreet was told in a vision to take to the highways with a bible and guitar. Although he didn't know how to play a guitar bought a Gibson, and 45 days later he was "gifted" with the knowledge to play it.

Rev. Overstreet conducted street services and, armed with his guitar and bass drum, accompanied his son on vocals. However, he and his sons, Louis Overstreet, Jr. (drum), Albert Lee (lead singer, wash board player), Robert Lee (singing, cymbals), and Alvin Sidney (singing, hand clapping) engaged in a form of ministry that today is called street or urban evangelism. They sang and ministered to the homeless, the poor, the gamblers, club and bar goers in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California. In 1961 he started pastoring St. Lukes's Powerhouse Church of God In Christ in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rev. Overstreet's service was a combination of singing, accompanied by dancing (those who were moved by the Spirit often often got up and did the holiness dance)...prayer and sermon. On the release Rev. Overstreet With His Sons and the Congregation of St. Luke's Powerhouse Church of God in Christ,which was recorded at the church and in Rev. Overstreet's home, the first cut is a prayer that is followed by "I'm A Soldier In The Army of the Lord." Other songs that showcase Rev. Overstreet's deep, resonant voice include "I'm Working On A Building," "Search Me Lord," "Getting Richer," "Two Little Fishes"...and the combination sermon and song "Jesus is Able." Robert, Jr. provides a very moving, hard hitting lead on "Is There Anybody here." Demonstrating how important, integral and spontaneous holiness dances are, the album contains two that were recorded live that ran 10 ("In The Morning") and 7 minutes long ("Holiness Dance").

Rev. Overstreet had a ministry that featured traditional gospel singing...and the preaching of good old time religion. His style was folksy, effective, articulate, down to earth and relevant to the problems and concerns of church members. The singing was rhythmic, moving...as Rev. Overstreet, his four sons and the congregation of St. Luke's Powerhouse Church of God in Christ sang praises unto the Lord with timbrel and harp.

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Arhoolie, 1963 & 1995

In the Spotlight...

Mississippi Mass Choir's
Greatest Hits

The Mississippi Mass Choir (MMC) is one of America's premiere gospel choirs. Since their debut eight years ago, the MMC has achieved phenomenal success, and has maintained a very prominent position in the ever-growing gospel field. And, it is the biggest selling choir in the country.

Since it was founded by the gifted, talented late Frank Williams, the Mississippi Mass Choir has received many accolades, including seven prestigious Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, a number of Dove nominations, and it has held the top position on Billboard's gospel album chart. The MMC is constantly performing to capacity audiences all over the country.

Once one hears the Mississippi Mass Choir it is readily discernible why it is so popular. Whether you are listening to it in a live performance or to one of its recordings, you are inspired, moved to participate...to clap your hands, pat your feet, jump to your feet, shot, sing along...to do everything but sit still in your seat. And, you feel...you are...in church...Amen.

The Mississippi Mass Choir's Greatest Hits features a very generous serving of songs in live performance that made it one of America's favorite choirs. On "Near the Cross" which is a much beloved traditional gospel, the MMC performs such a powerful, spirited, soul-stirring version of the spiritual it doesn't sound like the original song. "It's Good To Know Jesus" is sung in the manner of a spirited vocal accounting of a personal relationship with the Lord.

Much of the MMC's charisma lies in its ability to involve, motivate and uplift the audience. And, its mighty fine capacity to include parable style narratives, analogies, such as on "Call Him Up," "It Wasn't The Nails" and "The Birds"--similar to the way Jesus taught and shared with people-- in its performances makes it seem even more immediate. The personal testimonies and the expression of the understanding of circumstances people face, also touch audience members personally.

The masterful harmonies, compelling and fervent collective choir renderings and poignant solo offerings on the Mississippi Mass Choir's Greatest Hits, result in a great, superb collection of praise-filled gospel jewels by one of America's stellar choirs, bar none...Amen.

©L'cinda Scott-McCall

Malaco, 1995

In The Spotlight...

Joe Williams
Feel The Spirit

Joe Williams is the quintessential singer.  He is an earthy, folksy, philosopher, storyteller...a classy stylist with a rich, deep voice.   Joe has recorded scores of records over the years, and has performed with many of the jazz greats. But Joe doesn't just sing a song...he shapes it, molds it, breathes life into. Whatever he performs he does so convincingly...and with deep conviction.

On the release, Feel The Spirit, Joe Williams uses his gifted voice to deliver strong, powerful versions of some great, traditional gospel songs. Joe is joined on the date by Marlena Shaw, Patrice Rushen (synthesizer), Jerry Peters (piano), Phil Upchurch (guitar), Abe Laboriel (bass), and Harvey Mason (drums). This assembly of creative artists lend their talent to produce a fine album.

On the opening track, "In the Beginning," Joe uses his vocal capabilities to give a moving version of this great gospel song. He and Marlena team up to deliver an uplifting, spirited shot and praise, call and response rendition of "Every Time I Feel the Spirit."

Joe Williams' pure, flexible vocalizations bring to mind the rich vocal qualities of the Great Paul Robeson, especially on "Go Down Moses," "Wade in the Water" and "Were You There?" On "His Eye is On the Sparrow," Joe's simple, testimonial type styling is quiet and reverential. His soul stirring version of "The Lord's Prayer" is every bit as pure and powerful as Aaron Neville's rendition of the spiritual.

Joe Williams' Feel The Spirit is a testimonial to this rare talent's use of his artistry to create a highly inspirational and motivational album.

TelArc Records, 1995

In the Spotlight...

Mahalia Jackson
The World's Greatest Gospel Singer

Mahalia Jackson, gospel legend and queen of gospel, was called the most important figure in gospel music, and she graciously lived up to these titles. Mahalia was always true to her calling and dedicated her life to using her voice as an instrument of praise. She was a gospel trail blazer and trendsetter.

Through her recordings, which sold in the millions, world tours, radio and television appearances, Mahalia became an ambassador of gospel as she spread traditional gospel music.   Between 1954 and 1955 she also had her own radio show that aired on Sunday evenings on CBS Radio.

Mahalia's contralto voice had a rich, resonant tonal quality. Whether she was singing a powerful, slowly paced, deeply moving version of "The Lord's Prayer," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hand," or spirited renditions of such spirituals as "When the Saints Go Marching In" or "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho," her voice soared with spirit, joy and grace as she sang reverently, magnificently and powerfully.

Mahalia was a devoted gospel singer who dedicated her life to using her gifted voice glorifying, magnifying and lifting up the name of the Lord. However, Mahalia, a soft spoken person of faith, deep conviction and commitment used her powerful voice to support and join with fellow African Americans in the civil rights struggle.

©Nokhanya

Exaltation

Gospel: Making a Joyful Noise

Gospel has influenced many genres of music. In the African American experience gospel has been a way of expressing praise, of communicating, educating and of reaching a higher spiritual plane.

Today, gospel is stronger than ever, and perhaps more widely popular because it has reached and has been embraced by millions throughout the world. Traditional and contemporary gospel have large followings. And, the two often complement and enhance one another. The overview that follows gives a perspective on some of the notable traditional and contemporary gospel performers.

Traditional Gospel Music

The Performers

Blind Boys of Alabama
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Brother Joe May
Shirley Caesar
Sister Wynona Carr
Mahalia Jackson
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
Mississippi Mass Choir
Dorothy Norwood
The Pilgrim Travelers
Reverend James Cleveland
The Soul Stirrers
Hezekiah Walker And the Fellowship Crusade Choir
Walt Whitman
Marion Williams
The Winans

Contemporary Gospel Music

The Performers

Yolanda Adams
Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Andrae Crouch
Edwin Hawkins
Tremaine Hawkins
Kirk Franklin
John P. Kee
L. A. Mass Choir
New Life Community Choir Featuring John P. Kee
New Birth Choir
Lashun Pace
Sounds of Blackness
Take 6
The Staple Singers
BeBe Winans and CeCe Winans
Vickie Winans

Nokhanya (L'cinda Scott-McCall) © 1996-2005