Shreveport’s own Lillie Jenkins released one LP for the famed Paula/Jewell label in 1977 – and it’s a doozy!
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Welcome to Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments. I’m Robert Darden.
Anything released on Shreveport’s feisty Paula/Jewel label is worth a listen. The label boasted an impressive roster of talented blues, soul, R&B, and gospel artists and preachers ... not to mention the greatest one-hit wonder of all time: John Fred and His Playboy Band’s “Judy in Disguise.”
In 1977, Jewel Records released a marvelous LP by the otherwise unknown Lillie Jenkins, titled The Vibrant Life. And for once, the title is perfect – the album is packed full of joyful, vibrant gospel music. Jenkins’ trumpet-like voice is the star here, but – as is always the case with music from Paula or Jewel – the accompanying band is smokin’ hot.
Jenkins released one 45 from the LP that we’ve been able to find, her version of the great old gospel song, “Get Right Church.” It begins in double-time and only picks up speed from there. By the time Jenkins gets to the improvised closing vamp at the end, the entire church would probably be up on their feet and doing the Holy Ghost two-step in the aisles. And, as always, you can hear the entire song on our webpage – KWBU dot ORG ... go to the SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments tab.
MUSIC: “Get Right Church,” Lillie Jenkins, 45
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU, the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project at Baylor University Libraries and is funded by generous support from the Prichard Foundation.