"WORKING THE ROAD" The Golden Age Of Chicago Gospel

Significant material from the 1950's United label gospel archives.United's gospel catalog was lean but prime. During the '50s, Chicago was gospel's capital, its Vatican and Mecca, home turf of its pioneer exponents, Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson and Roberta Martin. By then the music had flourished for at least twenty years; it was old enough to possess its own conventions and stylistic traits, new enough to still sound fresh. The singers included on this CD were among Chicago's most innovative and eclectic. By 1951 Robert Anderson was Chicago's leading male soloist, easily Mahalia's equal in popularity or influence. Robert Ballinger's later recordings became minor hits and caused a sensation among lovers of blues piano. Lucy Smith also played piano; she spent several years accompanying the Martin Singers on records and James Cleveland derived his piano technique from her. Lucy's singing and lead vocalist Gladys Beamon Gregory's performances are a testament to the glory of Chicago gospel.

trax:
Robert Anderson & The Caravans
1. Come In The Room 2. Trust In Jesus 3. How Could It Be 4. Oh Lord, Is It I? 5. How I Got Over 6. Sow Righteous Seeds 7. He's Pleading In Glory 8. He's Pleading In Glory (Alt.) 9. My Expectation 10. How Could It Be (Alt.)
Rev. Robert Ballinger
11. Working The Road 12. Standing In The Safety Zone 13. John Saw The Number 14. Drop Your Net 15. My Soul Loves Jesus
Singing Sammy Lewis
16. I'm Heaven Bound
The Lucy Smith Singers
17. Come Unto Me 18. Jesus, Lover Of My Soul 19. Down On My Knees 20. I Just Had To Call His Name 21. He'll Make You Happy 22. He's My Everything 23. Hold The Light 24. Hold The Light (Alt.)
...served by Gyro1966...