There have been several groups with the name “the Gospel Messengers” in the history of gospel music – but the one most treasured by collectors was an aggregation out of Cincinnati in the early 1960s. The group cut one LP for Sharp Records of Newark, NJ, and another a few years later with singer Charles Fold – and that’s about it.
But their LP His Love – complete with a HARVEY cover – is full of up tempo gospel gems. My favorite is “Joy Like a River” – which dispenses with the usual verse/chorus format and goes straight to a foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ double-time vamp, full of joyful gospel harmonies and a righteously preaching lead vocal.
MUSIC: (2503) The Gospel Messengers, “Joy Like a River,” 45 (Jan. 19, 2025)
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.