Gospel Song – I Shall Wear A Crown. This popular version of “I shall wear a crown“, apparently composed by Richard Smallwood, is very different than another song with the same name, composed by Thomas Whitfield. Smallwood’s rendition is a very up-tempo traditional gospel song, very triumphant, very joyful and hopeful. Rev. Smallwood is a classically …
Gospel Song – Just A Closer Walk With Thee. This traditional gospel song ranks up there with “When the saints go marching in” as the most recorded song in the African American folk tradition. “Just a closer walk” was first published in 1940, and then quickly was recorded in 1941 by Selah Jubilee Singers and then …
Gospel Song – Jesus Met the Woman At the Well. Many have claimed that this traditional gospel song was composed by the legendary blind musician Rev. Gary Davis. We do know that the earliest recording of this song is in 1947, and that the song was said to be arranged by J.W. Alexander. The song continues …
Gospel Song – When the Saints Go Marching In. This gospel classic has uncertain origins, but we do know it is a part of the early African American folk tradition. The song has become universal in terms of its presence in musical history, and it’s probably the most covered gospel song of all time. “When the …
Gospel Song – His Eye Is On the Sparrow. This classic gospel hymn was written and published in 1905 by Charles Gabriel and Civilla Martin. Although both composers were white, their song immediately struck a chord in the African American church. “His Eye…” was thus popularized early in the black community, and has been covered by …
Gospel Song – How I Got Over. This monumental gospel song was written in 1951 by singer Clara Ward. The song was inspired by an incident in that same year as Clara was traveling with her singing group to Atlanta, Georgia. The segregated South was on full display as they encountered racism in a very personal …
Gospel Song – Didn’t It Rain? It’s not clear when this gospel song was composed. It might have originated as a call and response work song during the slavery era, but it was arranged in 1919 by Henry Burleigh. “Didn’t it rain” was recorded first by the Galilee Singers in the 1920’s, and it was popularized …
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 …