SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - The Harold Smith Majestics

The great Rev. James Cleveland released nearly 200 albums during his long career. One group he returned to regularly were The Harold Smith Majestics. Founded by gospel legend Harold Smith in Detroit in 1963, it was like an all-star choir of top Motown Singers. The Majestics performed classic and new gospel songs, light classic numbers, and even re-written versions of Broadway and pop hits. On the LP James Cleveland Presents ... The Harold Smith Majestics, Lord Help Me Hold Out from 1973, there is even a gospelized version of “I Did It My Way” titled “I Did It God’s Way!”

And that album is a good place to start with the Majestics. Lord Help Me Hold Out, which was released by industry giant Savoy Records and features their hit song, “The Lord Will Carry You Through” – it’s got that great, full-bodied Detroit gospel choir sound!

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 - God Can by The Mighty Sons of Glory

With ferocious songs like “God Can (Never Underestimate),” you’ll wonder by Tommie Ligons and the Mighty Sons of Glory weren’t bigger gospel music stars!

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - All These Things to Me by The Stars of Virginia

The Stars of Virginia’s “All These Things to Me” is a joyous romp – the fitting legacy of a great group that disappeared too soon.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Gone by Teddy Huffman and the Gems

Teddy Huffman and the Gems were the only all-Black gospel group to rule the Southern Gospel music circuit with hit songs like “Gone.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - God is Still on the Throne by The Mighty Southern Echoes of Washington D.C.

The incredibly obscure Mighty Southern Echoes of Washington D.C. have become a favorite of rare gospel vinyl collectors with songs like “God is Still on the Throne.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Get Right Church by Lillie Jenkins

Lillie Jenkins’ “Get Right Church” is a killer gospel vamp, driven by Jenkins’ confident, brassy vocals.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Walk Right, Feel Right by The Gospel Commanders

Despite muddy production, the Gospel Commanders’ soulful, chaotic “Walk Right, Feel Right” is an exciting 2-minute slice of Southern soul gospel.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - Precious Memories by Prof. J. Earle Hines and the Goodwill Singers

Though little-known today, Prof. J. Earle Hines and the Goodwill Singers, with songs like “Precious Memories,” were major gospel artists in the 1940s and ‘50s.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - 'It Rained' by Katie Jackson and the GosPearl Community Choir.

Powerhouse vocalist Katie Jackson is joined by the GosPearl Community Choir on the up tempo gospel rave up, “It Rained.”

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "Winding Chain” by Sons of Faith

The otherwise unknown Sons of Faith’s recording “Winding Chain” is a superb example of Deep South soulful gospel, a mournful, heartfelt two-minute gem.

SHOUT! Black Gospel Music Moments - "No Greater Love" by Keith Pringle and the Pentecostal Community Choir

Keith Pringle and the Pentecostal Community Choir’s version of Jeffrey LaValley’s “No Greater Love” was an instant classic.