Author and Baylor University professor Robert Darden tells stories - and plays recordings - from the Baylor University Libraries' Black Gospel Music Restoration Project in an on-going weekly series of two-minute segments. Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments explores the distinctly African-American sound of the "Golden Age of Gospel" (1945-1975). The series celebrates this fertile musical period in American history, presenting cultural snapshots that reveal the depth of a people, their community, and the influence they have had on the rest of American music.
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jimmy Jones and the Sensationals
Deep-voiced Jimmy Jones was one of the few lead bass singers to lead his own group – the Sensationals – in the history of gospel music.
10/20/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Victory Travelers
The Victory Travelers are one of the last remaining examples of the hard-driving gospel quartet sound of the 1960s.
10/15/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Shackleford Singers
Detroit’s The Shackleford Singers bring the gospel funk with their explosive record, “Been to the Water.”
10/15/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Anthony Butler and His Singers
Anthony Butler and His Singers recreate the classic sound of the beloved Golden Gate Quartet with their song, “Judgement’s Coming.”
9/29/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sister Barbara Jones
While unknown today, Sister Barbara Jones’ razor-sharp soprano gives the stompin’ “Be Ready” a timeless quality.
9/22/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Drinkard Singers
The Drinkard Singers were one of the first families of gospel music, and whose members included Cissy Houston and Dionne Warwick.
9/15/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Mighty Inspirations
The Mighty Inspirations of Nashville mix the sounds of the Winans with soulful R&B on “Miracle Man.”
9/8/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Highway QCs
The Spence Taylor-led Highway QCs transform the old classic “I’ll Fly Away” into a Temptations styled psychedelic soul romp!
9/1/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sammy Lewis
The Rev. “Singing” Sammy Lewis was dubbed the Crown Prince of Gospel for recordings like “Jesus Paid It” for Vee-Jay Records.
8/25/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Columbus Mann
Columbus Mann and the Gospel Outreach Choir of the Pentecostal COGIC of Inkster, Michigan, Jesus Never Fails LP features the blistering seven-minute vamp, “Blind Old Satan.”
8/11/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sterling Glass and the Metropolitan Singers of Waterbury
Sterling Glass and the Metropolitan Singers are best known for their dramatic, 5 ½ minute version of the old spiritual, “Mary, Don’t You Weep.”
8/4/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Golden Trumpets
Check out the Golden Trumpets’ array of superb soloists on this winsome mid-tempo jubilee number, “Jesus My Doctor.”
7/28/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Capitolaires of Dayton, Ohio
This version of “Jesus Made it Possible” by The Capitolaires of Dayton, Ohio, tells you all you need to know about this powerful quartet.
7/21/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - DeLois Barrett Campbell
The legendary DeLois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters were at their peak on this live version of “I’ll Fly Away.”
7/14/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Charles Hayes
The Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir released 30 LPs during Hayes’ more than 50 years with the church, including up tempo rave-up, “Everything is Alright.”
6/30/2024 • 0
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Vernard Johnson
Vernard Johnson’s “sanctified saxophone” have been thrilling congregations for decades with his emotional versions of classic gospel songs and hymns.
6/23/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Corinthian Temple Radio Choir
Vernard Johnson’s “sanctified saxophone” have been thrilling congregations for decades with his emotional versions of classic gospel songs and hymns.
6/16/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Passage
Louis and Valerie Johnson of the famed Brothers Johnson join with friend Richard Heath on their excellent gospel side project, titled Passage.
6/10/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Mom & Pop Winans
The patriarch and matriarch of the far-flung Winans’ empire, Mom & Pop Winans, released some memorable gospel music as well, including “Nobody Else But Him.”
6/9/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Curtis Young and the Five Singing Sons
Curtis Young and the Five Singing Sons created a bouncy pop-oriented brand of gospel music that will immediately make you think of the Jackson 5.
5/26/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia
The gritty Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia produced a rough and ready brand of soulful gospel music.
5/19/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jessy Dixon
Jessy Dixon’s long career included one album produced and recorded with Andrae Crouch, It’s All Right Now.
5/12/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Cogics
The teen-age COGICs’ “It Will Never Lose Its Power” is the earliest recording of Andrae Crouch’s beloved “The Blood (Will Never Lose Its Power.”
5/5/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Golden Gate Quartet
One of the most irresistible songs in all of gospel music is the Golden Gate Quartet’s a cappella rendition of the story of Daniel in the lion’s den – “Shadrack.”
4/28/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Violinaires
You’ve never heard Bob Dylan’s masterful “I Shall Be Released” until you’ve heard it sung by Robert Blair and the Violinaires of Chicago.
4/21/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - James Herndon
James Herndon was one of the top composers and pianists during gospel’s Golden Age and responsible for such upbeat classic hits as “No Courage Soldier” from 1968.
4/14/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Golden Wings of Atlanta, Georgia
During the mid-1980s, the Golden Wings of Atlanta sang silky smooth gospel with songs like “Jesus Will Make Everything All Right.”
3/31/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. Pearly Brown
Blind street-corner singer the Rev. Pearlie Brown’s haunting rendition of the old spiritual “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning” is a powerful glimpse into our musical past.
3/24/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Gospel All-Stars
The Gospel All-Stars’ “It’s Me, Oh Lord,” is one of the earliest recordings of gospel legend James Cleveland.
3/17/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Elder Nick Hightower and Sister Massey
Elder Nick Hightower’s old-school Hammond B-3 stylings are the highlight of this rare gospel instrumental, “Let Everybody March.”
3/10/2024 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jean Austin
Birmingham native Jean Austin’s hoarse and commanding voice is perfect for her slow and smokey version of “I Ain’t No Stranger Now
3/3/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. Raymond Dozier
The patriarch of the Dozier family of gospel singers, the Rev. Raymond Dozier, is a masterful gospel singer himself – witness his rendition of “No Kids Allowed.”
2/11/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Sons of the Birds
When a member of the Dixie Hummingbirds missed a show, a member of the Sons of the Birds stepped right in!
2/4/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Dorothy Maynor
The glorious voice of Dorothy Maynor deserves to be better known today.
1/28/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. Willie A. Treadwell
The Rev. Willie A. Treadwell’s Treadwell Community Singers were much loved in their native Chicago for their rendition of old favorites like “Sit Down, Servant.”
1/21/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers
The Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Choir’s “It’s Gonna Rain” may be the best cover version ever of an Andrae Crouch and the Disciples songs.
1/14/2024 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "The Virgin Mary Had One Son" by The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers’ elegiac, mournful version of the ancient spiritual “The Virgin Mary Had One Son” is a great way to say goodbye to 2023!
12/31/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "We Three Kings" by Williams Brothers
You’re not likely to hear a more creative interpretation of the old carol “We Three Kings” than this one by the Williams Brothers.
12/24/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Christmas Joy" by The Soul Stirrers
The legendary Soul Stirrers recorded a handful of Christmas songs in the late 1960s, including the pop-oriented “Christmas Joy.”
12/17/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" by The Gospel Starlets
The Gospel Starlet’s version of the old folk spiritual “Children Go Where I Send Thee” owes much to legendary producer Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” approach.
12/10/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Melvin Boyd and the Fabulous Ohio Wonders
“I’m Going to Work” is a sterling gospel release by the powerful vocalist Melvin Boyd and the Fabulous Ohio Wonders.
11/26/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Melody Kings
The Melody Kings of Los Angeles epitomize a certain deep-South soulful gospel with “I’m Going to Walk Through the Streets.”
11/19/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Georgia Mass Choir
The Georgia Mass Choir conduct a master class on the power of gospel music with their live version of “I’m Going to Hold Out.”
11/12/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Louise McCord
The powerful voice of Louise McCord is featured on the Thomas Whitfield produced gospel stomper, “I’m Going On.”
11/5/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Candi Staton
In her 50-year career, Candi Staton has sung every kind of music, but may be at her best with gospel, including her irresistible hit, “He Set Me Free.”
10/15/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Angelic Choir
The famed Angelic Choir of Nutley, New Jersey, released a host of compelling albums and songs, including “The Last Request” from 1968.
10/8/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - McHenry Boatwright
That’s the glorious bass-baritone voice of McHenry Boatwright singing and playing piano on the old spiritual, “Let Us Break Bread Together.”
10/4/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments
The Tabernacle Echoes were founded in 1955 at Washington D.C.’s legendary Tabernacle Baptist Church.
10/2/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jubilee Messengers
"I Won't Have to Cry No More" is a great example of the talents of longtime Memphis favorites, the Jubilee Messengers.
9/24/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Stapleton Singers
The old gospel song "Tell Him What You Want" gets a rousing treatment from 22-year-old Mavis and the Staple Singers.
9/17/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Leontyne Price
Legendary lyric soprano Leontyne Price's ethereal voice elevates the beloved spiritual "There is a Balm in Gilead" to new heights.
9/10/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Donald Vails
In his short life, Donald Vails left a great gospel music legacy with his Choraleers, including "He Looked Beyond My Faults" in 1975.
9/3/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sandra Crouch
The Sandra Crouch LP We Sing Praises is credited with saving the nearly bankrupt Light Records label in 1983.
8/27/2023 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sister Wynona Carr
Sister Wynona Carr’s “The Ball Game” has found a new life in recent years -- nearly 70 years after it was first released!
8/20/2023 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. Lionel Davis
“I Picked It Up and Put It Down, God Turned My Life Around” by the Rev. Lionel Davis is that rare gospel song with a sense of humor.
8/13/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Mighty Supreme Voices
The Mighty Supreme Voices of Dallas, Texas, tear up their own composition, the funky “I Don’t Have a Friend Like Jesus.”
8/6/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Mighty Skylights
The Mighty Skylights were part of the even mightier Vee-Jay Records' roster of gospel artists in the late 1950s.
7/30/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Cassietta George
The legendary Cassietta George was a star both with the Caravans and as a solo artist, wrecking churches with songs like her rendition of "I Must Tell Jesus."
7/23/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sara Jordan Powell
You'll never hear a more powerful version of "Keep Your Hands on the Plow and Hold On" than this one by Sara Jordon Powell.
7/16/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Rev. Janice Barnes
The Rev. Janice Barnes and the Jr. Petite Choir of Red Budd Holy Church of Rocky Mount, NC, I Must Be Young deliver a devastating gospel version of the beloved hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross."
7/9/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Confessionals Gospel Singers
The otherwise unknown Confessionals Gospel Singers offer their own interpretation of Andrae Crouch's "I Don't Know Why Jesus Loved Me."
7/2/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Rev. Timothy Wright
The Rev. Timothy Wright’s untimely death at age 61 in 2009 was a great loss to gospel music.
6/25/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Edwin Hawkins & the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir
Edwin Hawkins and the Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir send the live audience home with a rousing “None But the Righteous.”
6/19/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Antioch Baptist Church Choir
You’ll love the innocent authenticity of the Antioch Baptist Church Choir’s rendition of “He’s My Savior, Too.”
6/11/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Blind Boys of Alabama
The always innovative Blind Boys of Alabama tear up Hank Williams “I Saw the Light” in 1965.
6/4/2023 • 2 minutes
The Anna Murrell Singers - "I Heard the News."
The Anna Murrell Singers' "I Heard the News" showcases the voice of Madame Anna - the pride of Pittsburgh's thriving gospel scene.
5/23/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Albertina Walker and the Caravans
Albertina Walker and the Caravans put their gospel-ized spin on Jackie DeShannon’s pop hit, “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.”
4/30/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 350th Episode features the Testimonial Singers
This week marks the 350th episode of SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments. Hear about the Testimonial Singers’ “Thank You for the Mind,” and hear the Winans before they were famous!
4/23/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moment - Jordan Travelers
“Go Where Jesus Is” is a standout track from the little-known Jordan Travelers, fueled by the dynamic voice of Floyd Skinner.
4/16/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Bradley Singers
The Bradley Singers were a joyfully talented group of siblings from St. Louis whose original composition “Up, Up and Away” was guaranteed to wreck the church wherever they performed.
4/9/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - J. Robert Bradley
J. Robert Bradley’s magnificent voice could cause an entire convention to call for an intermission after one of his performances.
4/2/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Rev. C.L. Franklin
The Rev. C.L. Franklin may have been America’s best-known Black preacher, but he was a pretty good singer, too!
3/26/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - E.D. Sangster Gospel Chorus
The E.D. Sangster Gospel Chorus of the Brooklyn Holy House of Prayer rocks their rendition of the old hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.”
3/19/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was a true American hero – and a wonderful singer. Here’s his version of the spiritual, “I’ve Got a Home in Dat Rock.”
3/12/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jubilee Hummingbirds
The old spiritual “I’ve Got Shoes” gets the full Memphis treatment by the Rev. Al Banks and the Jubilee Hummingbirds.
3/5/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Clara Ward
Marian Williams takes the lead on the Clara Ward and the Ward Singers’ version of Brewster’s memorable “I’m Climbing Up Higher and Higher.”
2/26/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sons of Jordan
Featuring Roosevelt Glass, the Sons of Jordan sing old-school, gut-bucket gospel, like their version of “Just Like He Said.”
2/19/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Mt Moriah MBC Choir
Dorothy Love Coates’ “Finishing Line” is one of the highlights of the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Choir LP, I Don’t Know What I’d Do.
2/12/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Melody Kings
Hilliard McSwine and the Melody Kings of Greenwood, Mississippi deliver some serious gospel boogie with “I’m On My Way.”
2/5/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Shirley Caesar
They call Shirley Caesar “The First Lady of Gospel Music” for good reason – just listen to one of her great story-songs, “Hold My Mule,” and see if you don’t agree!
1/29/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Freedom Soul Singers
The multi-talented Paul Leka released one gospel recording his long career, the bright and bouncy “His Love Flows Through Me Like a River” by the otherwise unknown Freedom Soul Singers.
1/22/2023 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was an American original – actress, activist and singer of such classic songs as “Stand by Me.”
1/15/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Doris Akers
Doris Akers was a legendary composer, arranger, choir director and singer – check out her version of the old classic, “Dwelling in Beulah Land.”
1/8/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Al Green
The legendary Rev. Al Green conjured up a slow and simmering gospel version of “People Get Ready” along with a host of classic soul and pop singles.
1/2/2023 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Vernessa Mitchell
Vernessa Mitchell’s slow and slinky version of “Silent Night” is a great way to close the holiday season.
12/25/2022 • 2 minutes
Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Commissioned
Commissioned’s funky contribution to Christmas music is the beat-heavy “Joy” from 1991.
12/18/2022 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Black Nativity
Gospel music rarely gets better than the combination of Marion Williams and Princess Stewart on Black Nativity’s “Joy to the World”
12/4/2022 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Sallie Martin
Sallie Martin’s version of Willie Webb’s “(Jesus is the Answer) He’s All I Need” is authentic, homespun gospel music.
11/27/2022 • 2 minutes
SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Thomas Dorsey
One of the rarest items in the entire Black Gospel Music Preservation Program is Thomas Dorsey’s “How About You” from 1932.
