SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jubilee Messengers

During their nearly 80-year career, the Jubilee Messengers were a force in the thriving Memphis gospel music scene. Early members included O.V. Wright and James Carr - both of whom later found success in the world of pop music. Beginning the in mid-1960s, The Messengers recorded for a variety of tiny gospel labels... But since all of the members had day jobs, they could only tour on the weekends and never quite broke out nationally.

But their music remains popular with gospel music fans. One of their albums was even re-released as part of the national independent Record Store Day in 2022! A great example of the Jubilee Messengers funky sound is the slow-burning "I Won't Have to Cry No More," released on their own Messenger label in 1980 and featuring the singing and songwriter talents of longtime member the Rev. Al Banks.

MUSIC: Jubilee Messengers, "I Won't Have to Cry No More," 45 (September 24, 2023)

I'm Robert Darden ... "Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments" is produced by KWBU, the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries and is funded by generous support from the Prichard Foundation.

RECENT EPISODES OF SHOUT! BLACK GOSPEL MUSIC MOMENTS

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Capitolaires of Dayton, Ohio

This version of “Jesus Made it Possible” by The Capitolaires of Dayton, Ohio, tells you all you need to know about this powerful quartet.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - DeLois Barrett Campbell

The legendary DeLois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters were at their peak on this live version of “I’ll Fly Away.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Blind Willy Harris

Blind Willie Harris and the Sensational Six’s “Jesus Loves Me” is another astonishing release from the feisty D-Vine Records label of Memphis in the early 1970s.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Charles Hayes

The Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir released 30 LPs during Hayes’ more than 50 years with the church, including up tempo rave-up, “Everything is Alright.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Vernard Johnson

Vernard Johnson’s “sanctified saxophone” have been thrilling congregations for decades with his emotional versions of classic gospel songs and hymns.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Corinthian Temple Radio Choir

Vernard Johnson’s “sanctified saxophone” have been thrilling congregations for decades with his emotional versions of classic gospel songs and hymns.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Mom & Pop Winans

The patriarch and matriarch of the far-flung Winans’ empire, Mom & Pop Winans, released some memorable gospel music as well, including “Nobody Else But Him.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Passage

Louis and Valerie Johnson of the famed Brothers Johnson join with friend Richard Heath on their excellent gospel side project, titled Passage.

Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Curtis Young and the Five Singing Sons

Curtis Young and the Five Singing Sons created a bouncy pop-oriented brand of gospel music that will immediately make you think of the Jackson 5.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia

The gritty Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia produced a rough and ready brand of soulful gospel music.