Ricky Dillard and his New Generation Chorale has always been one of the finest gospel groups around. Dillard is a real stickler for details and excellence and it shows in all his work. Here is an old song from 1996, “You’re My Everything”, not to be confused with Richard Smallwood’s song “My Everything“.
You're My EverythingRicky Dillard and The New Generation Chorale5:03
A few of the the fabulous Clark Sisters..at least Twinkie and Karen, traveled to Florida in 1996 to have a concert with The Florida A&M University Choir. The event was taped and recorded and it was quite something.
So here we have the same song from two choirs both brought to America’s attention by Rev. James Cleveland; The Charles Fold Singers and The Donald Vail Choraleers.
So, the question for today is, how far into the song do you have to go until you figure out the tune or song that THIS song was based on. You’ll know when you hear it…the riff/chord structure just makes you think…”I KNOW that…it’s from….uh…________!!!! (You fill in the blank.) So, two versions of the same song, each given their own unique treatment by the artist.
Something About God's GraceJames Cleveland Presents The Donald Vails Choraleers4:20
Something About God's GraceRev. James Cleveland & The Charles Fold Singers5:17
Here is a real oldie from on of Rev. James Cleveland’s early choirs, The Southern California Community Choir. This is real deal gospel, from the roots of old school mass choir recordings.
Lord Give Me A Patient SpiritRev. James Cleveland and The Southern California Community Choir4:19
I had this song in my iTunes library, but it had no info as to artist and album…so I did a bit of research. It’s by Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir and it features great vocals by Alicia Williamson & Maurice Carter. Another version of this song was a huge hit for LaShun Pace Rhodes
Glad About ItJoe Pace & The Colorado Mass Choir4:19
Rance Allen is has never been your typical gospel performer. He has a totally unique style and voice; it is a crossover mix of soul/r&b/gospel and a bit of pop. But it works for what it is…very different contemporary gospel.
A while ago I posted a version of Tina Turner singing this song, but this might be even better. It features Bishop G. E. Patterson.
Growing up on Orleans street in the Lauderdale Sub neighborhood of Memphis, he was saved at 11 years old at a revival held in Holy Temple COGIC. Holy Temple COGIC was founded by his father. Later he moved with his family to Detroit, where his father pastored a second church New Jerusalem COGIC. At the age of 16, he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and answered his call to ministry in 1956 while he was only 16 years old at New Jerusalem. On November 14, 2000, Patterson was elected as Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ and he served until his death in 2007…a year after this recording was released.
Mary Mary are actually sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell. Formed in 1998, Mary Mary was launched into mainstream recognition following the release of their best-selling debut album, Thankful, which contained not only this track but the hit single “Shackles (Praise You)”. Their followup album Incredible (2002), reached number one on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Their third album, Mary Mary (2005), contains the worldwide hits “Heaven”, and “Yesterday”. The group’s name is inspired by two famous Marys from the Bible: Mary, mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.