Best known as the original home of James Brown and the Famous Flames, King Records in Cincinnati also had a handful of gospel artists, including The Bible Way Church of God. Bible Way had been founded in 1946 by Pastor Abraham Isaac Jacob Swanson – better known as “Little Abraham.” In 1960, the church released a live album featuring different songs by the choir and a couple of short sermons.
As a result – and thanks to King’s producers and engineers -- Let the Church Roll On sounds exceptionally good for a live album. Little Abraham introduces several of the songs, including this choice cut, a rollicking double time vamp called “What Do You Say About Jesus?” that involves not just the 75-voice choir but the entire congregation.
Music: The Bible Way Church of God Choir, Let the Church Roll On, LP, “What Do You Say About Jesus?” Side 2, Track 4
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.
