THE Place to Discover Great Gospel Songs
Again, there’s ALWAYS a story! In the early 1960s, during the height of Motown influence on pop culture, Robert Lumzy began to teach his daughters all about Rock n’ Roll. In a small five-room house in Columbia, Mississippi, his daughters would croon, harmonize, and snap their fingers to the beat as guitar player Lumzy mapped … Read more and listen Precious
Many of us are familiar with this song as performed by gospel legend Daryl Coley, but here is a version sung by a soloist in the Wilmington-Chester (PA) Mass Choir that deserves props as well. For those of you who might be new to JVOI, the choir sang this song several years ago and it … Read more and listen He Is Preparing Me
Not always the most pleasant subject, theme of the precious blood of Jesus has always been a part of gospel music. Rather than ignore the subject because it might not still well with some people, I just want to say that some of my favorite songs, musically, revolve around the subject. So… I’m going to … Read more and listen The Blood…
I’ve edited this song from none other than the master, Richard Smallwood, to contain only the ending vamp creating the world’s simplest, most infectious, most singable, praise and worship song ever. The song just says “I will sing praises, praises unto you.” That’s it. Add in a whole bunch of modulations, and viola! What more … Read more and listen I Will Sing Praises
This song features one of the most unique gospel singers you will ever hear, the late Rev. James Moore. No one has a voice like this or makes the sounds he does. (James starts at 5:15…that’s one reason the track runs 11 minutes!) As an aside, I just happen to catch an American Idol audition … Read more and listen Redeemed
A two-fer today. This simple song is from Rev. Clay Evans, one of my favorite gospel artists. He doesn’t have a lovely voice, it’s rough and gravely, but he always picks great songs and the choirs that back him up are always top notch.
Happy Friday! Even if you’re not a big believer in salvation or being saved, you can’t help getting pulled into this song. Real deal traditional gospel. The soloist’s voice is a bit strident and shrill at times, but that doesn’t detract from the overall impact of the song. I love these older less than perfect … Read more and listen Now I’m Saved By His Grace
Some choirs just have IT. It’s not high production value or incredible voices, it’s the spirit that is so immediately evident. Here’s another classic gem from Chicago’s famous Lighthouse Baptist Church Evangelical Choir recorded in 1983.
A remake of Bob Dylan’s 1979 classic, featured in the 2001 movie “Boycott”. LOTS of funk here, including a complete horn section and a funky Stevie Wonderesque Clavinet.
This song has long been a staple of the Boston Community Choir and JVOI has had the opportunity to sing it jointly with a couple of choirs we have sung with. Unfortunately it has never become a bone fide part of our repertoire. I think it’s time to revisit that. To me, this song has … Read more and listen Psalm 27 – The Lord Is My Light