SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - “The Non-Violent Man,” by Bill Spivey and the Sons of Truth

Born in 1930, Bill Spivey was a legendary performer, songwriter and DJ in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent his entire life. In 1959, Spivey, then with the Friendly Brothers, had a mid-sized hit with the gospel song “Operator,” about a phone call to heaven. However, in 1975, the a cappella group Manhattan Transfer recorded their own version of “Operator” and it was a smash.

Spivey’s only other song to gain national recognition came in the late 1960s with the vibrant “The Non-Violent Man,” recorded by Bill Spivey and the Sons of Truth for the tiny Dee-Jay label. “Non-Violent Man,” a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, still pops up from time to time in R&B and gospel compilations.

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

RECENT EPISODES OF SHOUT! BLACK GOSPEL MUSIC MOMENTS

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - “The Non-Violent Man,” by Bill Spivey and the Sons of Truth

Bill Spivey and the Sons of Truth’s vibrant, up tempo “The Non-Violent Man” was a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Let Freedom Ring" by Pinkard Singers

The otherwise unknown Pinkard Singers released a single – but highly engaging -- 45 for the short-lived RaptureA label in the early 1970s, “Let Freedom Ring.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "I Am A Pilgrim" by Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a national treasure during her lifetime and increasingly turned to religious music later in life, including this sprightly version of the old folk spiritual, “I am a Pilgrim.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Roll Jordan, Roll" by Rev. Kenneth Glover

The Rev. Kenneth Glover turns the old spiritual “Roll Jordan, Roll” into an amped up “sending song” of the highest order.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Reflections of the Man Inside" by Eddie Robinson

Bariton Eddie Robinson’s “Reflections of the Man Inside” also features top Motown producers, arrangers and musicians.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "I'm Saved" by J.C. White Singers

Some of New York’s finest musicians accompany the J.C. White Singers on the funky, jazzy gospel hit, “I’m Saved.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 'Mountain Railroad' by The Rev. June Cheeks

The Rev. June Cheeks was one of the greatest shouters and testifiers in the history of gospel music – as his rendition of “Mountain Railroad” will surely prove!

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 'I Belong to the Band, Hallelujah' by The Rev. Gary Davis

The legendary guitarist the Rev. Gary Davis recorded 14 stunning gospel tracks in New York City in 1935, including “I Belong to the Band, Hallelujah.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 'I Made a Vow' by The Supreme Voices

The Supreme Voices never quite broke through during the Golden Age of Gospel Music, but with great tracks like “I Made a Vow,” it’s clear they probably should have been stars.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 'I'll be Welcomed' by The Sweet Brothers

The Sweet Brothers of Vero Beach, Florida, deserved wider recognition for their soulful, slow burn gospel songs, including “I’ll Be Welcomed.”