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.

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