Gospel Song – Sweet, Sweet Spirit. This classic hymn was composed by the gospel great Doris Akers in 1962. Pleases refer to the post, “You Can’t Beat God Giving” for more on her life and ministry. The story behind this song is that one Sunday morning, she was in prayer with her church choir before the …
Gospel Song – The Wicked Shall Cease Their Troubling. Jessy Dixon (1938-2011), the composer of this gospel classic, was a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist and worship leader during the latter decades of the 20th century. He was nominated for seven Grammy awards, he toured with Paul Simon internationally, and he wrote songs for stars such …
Gospel Song – Highway to Heaven. There are questions about who composed this gospel classic. Many resources state that the writer of this song is unknown. On the other hand, “Highway to Heaven” is included in a Thomas Dorsey compilation, which implies that the legendary Father of Gospel Music wrote this song. We do know that …
Gospel Song – You Can’t Beat God Giving. This classic gospel song was written in 1957 by Doris Akers (1923-1995). She was a highly accomplished gospel musician, and was revered for her talents in singing, keyboards, composing, producing, directing, and song arranging. Ms. Akers wrote over 500 gospel songs during her career, and was even affectionally …
Gospel Song – Brother Moses Smote the Water. There is little known about the origins of this traditional gospel song. The earliest recording of “Brother Moses” was in 1941. But it became a gospel standard after the Golden Gate Quartet recorded it in 1945. It is telling that Moses is thought of as “brother” in the …
Gospel Song – Jesus Is On the Mainline. This gospel song is considered “traditional,” but surely with roots in the African American folk tradition. Mississippi Fred McDowell (1906-1972) recorded and popularized it in the 1950’s, but a version of it was recorded by the Plantation Echoes as far back as 1937. It has been recorded in …
Gospel Song – Operator, Information, Give Me Jesus On the Line. This gospel song is like a two-stage rocket. Sister Wynona Carr wrote a song in 1954, “Operator, Give me Jesus on the Phone.” And then in 1959 William Spivery of the gospel group The Friendly Brothers took that song and adapted it into what we …
Gospel Song – Oh Happy Day! This gospel classic was a number hit in 1969, performed by gospel pianist Edwin Hawkins and his church choir in Berkeley, California. Mr. Hawkins actually composed this gospel arrangement of an 18th century hymn by Rev. Philip Dodderidge. The song became an instant hit after Hawkins recorded it in his …
Gospel Song – Total Praise. This contemporary gospel gem was composed and recorded by Dr. Richard Smallwood in 1990. For more on his life and ministry, refer to the blog post “I shall wear a crown.” Many musicians and gospel lovers consider “Total Praise” to be his masterpiece, an example of what just might be …
Gospel Song – I Don’t Feel Noways Tired. The original composer of this gospel song was Curtis Burrell, but it was recorded and popularized by the gospel treasure Rev. James Cleveland in 1976. Rev. Cleveland took the song and arranged it for his performances, and the song took off. It has been featured in many movies …
Gospel Song – This Train. This traditional gospel song has become a standard since Sister Rosetta Tharpe recorded it in the late 1930’s. In the early 1950’s, she recorded the song with her electric guitar, and the song became a universal favorite across the genres: folk, blues, bluegrass, gospel, jazz and reggae. It is said that …
Gospel Song – I Stood On the Banks of Jordan. Rev. James Cleveland (1931-1991) was a key figure in transitioning from traditional gospel to a more contemporary gospel, incorporating more soul, pop and jazz into his compositions and performances. Rev. Cleveland tended to write music for mass choirs, and was often producing records for the various …