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SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Diane McKoy

Diane McKoy’s remarkable career has included acclaim in both gospel and bluegrass circles.

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Hear this episode's featured song.

2203_diane_mckoy_-_he_s_soon_to_come-.mp3
“He’s Soon to Come” - Diane McKoy

Before the amazing Rhiannon Giddens, Diane McKoy was making the unique connection between gospel and bluegrass music. There are, after all, deep American roots music between the two genres, and reflect a nearly lost part of our shared musical heritage.

Today, Diane McKoy is a well-known, multi-talented artist, one who has recorded widely, appeared in documentaries, and sung in the White House. As part of the roots music duo with Mildred Statzer, they taken Americana and bluegrass music from Appalachia to New York’s toughest neighborhoods.

But back in 1968, McKoy recorded a single gospel 45 for the eclectic HOB label out of Detroit, “He’s Soon to Come.” Recorded in New York’s famed Sceptre Studio, “He’s Soon to Come” is old-time stomping gospel – and her bell-like voice gives a strong hint of what’s ahead for this remarkable person and musician.

MUSIC: “He’s Soon to Come,” 45, Diane McKoy

I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU, the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project at Baylor University Libraries and is funded by generous support from the Prichard Foundation.