Soother Gospel Music

As I have said, I can't get YouTube where I am. And the VPN or whatever is not workable at all --I can't bypass the system.

But there are several Chinese sites that offer a tiny fraction of what YouTube provides. The picture quality is compromised though. So I have been using YouKu to get my fix.

In the past I have not been a particular fan of southern gospel music. I have always liked quartet vocals though. But the content of the songs and the showmanship turned me off.

I appreciate theological depth --meaningful lyrics. But lately I have seen and heard some snips of these Gaither Homecomings and they are special. I do think that the singers are sometimes too performance-oriented. I also think that some are too wrapped up in their vocal artistry and that they crave applause.

Most of these singers are from Pentecostal or Charismatic backgrounds. They have connections with TBN, Robert Schuller,Swaggart and other questionable ministries. In other words I don't think they are orthodox Calvinists!

But I have really liked some of their material --especially the older hymns.

Back in the early 70s I went to hear Bill and Gloria Gaither and Henry Slaughter. The Gaithers have to be the most significant Christain song writers of the 20th century. (It's too soon to determine their status for the 21st century)

Sue Dodge has an exceptional voice and personality. Janet Paschal and Ann Downing are wonderful too.

J.D. Sumner is a sentimental favorite of mine. I have met him several times as well as Ed Enoch and Donnie Sumner. I won't name any of the songs right now --but check out J.D and Donnie.

George Younce used to be with the Cathedrals. He is a fine bass singer.

Ray Boltz does not have a dynamic voice, but his songs are very solid. Words are important. Other singers blessed with greater talent were in tears because of what he was saying in his songs.

James Blackwell seemed to be a fine Christian man. He was featured in his 70s when his voice was not in its prime. But his Christian character stands out.

Many of these saints have passed away. Are any of you familiar with some of the ones I mentioned?

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The Heading should be "Southern Gospel Music."

 

I just caught George Younce singing with his group the Cathedrals --Suppertime. Excellent and encouraging.

 

I had never heard of them until you mentioned them. I looked up some reviews on Amazon --they were glowing. I will find out more later on.

I'll see if I can check that one out also.

 

I dare you not to like these selections

Okay, here are some songs that I found on the Gaither Homcoming clips I've seen on YouKu:

Oh what a happy day
If it keeps on getting better
Jesus hold my hand
The happy jubilee
O, the glory did roll
Born to serve the Lord
Jesus is coming soon
Sheltered in the arms of God*
He keeps me singing
We'll talk it over
I've been with Jesus
Do you know my Jesus?
I'm winging my way back home
Jesus hold my hand
Just tell them when you saw me
Born again
Suppertime

And one for fun: Give the world a smile

 

This isn't related to the Gaither specials.

I like the Statler Brothers. They retired a number of years ago but Jimmy Fortune --high tenor (remember 'Elizabeth'?) still tours.

Anyway, I appreciate the videos where they are around the piano singing hymns.

Are you washed in the blood?
Precious memories
Since Jesus came into my heart
Wonderful words of life
Jesus loves me
Amazing grace
How great thou art
Hide thou me
Leaning on the everlasting arms
His eye is on the sparrow
Til the storm passes by
The King is coming