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.
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.
Last night as I drove home from JVOI rehearsal, this song came on and it knocked my socks off. Why hadn’t I heard this before?? Whatever the reason, I had to share it with you all. It’s my new “favorite song”!
The first version is by Ms. Le’Andria Johnson who, not surprisingly, won BET’s “Sunday Best” gospel singer competition. This woman can SING and her album “The Experience” is beautifully produced.
If Jesus Can't Fix ItLe'Andria Johnson5:59
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The second version, the original as it were, is by The venerable Mississippi Mass Choir from an album they recorded live with James Moore at Jackson State University in 1995. Also a remarkable recording!
Absolutely classic James Cleveland. Everything about this song is soooo James Cleveland…his solo voice, the somewhat strident sound of the choir, the piano part, the format of the song. This is “The King of Gospel Music” at his very best.
Right Now Let The Savior Bless YouJames Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir5:02
ANY song from Walter Hawkins and The Hawkins Family is good…by definition. Walter was one of the very best at writing contemporary gospel songs that could pull at your heartstrings and make you weep. To wit: “What Is This” from 1980.
What Is ThisWalter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family6:12
It’s a twofer Sunday. First off, some GREAT B-3 organ and then a great bluesy version of the same song from the GMWA Mass Choir at the nation convention in Birmingham AL in 2016.
Just Another Day (That The Lord Has Kept MeEustice Matthew Williams5:04
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"Just Another Day That The Lord Has Kept Me - GMWA Birmingham 2016 - Dan "Spiffy" Neuman on guitar"GMWA Mass Choir4:30
Just Another Day That The Lord Has Kept Me - GMWA Birmingham 2016GMWA Mass Choir4:30
Twinkie Clark (nee Elbertina) is the eldest daughter of Mattie Moss Clark who was Director of the Music Department for The Church of God in Christ. With her sisters, Twinkie headed the Clark Sister who had a huge impact on contemporary gospel. Twinkie was well versed as an organist and could make the B3 be a true instrument of praise. This song showcases Twinkie’s talents.
This song was suggested to me by Tina Kohout, a singer in Joyful Voices of Inspiration. Thank you Tina; great find. This cut is from a 1983 album of Prince’s titled “Piano & A Microphone”. Great self accompanied solo version.
Mary Don't You WeepPrince4:26
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The recently released music video for this song is raw and powerful. Watch on YouTube:
Tamela Mann is a great gospel singer, but I haven’t listened to much of her work to be honest. This song is from the soundtrack of the movie “Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman” which I haven’t seen. The song is good gospel though and I thought I would share it with you today.
Take It To JesusTamela Mann2:53
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Here’s part of Tamela’s bio from Wikipedia:
Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. She was a featured soloist on several tracks while with Franklin’s group, including “Lean on Me”. She released her debut studio album in 2005. Her third studio album, Best Days was certified Gold by the RIAA, and lead single “Take Me to the King” was huge commercial success, and well as received Grammy Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance nomination.[1]
Mann is known for her role as Cora in Tyler Perry’s plays, including I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea’s Family Reunion, Madea’s Class Reunion, Meet the Browns, and What’s Done in the Dark. Mann has appeared in movies including Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Madea’s Big Happy Family. She recorded some songs on the soundtrack for Diary of a Mad Black Woman, including participating in the song “Father (Can You Hear Me)”.