The Bethel Pentecostal Choir of Grand Rapids, Michigan was the brainchild of founder James Abney. From its beginnings in the early 1960s, Abney directed the 100-voice choir, wrote most of the songs, and sang many of the lead solos. He had a flair for the writing dramatic gospel songs and knew how to use his first-rate choir to the very best advantage.
I Can’t Stop Loving God LP, recorded live in 1976 is just great – and the title track is an amazing piece of work. Rapid-fire staccato bursts of music, impeccable timing, a soaring solo by Lois Thomas, and a smoking band make it a one of a kind live experience. One more thing – the instrumentalists include members of the DeBarge family, including El DeBarge on keyboards, 15 years before he became a star on MTV.
“I Can’t Stop Loving God” – which includes a rousing vamp that left people falling out in the aisles – is worth hearing all of the way through – go to the KWBU.ORG website and scroll down to the Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments link to hear it in all its 9 and a half minute glory!
MUSIC: “I Can’t Stop Loving God,” The Bethel Pentecostal Choir of Grand Rapids, Michigan LP, I Can’t Stop Loving God, Side 1, Track 2
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.