The One-Derful Collection; Halo Records

The Gospel subsidiary of the One-Derful labels.

"The fourth installment of the One-derful! Collection focuses on Halo, the gospel imprint of this legendary R&B label group. Halo is preceded by the One-derful!, Mar-V-Lus, and M-Pac! compilations and will be followed by releases of the Midas and Toddlin' Town sub-labels. This series marks the first in-depth study of what was once one of Chicago’s most prominent African-American run labels.

Halo Records is available in 2xLP and CD formats, and within the grooves of these 25 tracks lie soulful songs from groups like the Salem Travelers, the Gospel Souls, Lucy Rodgers, and the Redemption Harmonizers, plus 9 tracks that were never issued! Halo's focus and determination was to make gospel music that secular ears could hear and enjoy. They were trying to make R&B gospel, and the main producer behind its aesthetic, Monk Higgins, later took this sound and had great success at Chess Records.

Central to Halo is the Leaner family. In the early 1960s when brothers George and Ernie Leaner added the Halo sub-label to their One-derful! label, they were revered figures on Chicago's Record Row and beyond. They distributed material from labels like Motown and Stax and they attracted top talent. It wasn't uncommon for a WVON DJ to help the Leaners sign their newest discovery, or for their singers, musicians, songwriters, or producers to have Chess or Motown on their resumes.


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The Pitch/Gusman Story, Vol 3

The Pitch / Gusman Story

Waymon "Gusman" Jones loved gospel music. Especially, he loved the rich stirring sounds of the quartets he heard as a farm boy in rural Georgia, then in his adopted hometown of Savannah, Georgia, where he set up his Gusman Record Shop. From his passion came an indispensible legacy of gospel song.

Between 1961 and 1978, Waymon Jones recorded and issued a stream of essential recordings by the Golden Stars of Greenwood, SC, the White Family Singers of Savannah, GA, the Six Voices of Zion of Columbia, SC, the Flying Clouds of Augusta, GA, and many others.

This three- CD set captures on 71 rare recordings the sounds Jones wanted everyone to hear, giving 21st century listeners a unique opportunity to roll back the years and hear the vital and vibrant sounds of a southern community's gospel music world in a simpler age. The enclosed booklet features historic group and label photographs and extensive notes by gospel music researcher and writer Alan Young.

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The Pitch / Gusman Records Story, Disc 2

 for lol

Good morning Part 2 of this fine service

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The Pitch-Gusman Records Story, Vol 1

...for li'l ole lady

 1. Golden Stars of Greenwood, SC - Jesus' Blood (2:54)
2. Golden Stars of Greenwood, SC - Jesus Never Left Me (4:00)
3. Abraham Brothers, The - Spirit of the Lord (2:55)
4. Abraham Brothers, The - Pray While You Have a Chance (3:13)
5. Southern Six of Springfield, SC - Lord I Want You To Move (2:53)
6. Southern Six of Springfield, SC - Leave Your Burdens There (2:49)
7. Golden Tones of Savannah, Ga - I Will Answer When the Roll is Called (2:40)
8. Golden Tones of Savannah, Ga - The Minister Was Preaching (3:32)
9. Six Voices of Zion of Columbia, SC - I'm Going Through (3:34)
10. Six Voices of Zion of Columbia, SC - Peace In the Valley (3:06)
11. Travelingaires - Jesus Said He Loves Me (3:05)
12. Travelingaires - Lord's Prayer (3:53)
13. Lighty Singers of Estill, SC - In the Morning When the Trumpet Sound (3:46)
14. Lighty Singers of Estill, SC - Serve the Lord (4:29)
15. Loretta Myles - Jesus Will Never Say No (2:33)
16. Loretta Myles - God is Not Dead (5:00)
17. White Family of Savannah, Ga, The - Help Me Jesus (3:19)
18. White Family of Savannah, Ga, The - I've Been In the Storm So Long (2:47)
19. True-Tone Singers, The - Fight On (2:09)
20. True-Tone Singers, The - Don't Let It Be Said Too Late (2:37)
21. Five Stars of Harmony of Jacksonville, Ga - Precious Lord (4:23)
22. Five Stars of Harmony of Jacksonville, Ga - If I Could Just Hold Out Until Tomorrow (4:49)
23. Piney Grove Spiritual Singers of Milledgeville, Ga - Get Back Satan (3:42)

Waymon "Gusman" Jones loved gospel music. Especially,  he loved the rich stirring sounds of the quartets he heard as a farm boy in rural Georgia, then in his adopted hometown of Savannah, Georgia, where he set up his Gusman Record Shop. From his passion came an indispensible legacy of gospel song.

Between 1961 and 1978, Waymon Jones recorded and issued a stream of essential recordings by the Golden Stars of Greenwood, SC, the White Family Singers of Savannah, GA, the Six Voices of Zion of Columbia, SC, the Flying Clouds of Augusta, GA, and many others.

This three- CD set captures on 71 rare recordings the sounds Jones wanted
everyone to hear, giving 21st century listeners a unique opportunity to roll back the years and hear the vital and vibrant sounds of a southern community's gospel music world in a simpler age. The enclosed booklet features historic group and label photographs and extensive notes by gospel music researcher and writer Alan Young

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Boyd Rivers - You Can't Make Me Doubt

"First full length album by one of the greatest gospel musicians of all time! Boyd Rivers was an amazing but unfortunately, little known gospel artist. Comparisons could be made to Charlie Jackson, but in the end not too many people sound anything like Boyd Rivers. Side one features Boyd playing stunning electric guitar and belting out 6 incredibly heavy songs. Side two finds Boyd playing acoustic guitar - a bit mellower but still impassioned. All the material on this album has never been released, with the exception of 'Fire In My Bones' - the title track of the Case Quarter 3-CD gospel compilation. We are very proud to release this important document of a real visionary original. Includes liner notes by Amos Harvey. Old school 'tip on' cover." Amazon

Tye Tribbett - Greater Than

This is a rarity for me, new, modern powerhouse Gospel. Unky Cliff sent me this months ago, but I just got around to putting ears on it because I wasn't all that interested. Mistake! Yes it is more modern and musically not what I'd call ,straight up my alley', but whew, this powerful stuff! Really well recorded, apparently in front of a large congregation. Well worth a listen!

 "One of gospel music's fastest-rising stars, Tye Tribbett's Greater Than shows again his fresh and open-minded approach to the genre. He keeps the solid bass runs, organ embellishments, and vigorous, energetic choral vocals of traditional gospel, but then melts in modern and contemporary urban touches with funky horns, synths, electric guitars, and impassioned singing that is equal parts praise and party."

"Tye Tribbett first came to national attention in 1997 when he entered his group, GA, into the McDonalds and Wrigley's Gospel choir competitions, where they 'swept the competitions,' winning first place in all categories. The group quickly became highly in demand, performing with music industry superstars Gloria Estefan, LeAnn Rimes, Elton John, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder. They also appeared with Jill Scott, India Arie, John Mellencamp, Musiq Soulchild, and The Roots, among many other artists, and toured with Faith Hill and Don Henley. Tribbett and his group performed 'Let Go, Let God' on the soundtrack of the Dream Works animated film 'The Prince of Egypt' with award-winning duo Mary Mary. The group also appeared on Commons' Electric Circus album, Jessica Simpsons' Christmas album, Will Smiths' project 'Lost & Found', on a song featuring Mary J. Blige, and Justin Timberlake's 'Cry Me A River.'

His highly anticipated debut album, 'Life' (2004), brought Tribbett and his group, GA (Greater Anointing), a wide array of new fans and a Stellar Award nomination. Tribbett's sophomore project with GA, 'Victory', was released in 2006, debuting at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. This break-out project, which included the #1 gospel radio single, 'Victory,' received three Stellar Awards, three GRAMMY® Award nominations and a Dove Award nomination. His third release, 'Stand Out' (2008), again topped the charts and earned the group another nomination for a GRAMMY® Award. In 2009, Tribbett, who is also an accomplished musician who plays multiple instruments, retired GA and made other changes in his musical style and direction, resulting in the 2010 release of the aptly named 'Fresh'. The CD, which the Washington Post called 'a wondrous album,' also entered Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart at #1."

Best of Proverb & Gospel Corner Records 1959-1969

Another priceless Gospel collection from OUR Gospel friend, Unky Cliff.

By Bob Marovich

"Gospel music has had many multi-taskers, chief among them the late Brother Henderson of Los Angeles, California.

In the late 1950s, Sylvester C. “Duke” Henderson forsook his R&B singing career, hung up his rock and roll shoes, and plunged headlong into sacred music. He ran the popular All Gospel Record Store in L.A., hosted his own gospel music radio show on 50,000 watt XERB, wrote and published songs, promoted concerts, and headed up two record labels: Proverb and Gospel Corner.

Despite Henderson’s prolific activity, no commercial reissues have given him his propers until now. Best of Proverb & Gospel Corner Records: 1959-1969, from Per Notini’s NarroWay Records out of Sweden, is a 52-track survey of Henderson’s rich roster of artists, many of whom were West Coast favorites. One, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, went on to conquer the world.

The two-disc set starts, appropriately, with one of the earliest recorded appearances by the Clouds. “Jesus Is Real,” circa 1959, showcases Joe Ligon on lead, shouting sandpaper rough even back then. It is followed by the Pilgrim Travelers, arguably the label’s biggest signing, and by then led by James Wafer but without the storied Specialty lineup. “When I’m Gone” demonstrates the same hard singing as the Clouds’ track, even though the Travelers were best known for their walking rhythm and low-key tight harmonies. On the other hand, the Travelers’ take on Dorsey’s “Peace in the Valley” is evocative of its 1940s and 1950s work for Specialty.

What distinguishes this set, and Henderson’s musical ears, is the variety of sacred styles it contains. While heavy on male quartet, as that appeared to be Henderson’s sweet spot, there is a choir (Watts Community Choir), a lining hymn (Rev. W. E. Jasper), rhythmic jubilee singing (Victory Five of Sacramento), a Cleophus Robinson-Josephine James-y duet (Prince Dixon and Sis. Walter Paige), and topical songs (Prince Dixon, Madame Nellie Robinson, and Henderson himself). As gospel artists today often say about their albums: there’s something here for everyone.

The musical accompaniment on Proverb and Gospel Corner singles gets progressively more psychedelic as time winds on. Prince Dixon’s “Keep On Fighting” includes trebly electric guitar riffs. The organ on Dixon’s memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (“April 4, 1968”) gives this Brother Will Hairston-esque treatment a decidedly pop tinge. The same peppy organ (not a churchy B3 by any stretch) propels the Fabulous Ohio Wonders’ “Why Should I Feel” and on the Victory Five’s Golden Gate Quartet-style “John.”

Special gems are a very early Chambers Brothers track, “Just a Little More Faith,” a 180-degree difference in sound from their 1967 hit, “Time Has Come Today.” “Hold Me in Your Arms” by the Mighty Sons of Fort Worth, Texas, is rendered in the classic vocal harmony group style. The Sweet Singing Cavaliers’ “Hold Me” is electrifying, possibly their best cut ever. Brother Henderson’s first dip in the baptismal pool, the rare 1955 “I Made Up My Mind,” sung with a group called the Spiritual Lambs, is available here, possibly for the first time on CD.

Although male dominated, the set does include the distaff Page-Ettes and the Nu-Lite Gospel Singers of Kansas City, the latter giving “Lot’s Wife” and “You’ve Been So Good” strong readings. Henderson’s mother, Helen, formerly with the Simmons-Akers Singers, is represented as a soloist on the fine “He’s a Light,” written by Akers and recorded sometime prior to Proverb’s founding. The mixed voice Watts Community Choir offers a youthful sound on “Keep On Keeping On” and “He Aint’ Heavy.” Sister Walter Paige of the Page-Ettes, Madame Nellie Robinson, and Lady Bird are also among the female soloists.

The entire production is crystal clear, thanks in large part to Henderson’s production talents but also to Notini’s flair for reproduction. The informative illustrated liner notes give the enthusiast as much knowledge about Henderson as exists, depicting an entrepreneur who made a living by giving the little guy a chance. A must for gospel music fans who revel in the pop-infused traditional gospel of the 1960s before it became contemporary."

The Sensational Saints - 'You Won't Believe It"

It has been awhile since our last gospel post, in part because I've posted so much gospel by now that I no longer remember what has and hasn't been posted. These guys from Cleveland are really interesting, check it out.

"Formed in the early ’50s under the watchful eye of Tuskegee, Alabama, transplant Charles Chambliss, the Sensational Saints were handpicked from a Cleveland clothing store, a pool room, and from a group of friends singing from a third story window. After years spent rotating members and issuing stray singles for assorted non-denominational imprints, the group connected with the vocally inclined Reverend Melvin Kenniebrew at the close of the ’60s, making good on their “Sensational” boast. “With God in their hearts and singing on their minds,” the Sensational Saints mounted their crown jewel in 1973 with “You Won’t Believe It” (Try It You’ll Like Us). Pressed in conservative quantities by local gospel magnate James Bullard on his King James label, the group's lone long-player perfectly encapsulates the intersection of funk and gospel as only the religious conversion of a Bill Wither's tune can do."

Lord Have Mercy - The Soulful Gospel of Checker Records

"A much-needed look at an under-exposed side of the legendary Chess Records – the label's incredible run of gospel records, most of which were every bit as great as their Chicago soul sessions! This package is the first to really dig into that rich history – and has a wonderful focus on the grittier, funkier, groovier side of the label's catalog – served up here in a mix of rare album tracks, from records that have never been reissued – plus more stunners from funky 45s, most of which have been overlooked by soul collectors over the years. And yes, there's a spiritual message to these tracks, but it's often delivered with a very secular style – both in the vocals and instrumentation – as you'll hear on "Lord Keep Me Day By Day" by The Gospel Six, "Trying To Get Ready" by The Violinaires, "Soon I Will Be Done" by East St Louis Gospelettes, "Please Lord" by The Messiahs Of Glory, "Crying Pity & A Shame" by Salem Travelers, "It's So Good To Be Alive" by The William Singers, "Troubles" by Estella Burke, "The Whole World Is Watching" by Charlie Brown, "Same Old Bag" by Stevie Hawkins, and "Bless Me" by The Inspirational Singers.  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc."

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Bless The People Everywhere - Gospel Funk of Peacock & Songbird

"The famous Duke/Peacock label was one of the most important forces in gospel music during the 50s and early 60s – home to some of the hippest, most soul-drenched acts – especially the male vocal groups that were helping transform the genre, and pave the way for lots of soul artists to come! Yet by the time of these sides, Peacock was also picking up a lot of influence back from soul music too – using funky currents to help sell a spiritual message – all at a level that never got in the way of the vocals at all, and in face only seemed to inspire the singers with a more righteous sound overall! Once the label merged with ABC Records in the early 70s, things got even cooler and groovier – but even on the cuts before those numbers, there's a funky soul vibe that resonates throughout this collection – and makes the whole thing one of the most badass gospel sets we've ever stocked. Titles include "Where Could I Go" by Pilgrim Outlets, "Try Again" by The Loving Sisters, "Generation Gap" by Paul Owens & The Capital City Star Singers, "Something For Nothing" by Carl Bean & Universal Love, "This Is Not The First Time I've Been Last" by Inez Andrews, "Voo Doo Ism" by Spirit Of Memphis, "Bless The People Everywhere" by Liz Dargan & The Gospelettes, "What's Wrong With People Today" by The Sensational Williams Brothers, "Games People Play" by The Salem Travelers, "Living A Saved Life Now" by Josh Albert Hailey, and "Crying Won't Help" by Pilgrim Jubilees.  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc."

Rock & Roll Sermon

A re-post by request: The Elder Clifford Gospel Hour presented by Deacon Kingcake continues with a second portion because Deacon KC has been taken with the spirit and can't be denied now....I'd simulate speaking in tongues but I can't figure out how you would do that.....

 "Rock and Roll Sermon is a collection of some of the finest sanctified music recorded between 1946-56. If you're not familiar with sanctified music,and you like the blues and dazzling guitars, pumping piano, and true-testifying, then you owe it to yourself to listen to this compilation. Unfortunately, this great music has largely been ignored by the general public and by music critics. Perhaps it is because these are songs of praise to the Lord, and many prefer to keep their musical and religious tastes separated. After all, when was the last time you listened, outside of church, to selections from the Common Service Hymnal? While this is not blues music, many of the "blues forms" are utilized. Only the message has been changed. This is intense, dynamic, inspirational, and incredible music. Enjoy and Rejoice!!!"
ps there is some overlap between these two sets today but I don't believe that the same version has been used on any of the apparent duplications.

The Supreme Jubilees - It'll All Be Over (1980)

"Originally released in 1980, the scant 500 copies of the Supreme Jubilees' wonderful lone LP It'll All Be Over seemed destined for the bargain bins. A gospel-soul group with deep R&B grooves, the band came together in the 1970s, bridging two musical families from California's Central Valley. On one side were the Sanders, led by keyboardist and self-proclaimed "Donny Hathaway freak" Leonard, who was joined by his brothers Tim, Philip, and Melvin. On the other side were Joe and David Kingsby, who enlisted David's son David, Jr. to play guitar. An unaffiliated family friend named Larry Price rounded out the group. Although they had operated as a live band on the regional church circuit for several years, they had yet to release an album. The Fresno studio the band chose for their initial sessions turned out to be ill-suited to their needs. Largely a country & western studio, the engineer balked at their requests for more bass in the mix and eventually kicked them out mid-session. Undeterred, the Jubilees took their half-finished album over to Sierra Recording Studio in Visalia where they polished off the remaining five songs. The resulting nine-song debut was a comforting mix of smooth soul, warm R&B, and a dash of disco that showcased the band's enchanting vocal mix. The sublime title cut is worth the price of admission alone for its gently despairing Old Testament darkness. As the opening cut, it sets an odd, almost meditative tone as the group foretells the end times with a sort of comforting sensuality. There are certainly some uptempo gospel rave-ups like "I'm on the Lord's Side" and the ebullient album-closer "Stop Today," but the Jubilees are at their most effective with the more somber, thoughtful cuts like "Do You Believe" and "We'll Understand." It's understandable that music with so sensitive a touch didn't catch on at the dawn of the '80s. After embarking on a couple of difficult and hapless tours, the Jubilees essentially called it quits and this lovely album faded into obscurity for over three decades before being reissued by Seattle specialty label Light in the Attic Records. While it may remain a diamond in the rough, it's a comfort to know that such an honest and heartfelt piece of art is now widely available to all." AMG

Texas Gospel vol 8 & 9

These two wrap it up for this remarkable series. I've long ago run out of things to say about this stunning collection, except Thank You Opal for all you do!

Texas Gospel, Vol 7

More magical Gospel from the Peacock vaults.

Claude Jeter - Yesterday and Today

The great Claude Jeter's final album (produced by Anthony Heilbut) is a satisfying mix of newly recorded (in 1991) tracks blended with unreleased Swan Silvertones material.

nytimes obit

guardian obit

Texas Gospel Vol 6

Good Morning!

This will get your blood moving!

Texas Gospel, Vol. 5: Devil Can't Harm A Praying Man 1956/57

The organ swells and we are once again at Gospel Sunday.

"In the 1950s, if you were a quartet and a Peacock Recording Artist, man, you were something.
Some of the top quartets of the decade were on Peacock’s roster. Thanks to the Texas Gospel series by Opal Nations and Acrobat Records, the vast majority of Houston-based Peacock’s “World’s Greatest Spirituals” singles from its 1500 and 1700 series are now available on CD, some for the first time.
Sadly, after releasing the first two Texas Gospel volumes, Acrobat is no more. Nevertheless, gospel historian and project annotator Opal Nations has picked up the standard and is stewarding sales of Texas Gospel Volumes 3, 4, and 5. He plans for Texas Gospel to be a seven-volume series of Peacock singles when all is said and done. Meanwhile, this three-CD set, subtitled Devil Can’t Harm a Praying Man (a 1955 Dixie Hummingbirds song included here), features 85 tracks and a 60-page illustrated booklet by Nations that is so thick it hardly fits in the jewel case. (The liner notes are available for reading at www.pewburner.com/about_us.html.)
The 85 tracks on Vols. 3 – 5 take the listener from Peacock 1736 to 1781, or from 1951 to 1957, and feature quartets such as the Dixie Hummingbirds, Sensational Nightingales, Original Five Blind Boys (tracks not already included on a separate Acrobat set dedicated to the Archie Brownlee aggregation), Spirit of Memphis, Gospelaires of Dayton and singers Jessie Mae Renfro and Cleophus Robinson. Gospel hits such as the Birds’ “Trouble in My Way” and “Christian’s Automobile,” and the ‘Gales’ “Somewhere to Lay My Head” and “See How They Done My Lord” are intermixed with lesser-known but equally exquisite tracks such as the Spirit of Memphis’ “When” and the Blind Boys’ pop-flavored “There’s No Need to Cry,” featuring a passionate lead by Brownlee.
Even if you already own many of these recordings on vinyl, there is something about hearing them in chronological order. First, the experience hammers home just how much give and take there was between the “street corner” vocal groups of the mid-50s and gospel quartets when it came to employing doo-wop background vocals, impassioned leads, scooping and soaring falsetto leaps. Second, it helps you appreciate even more the artistry of the Dixie Hummingbirds and Sensational Nightingales and their respective leads Ira Tucker and Julius Cheeks. Third, hearing the various quartets in one sitting gives you a sense of the rivalry of the day, and how amazingly different the Spirit of Memphis was turning out to be. Fourth, it’s easier to carry around than a box full of 78s."
Five of Five Stars
Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Texas Gospel, vol 4

Happy Sunday!

The Robey Revolution begins to flower as influences and musicians creep in from the Duke side.

Lots of killer Hummingbirds and Nightingales, Blind Boys of Miss.,  Sister Jessie Mae Renfro, Sister Josephine James...really a remarkable set.

Texas Gospel, Volume Three

A late service today....

Boyd Rivers - You Can't Make Me Doubt

Here is something from a backroads country church to light up your gospel Sunday.  One of the great mysteries to me is why Boyd Rivers, who possessed a truly great and unique county blues/gospel voice, hardly had a chance to record.  Alan Lomax was on to him in the 70s and documented him on a few tracks.  Rivers lived and performed well  into the 90s.  Yet only the German L+R label had the sense to allow him to record an album.  Where was Fat Possum when we needed it?

So this is it as far as Boyd Rivers albums go.  It is also a rare album that (I believe) never got an issue on CD, despite the fact that it is from the 1980s.  True, a few other Boyd Rivers tracks made it to a few compilations, most notably the Living Country Blues series.  Still...

Boyd Rivers was also a very powerful live performer, and was fortunately filmed in performance a number of times.  Some of the results are available on youtube.  Check this one out, for example:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCalc5JrDeM     Muddy Waters is my probably favorite blues singer, but if I were Muddy Waters and heard that, I would probably stop performing "You Got to Take Sick and Die" from that day on!

Sincerely,

Pres