SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Anthony Butler and His Singers

Founded in 1944 by Ike and Bess Berman, Apollo Records began by releasing Yiddish novelty songs, then moved into comedy by the likes of George Burns & Grace Allen, Fibber McGee and Molly and Jack Benny. The Bermans later ventured into R&B and pop music as well.

But it was a release by a very young Mahalia Jackson that changed gospel music. Mahalia was eventually signed away by Columbia Records, but the Bermans kept releasing superb gospel music – including this rare 45 by Anthony Butler and His Singers, “Judgement’s Coming.” Had the Bermans had Columbia’s marketing clout, Butler – who clearly loved the Golden Gate Quartet – could have been their second breakout gospel star.

MUSIC: (2439) Anthony Butler and His Singers, “Judgement’s Coming,” 45 (September 29, 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.

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