SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Jericho March" by Grace Emmanuel Singers

The Daddy Grace phenomenon of the 1940s and ‘50s is still being studied today. The quirky Grace was the hugely charismatic Bishop of the United House of Prayer for all People, which he founded. At its peak, every major African American metropolitan center had a House of Prayer, though the best known was in Harlem. Before he died in 1960, he had amassed tens of millions of dollars – and his fabulous lifestyle celebrated every dollar!

As for the churches themselves, they were ecstatic worship services in the Pentecostal tradition and the music was fueled by full bands, usually led by a dozen or more trombones! Here’s a sample from the 11 ½ minute “Jericho March (Last Mile of the Way),” recorded live in 1957.  

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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