In the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, Bishop J.C. White was a serious force to be reckoned with in gospel music. With the Institutional Radio Choir and his own J.C. White Singers, the Brooklyn native wrote and arranged and often sang lead on songs like “Stretch Out” and “Talk It Over With Jesus” that became gospel standards. His groups performed everywhere from Madison Square Garden to the Newport Jazz Festivals.
But I’m partial to his Reflection of the Divine Love album, mostly because the studio band includes some of the best musicians in New York – guitarist Cornell Dupree, piano Richard Tee, and drummer Grady Tate. It all comes together on the funky, jazzy “I’m Saved,” with Bishop White shouting his heart out!
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.
