One of the most enduring sub-genres of gospel music is a certain kind of Southern soul-influence gospel – with a raspy lead vocalist, tight quartet harmonies, the basic guitar/bass/drum combo accompanying the band, and songs performed in a bluesy shuffle – usually with a double-time vamp at the end. It begins in the early 1950s and still continues today, particularly in the South, with quartets like the Jackson Southernaires.
One such group was the Bells of Zion, who recorded for the Houston-based Peacock and Nashville-based Nashboro labels beginning around 1965. Their best-known song, “Let Me Lean on You, Lord,” was originally recorded for Peacock in 1969 and quickly became their happy-go-lucky trademark before the group disbanded about 1975.
MUSIC: (2505) Bells of Zion, The Joyous Sound of the Bells of Zion, “Let Me Lean on You, Lord,” Side 2, Track 1 (Feb. 2, 2025)
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.