Gospel Song – If We Ever Needed The Lord Before, We Sure Do Need Him Now. Thomas Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music,” composed this song in 1943. It has become a classic, sung by soloists, choirs, quartets, and various ensembles. It’s a snappy gospel song that has been interpreted in jazz, funk, and just about …

Gospel Song – Never Grow Old. This gospel classic was written by James Moore (1888-1962), in 1914. Moore was a Baptist preacher in Georgia who maintained his musical ministry throughout his life. He wrote over 500 gospel songs. For some reason, this song wasn’t published until 1930. It was considered to be “country gospel,” which was …

Gospel Song – Peace in the Valley. Gospel genius Thomas Dorsey wrote this song in 1937 for his friend, Mahalia Jackson. Dorsey was riding in a train after he heard about Hitler making his presence felt in western Europe, and he pondered about why mankind just couldn’t ever seem to be at peace. He thought about …

Gospel Song – Lord, You’re the Landlord. This gospel song has been sung in countless African American churches for generations. And yet, no one knows who wrote the song, who first recorded it, and when it was composed. It is listed as “traditional.” The lyrics are fascinating and still reach a wide audience. Enjoy.   LYRICS …

Gospel Song – Soon Will Be Done With the Trouble in This World.  This gospel classic is said to be “traditional,” with an unknown composer. It was included in a 1940 compilation entitled “American Negro Folk Songs,” and has been a mainstay in gospel music ever since. As with many traditional songs, the lyrics and …

Gospel Song – You Can’t Hurry God. This song is listed as a “traditional” gospel song. There is a source that lists Dorothy Love Coates as the composer. She indeed recorded it in 1953 with her singing group the Gospel Harmonettes, and so she could indeed be the writer of this song. It has become a …

Gospel Song – Old Blind Barnabas. Recorded in 1941 by the Golden Gate Quartet, this song is in the talking gospel tradition. Talking gospel usually highlights a Bible story by reading the words in rhyme to a rhythm in the background. The composer of this song was Willie T. Johnson of the Golden Gate Quartet. Barnabas …

Gospel Song – The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow.  Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993) is forever known as the Father of Gospel Music, having written over 1,000 gospel songs in his career. He was a visionary who combined jazz and secular blues with sacred text and worship. His lyrics were biblically and musically inspiring. He wrote “The …

Gospel Song – Up Above My Head. This traditional call-and-response gospel song was first recorded in 1941, author unknown. Sister Rosetta Tharpe popularized it in 1947, and the song has now continued to be covered by all manner of performers all over the globe. In 1961 it was altered into a civil rights song by Bernice …

Gospel Song – Working On A Building. This gospel song has an interesting racial history. It started out as, and in most ways remained, an African American gospel song. It was in a hymnal in 1929, and was included in a collection called “American Negro Songs” in 1940. But music historians claim that this is an …

Gospel Song – Nobody’s Fault But Mine. Blind Willie Johnson recorded this classic gospel blues song in 1927. Willie wasn’t born blind. He was blinded when he was seven years old in a domestic incident in which lye water was accidentally thrown into his eyes. He continued to be a faithful church-goer and no doubt absorbed …

Gospel Song – I Bid You Good Night. This old gospel song has a history that is difficult to unravel. Most of the people who  are in the know credit the lyrics to poet Sarah Doudney in 1871, and the tune to Ira Sankey in 1884. The song was also in a gospel hymnal in 1928, …