Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments - Jean Austin

Impresario Don Robey’s empire in Houston included the superb Peacock and Song Bird gospel music labels. Of the two, Song Bird was the more adventuresome – and that’s where we find this fine 45 by Jean Austin, “I Ain’t No Stranger Now” backed with “It’s a Good Day.”

Austin came to fame with the Dorothy Norwood Singers and often toured with the Thunderbolt of the Midwest, Brother Joe May. She released a number of really good songs for several labels over the years, including “The Failure is Not in God” and “Straight ‘Em.” “I Ain’t No Stranger Now” is the kind of slow and bluesy Hammond organ-dominated gospel shout that she specialized in... and few could equal.

MUSIC: Jean Austin, “I Ain’t No Stranger Now” 45 (March 3, 2024)

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

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.