Gospel Memories

Selections from the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Harold Bowen Singers, Caravans (pictured), Dixie Hummingbirds, SW Michigan State Choir of COGIC, Love Center Choir, Rev. Savage, and others.

This episode showcases religious music recorded by Idessa Malone (pictured), one of the first Black women to own and operate a postwar independent record company (Staff, Dessa, Prize, Favorite, Manel). Artists include Rev. Clay Evans and the Fellowship MBC Choir, Wilbert Ervin, Viola Ranson Sorters, Mamie Spann, Victoria and Thelma Hawkins, and the Mystics.

This episode includes two long sets in memory of Jo Jo Wallace (pictured, Sensational Nightingales) and Bishop Earl J. Wright Jr. (keyboardist).

Our Mother's Day special featuring songs about mother by artists such as the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Angelic Choir feat. Delores "Bootsy" Roberts, Staple Singers (pictured), Supreme Councilors, Violinaires, John P. Kee, and others

This episode includes music by Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke (pictured), Space Singers, Jessie Mae Renfro, Thomas Whitfield, Andrae Crouch, Debra Snipes and the Angels, Florida Robins, and more.

This episode features music from the Rance Allen Singers (pictured), Danniebelle Hall, Mighty Indiana Travelers, Donny Hathaway, Angelic Gospel Singers, Blind Willie Johnson, and others.

Lots of songs for Holy Week on this episode, including by Philadelphia's Zion Harmonaires, Lula Collins, O'Neal Twins (pictured), and the Argo Gospel Singers & Southern Sons; plus a live recording by the Gospel Trumpets, and more.

This episode features a long set in memory of Bishop Dr. Barbara Ann Ward Farmer, plus music by the Silver Stars of Chicago, Friendship B.C. Choir of LA, Troy Ramey & the Soul Searchers, Mahalia Jackson, Voices of Tabernacle, Dynamic Golden Stars, and others.

Today's episode includes selections by the Gospelaires of Dayton OH, Sis. Wynona Carr (pictured), Gospel Classics, Madame Edna Tucker, Rev. Maceo Woods & Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir, Church of Divine Guidance feat. Billy Preston, Leomia Boyd, and others.

This episode features a long set of Jackson Southernaires selections in memory of member and lead singer Huey Williams, plus music by the Southern Faith Singers, Psalmeneers, Rev. Reuben Henry, Hightower Brothers, and others.

An all-female show in celebration of Women's History Month. Featured artists include Mahalia Jackson, Original Gospel Harmonettes, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Roberta Martin, Ward Singers, Mary Johnson Davis Singers, Victoria Hawkins (pictured), Davis Sisters, and others.

Music from Prof. Harold Boggs & Boggs Specials, Silver Star Singers, Rev. James Cleveland & Angelic Choir, Spiritual QCs, Singing Sammy Lewis, a selection in memory of the late Reverend Mother Norma Jean Pender (pictured at GMWA with John Phillips), and more.

This episode includes a long set of Florida gospel artists, including the Boyer Brothers and the Florida Mass Choir (pictured); plus selections from the United Juniors, Rev. J. M. Gates, Savettes, Angelic Gospel Singers, and others.

This episode includes in memoriam selections for Jerry Butler and Roberta Flack (pictured) as well as music from the Roberta Martin Singers, Gospel Clefs, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Warriors, Jessie Mae Renfro Sapp, Two Gospel Keys, and others.

This episode features more selections in honor of Black History Month, a long set in memory of Sam Williams (Tommy Ellison & the Five Singing Stars), Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir, Holy Disciples, and more.

Today's episode features selections in memory of the late Leon "Bill" Williams (pictured, Williams Brothers); BHM offerings from Bro. Will Hairston, the Friendly Four, and A.C. Bilbrew; Carla Thomas, Inez Andrews, Fountain of Life Joy Choir, and others.

This episode includes tributes to the late Joe Chambers (Chambers Brothers), Rev. Dennis Freeman (Christ Missionary BC, Indianapolis), a long set of recordings by unidentified artists, and more. 

This episode marks the start of Black History Month 2025 with selections by the Gospel Pilgrims, Staple Singers, and Bro. Will Hairston; plus a tribute to the late Willis Pittman of the Burden Lifters (pictured), and music by the A. C. Bilbrew Choir, D.C. Aires, Mighty Clouds of Joy, New Friendship MBC Choir, and others.

William Luck hosts this week with selections from Dock Reed (pictured), Ever-Ready Singers, Bill Landford Quartet, Mattie Wood, Mighty Golden Bells, Mahalia Jackson, and others.

This episode features a set of songs in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his forthcoming birthday, plus selections from the Sky Pilot Choir, Brooklyn All Stars, Heavenly Tones, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir, and others.

This episode includes music from the Swan Silvertones, Cornerstone Church Choir, Singing Sammy Lewis, Friendly Gospel Singers of Chicago, Rev. Isaac Douglas & Johnson Ensemble, a track from the new Parchman Prison Prayer album, and others.

This episode includes a long track in memory of Joe Britt (pictured, Highway QCs), more selections from gospel reissue packages that came out in 2024, and music from artists such as Irma Thomas, Biblical Gospel Singers, Jo Ann Blackman, and the Friendly Brothers.

The last show of the year features selections from 2024's gospel reissue projects and long sets in memory of the late Rodessa Barrett Porter (pictured, Barrett Sisters) and Sis. Mattie Wood of Suffolk, VA.

The 24th Annual Christmas Caravan features Christmas carols, songs, and hymns sung by artists such as Wings over Jordan, Florida Spiritualaires, Six Trumpets, Charles Watkins, Blind Boys of Alabama, Angelic Gospel Singers, and others.

This episode includes selections from the new two-LP Checker Records gospel collection "Life in Heaven is Free" (Honest Jon's), a long set in memory of the late Elaine Davis (Gospel Challengers, Andrewettes), Christmas music, and more.

This episode includes a long set in memory of the Reverend James Cleveland on what would have been his 93rd birthday, plus music from the Fairfield Four, Swanee Quintet, Mahalia Jackson, Robert Gazaway & Gospel Larks, and others.

This episode features selections from a new three-CD collection on NarroWay called "West Coast Black Gospel.;" also some Christmas gospel and music from the Atkins All-Stars of Chicago, Gospel Kings of Portsmouth VA, Viola Ranson Sorters feat. Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, the Caravans, and others.

This episode includes selections from Ella Jenkins (pictured), Angelic Gospel Singers & Dixie Hummingbirds, Friendly Gospel Singers of Chicago, New Jersey Mass Choir, Golden Gate Quartet, Kelly Brothers, Metropolitan Male Ensemble, and others.

Words and music with Carl Matthes, who in the early to mid-1960s worked with Jim Ball of Ball Records to record soloists, groups, and choirs, mainly from Los Angeles churches. Hear what LA gospel sounded like before the contemporary period. How many soon-to-be-famous musicians and singers can you identify on the selections?

William Luck is the guest host this week, with topical selections on the mood of the nation. Tracks from the Salem Travelers (pictured), Capitalaires, Curtis Carrington Family, Alberta Kay Sanders, Barbara Dane feat. the Chambers Brothers, and others.

This episode includes a long set in memory of Rev. Lawrence Roberts (pictured - pastor, producer, director of the Angelic Choir), plus music from the Caravans, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Corder Family of Nashville, Soul Stirrers, and others.

On this episode, we hear musical selections from Mahalia Jackson, Dixie Hummingbirds (pictured), Original Gospel Harmonettes, Sweet Home Gospel Choir, Couriers of Christ, Bible Aires Gospel Singers, and others.

The gospel sound of St. Louis (and E. St. Louis) takes center stage on this episode. Featured artists include Bro. Joe May, Bronner Brothers, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Rev. Cleophus Robinson, E. St. Louis Gospelettes, Williams SIngers, Martha Bass, Bradley Singers, and others.

This episode features a set in memory of Emily "Cissy" Houston (pictured, Drinkard Singers, Sweet Inspirations), samples from the new four-CD retrospective on the Roberta Martin Singers, Jimmy Ellis & Riverview Spiritual Singers, Brooklyn All Stars, Inez Andrews, Rev. Gatemouth Moore, Howard Lemon Singers, and more.

This episode includes music from the Rasberry Singers, North Philadelphia Juniors, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Sallie Martin Singers, Lula Collins, a selection from a new 4-CD set on the Roberta Martin Singers, memorial tributes to Kris Kristofferson and Daryl Frierson of the Joy Boyz, and more.

This episode includes more selections from the new James Cleveland collection (Fremeaux) as well as by artists such as the Southern Bell Singers, Albertina Walker, Argo Gospel Singers & Southern Sons, McDonald Sisters, Womack Brothers, and others.

This episode features an interview with Darcy Thompson of the Louisville Story Program on "I'm Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville, 1958 - 1981," along with selections from the four-CD box set.

This episode includes a long set in memory of Rev. Janice Brown ("Rough Side of the Mountain"), cuts from the new James Cleveland 2-CD set from Fremeaux, another track from "I'm Glad About It," and more.

William Luck is the host of Gospel Memories this week. Featured artists include Bessie Jones (pictured), Billy Carson Singers, Capital City Five, Dewey Young and the Divine Travelers, King James Version, and the Reverend Anderson Johnson.

This episode includes a long set in memory of Rev. Quincy Fielding Jr., plus music from the Barrett Sisters, Simmons-Akers Trio, First Church of Deliverance Choir, Harmonizing Four, a track from the forthcoming four-CD survey of the gospel music of Louisville, and more.

This episode includes selections in memory of Bishop Richard "Mr. Clean" White (pictured), Jerrold Norwood of Shekinah Glory Ministry, and Jackie Gouche'-Farris; plus selections from the Original Gospel Harmonettes, Kingdom Stars, Goodwill Singers, and others.

This episode includes music from the Davis Sisters, Ward Singers, ARC Gospel Choir (pictured), Sammie Bryant, Harlem Gospel Travelers, and others.

This episode includes selections to honor Ella Jenkins on her 100th birthday, plus music from Brother Joe May, O'Neal Twins, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Southern Wonders, Harps of Zion, Rev. Arthur Carruthers, and others.

This episode pays tribute to the Wooten Choral Ensemble on its 75th anniversary and to the late Bishop Kervy Brown with long sets for each.

Guest Anthony Heilbut (The Gospel Sound) discusses the life and legacy of the late singer and actor Ella Mitchell, who gospel fans will know best as a member of the Gospel All Stars. Find out Ella's connection with such artists as Brother John Sellers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Rev. James Cleveland, and Alicia Keys.

The episode includes music by Prof. J. E. Hines & the Good Will Singers, Queen C. Anderson (pictured) and the Brewster Singers, Robert Anderson, Religious Five, Hall Johnson Choir, Sensational Nightingales, and others.

This episode includes music from the Back Home Choir, Robert Ross Singers, Sondra "Blinky" Williams (pictured), Chicago Mass Choir, Lucille Harley, Sis. Josephine James, and others.

This episode includes selections by the Roberta Martin Singers (pictured), Loving Sisters, Sis. Alessie Barney, Meditation Singers, Shaw Singers, saxophonist Vernard Johnson, and others.

This episode includes a long set in memory of Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees; plus music from the Argo Singers, Dixie Hummingbirds, C Lord Cs, Doris Johnson Singers of KC, Rev. W. Leo & Nevarro Daniels, and others.

This episode contains music from the Swan Silvertones, Christ Universal Temple Choir, Mighty Cherubims, Rosa Shaw, Madame Louise Reed, Staple Singers (pictured), Lee Williams & the Spiritual QCs, and others.

This episode includes selections from Acrobat's new 2-CD compilation on Marion Williams & the Stars of Faith; plus music from the United House of Prayer Shout Band, Two Gospel Keys, Alex Bradford, Virginia Female Jubilee Singers, Bertha Mae Turney, and others.