SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Christmas Joy" by The Soul Stirrers

The Soul Stirrers gained their greatest fame in the late ’40s and ‘50s and founder R.B. Harris’ sweet falsetto is one of the most influential voices in the history of gospel music. When Harris left, he was replaced in 1950 by the legendary Sam Cooke and the Stirrers ruled gospel music with hits like “Jesus Gave Me Water” and “Hem of His Garment.”

Cooke’s departure in 1956 for pop music superstardom paved the way for a succession of excellent lead singers, including Johnnie Taylor – who would also enjoy pop success – and Arthur Crume. Crume was a fine songwriter and in the mid and late ‘60s wrote or sang several Christmas songs for the group: “Christmas Love,” “Christmas Bells are Ringing” and from 1965, “Christmas Joy.”

MUSIC: The Soul Stirrers, “Christmas Joy,” 45

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

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