Gospel Song – I Want To Live the Life I Sing About In My Song. This is another popular gospel song written by Thomas Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music.” He lived from 1899-1993, mostly in Chicago, and composed over 1,000 gospel songs. Dorsey was a genius in combining his jazz background with the secular blues …
Gospel Song – Stand By Me. This gospel classic was written in 1905 by Rev. Charles Tindley, an AME pastor. It was first recorded in 1928 by the Pace Jubilee Singers. “Stand By Me” has been popular in the African American as well as the Southern Gospel churches ever since. This hymn was even an inspiration …
Gospel Song – Samson and Delilah (If I Had My Way). The legendary Blind Willie Johnson composed this song, and he recorded it in 1927. He only recorded about 30 songs in total, but practically every song has become a gospel classic. For more on his life, refer to the post “God Don’t Never Change.” This …
Gospel Song – Precious Lord, Take my Hand. Thomas Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music,” composed this song in 1932 after a horrific tragedy in his life. During the childbirth of his first child, his beloved wife died. Soon thereafter, his newborn son also died. Understandably, Dorsey sank into deep despair, withdrawing from his family and …
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 …