This week's list is longer than usual and I split it up between things that should be listening to (that is the sound is more important than the visual) and videos that should be seen.
More than almost any other kind of music in this course, Gospel is about public live performance and many songs are far more expressive and emotional with audience feedback than their studio versions suggest.As always, if you find dead links, please let me know.
NB. PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE WATCHING SECTION, ESPECIALLY THE LAST THREE VIDEOS IN THE LIST, BY JAMES CLEVELAND, THOMAS DORSEY AND THE CLARK SISTERS!
LISTENING
Arizona Juanita Dranes
I Shall Wear a Crown (1927)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79hhWYVY75s
Proto gospel, has elements of ragtime and honky tonk.
Thomas Dorsey
If You See My Savior (1932)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2-twJpqjFY
Early song by the man known as the father of gospel music. Has a lot in common with white country gospel of the time.
The Heavenly Gospel Singers
Precious Lord, Take My Hand (1937)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTi0KwX5bb0
The first recording of what is generally thought to be the first gospel song, written by Dorsey.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Strange Things Happening Every Day (1944)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-88l-M0KgkI
A joyful number that revolutionized the genre. It's influence went far beyond the field of gospel and pre-figures many features of rock 'n roll. Tharpe was one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century.
Mahalia Jackson
Move on up a Little Higher (1947)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtJbvdzXas4
Another record that helped create the genre. Originally a two-sided 78, the second side begins at around 2:39. Jackson went onto become the most iconic gospel performer.
Brother Joe May
Search Me Lord (1950)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ExcTBYpBU
Uptempo and syncopated number by the most famous gospel male soloist. The influence of Bessie Smith is very strong.
Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers
(He's So) Wonderful (1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMVJPsfnXr8
Smooth sound with a lead vocal by Sam Cooke who become something of a gospel teen idol before beginning a career in secular pop music.
Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke
At the Gate (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g50fNe-__d8
At one point one of the most popular gospel performers. She had a modest voice that could not boom out like Mahalia Jackson, and achieved emotional intensity through melisma (moving between notes on a single syllable) and was a key figure in mainstreaming this technique in gospel singing.
Bottle of Tears (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8i0wRtROY4
Cooke was also known for "sermonettes" short spoken and partly sung messages. This is an interesting example of a woman 'sightseeing' in Heaven.
The Edwin Hawkins Singers
Oh Happy Day (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJohGa66FJM
A recording of a hymn from 1755 that unexpectedly became a worldwide hit in 1969.
The Dixie Hummingbirds
I Found a Friend (1969)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvogNMKule4
A catchy number with a non-trivial influence from white country gospel.
Andraé Crouch
Take Me Back (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0I9iEUfRvI
More an arranger than a performer, Crouch freely mixed elements of secular popular music with gospel formulas. He also closely worked with a number of secular artists including Michael Jackson, Madonna and Elton John.
The Winans
It's Time (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7-4BWW6W1M
This number mixes elements of hip hop (including rap).
WATCHING
Ethel Waters
His Eye is on the Sparrow (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3-p3GDV6w
Her career lasted over 50 years and included both secular and sacred music as well as performances on stage and screen (film and TV) for both black and white audiences. This song, more than any other, was associated with her and was the title of her autobiography. The song begins at 0:54.
Five Blind Boys of Alabama
Too Close (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5OnA6JOacE
Many gospel groups last for decades with regular changes of membership. The very committed lead vocal is by Charles Fountain. The emotional charge seems to invoke not just spiritual but perhaps also erotic ecstacy (there is a long history of one leading to the other).
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Up Above My Head (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeaBNAXfHfQ
A live performance showing off, among other things, her mastery of the electric guitar which was far more advanced than anything happening in secular music at the time.
The Clara Ward Singers
Medley (1963)
(Travellin Shoes; He's got the Whole World in his Hands; When the Saints go Marchin' in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoWZX3If9gs
Clara Ward was second only to Mahalia Jackson in recognition with the general public. She led the group but only occasionally sang lead. In this clip she plays the piano for the first two numbers before assuming the lead of the third. The massive wig was very on brand for her in the 1960s.
Where is your faith in God?
Rev. James Cleveland (1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wl4ogb0ZbQ
Cleveland was known as the "King of Gospel" and was responsible for mixing elements of popular music or jazz into performances.
Thomas Dorsey
Oh Precious Lord (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2YlkpLGkSg
The song that made gospel music almost 50 years later. Dorsey, himself, was in his 80s. Part of the 1982 documentary "Say Amen, Somebody".
The Clark Sisters
Medley (1983)
(including Name it, Claim it; Is My Living in Vain?; Halleluja)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmA2M6yVa70
The biggest selling female gospel group of all time. This set is the highlight of the 1983 concert movie "Gospel" and one of the finest and most emotional gospel performances caught on film.
BONUS - SERMONS:
Recorded sermon (audio only).
Rev. C.L. Franklin (father of Aretha).
Dry Bones in the Valley (1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67nR827F-aw
Recorded sermon (video).
Rev. B.W. Smith
Watch Them Dogs (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hlHPYbTPZI
Enjoy! And see you sinners in class!
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