SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Swindell Brothers with Bishop J.J. Wilkerson

One of the more unique groups in gospel music were the Swindell Brothers, who usually performed with Bishop J.J. Wilkerson. The Swindells were real brothers from tiny Lauringburg, North Carolina, and they were an uncommonly talented lot -- Arbia was the main songwriter, Jerry was a very rare countertenor, Lonnie sang baritone, and brother Jessie sang bass! The Swindells were also one of the few gospel quartets to feature three guitarists.

The group recorded a handful of 45s and LPs for Savoy Records and a couple of smaller labels in the 1960s before disappearing around 1970. But their legacy includes a number of great gospel songs, including Wilkerson’s “Judge Not,” which really showcases the Swindell’s superb vocalists over a loping, mid-tempo gospel beat.

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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