SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Heavenly Stars of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Heavenly Stars of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recorded three incredibly rare 45s for the otherwise unknown Church, C.L.B. and Hummingbird record labels during the 1960s. But the disks are of such high quality, I’ve seen them for sale – when they’re available – for up to $70 and more!

From the credit listings, we know that the Heavenly Stars were led by the multi-talented Dorothea Coney, who is listed as “evangelist.” Other songs feature Eva Shearry, Mary Booker and Cheryl Gilmore on lead vocals. And they’re all seriously good -- this group should have been big. My goodness, just listening to Conley’s full-tilt gospel rave up “Leaning on the Lord” makes me want to do a sanctified dance step or two!

I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.

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