Gospel (Reference)

Technically, this includes CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), not that I ny e any inclination to listen to any. Artists who made their maewhere there tend to be listed there, which includes almost all country singers who have dabbled in gospel (even Doyle Lawson and the Louvin Brothers, who more than dabbled), as well as Sam Cooke, Wynona Carr, Al Green, Philip Bailey, and others.

The reference list includes records that have been obtained and/or rated (in blue) as well as many other records that have been recommended from various sources.

Abyssinian Baptist Gospel Choir [1960– ]

• Shakin' the Rafters [1960, Columbia], B+

Yolanda Adams (1964– )

• Mountain High, Valley Low [1999, Elektra]

Rance Allen

• Brothers [1973, Gospel Truth]
• A Soulful Experience [1975, Stax]
• Stax Profiles [1971–78, Stax], B+(**)
• Ain't No Need of Crying [1985, Stax]
• The Best of the Rance Allen Group [(1988), Stax]

Margaret Allison (1920– )

• Out of the Depths [1987, Malaco]

Inez Andrews

• Lord Don't Move That Mountain [1972, Jewel]

Vanessa Bell Armstrong (1953– )

• Peace Be Still [1984, Benson]

Susan Ashton

• Angels of Mercy [1992, Sparrow]
• So Far: The Best of Susan Ashton, Vol. 1 [(1995), Sparrow]

E.C. Ball

• E.C. Ball with Orna Ball [1972, Rounder], B

Willie Banks

• Heaven Must Be a Beautiful Place [1990, MCA]
• The Best of Willie Banks: Memorial Album [(1993), Malaco]

The Barrett Sisters

• What Will You Do with Your Life [(1990), Savoy]
• Nobody Does It Better [Word]
• The Best of the Barrett Sisters [MCA]

Margaret Becker

• Immigrant's Daughter [1990, Sparrow]
• Steps of Faith 1985–1992 [1985–92, Sparrow]
• Falling Forward [1998, Sparrow]

William Becton

• Broken [1995, Intersound]
• Heart of a Love Song [1997, A&M]

Tyrone Birkett (1959– )

• w/Paula Ralph-Birkett: In the Fullness of Time [2006, Convergence], C+
• Postmodern Spirituals: The Promised Land [2013, Araminta Music], B+(**)

The Blackwood Brothers

• The Gospel Classics Series [(1998), RCA]

Robert Blair

• Stand By Me [1965, Checker]
• Their Greatest Sides, Vol. 1 [(1984), MCA]
• The Pink Tornado [1988, Atlanta]
• Fantastic Violinaires [1992, Malaco]
• Here I Am Again Lord [Atlanta]
• Today Is the Day [Malaco]

The Blind Boys of Alabama

• Spirit of the Century [2001, RealWorld], B+
• Atom Bomb [2005, RealWorld], B–
• I'll Find a Way [2013, Masterworks], B

Alex Bradford (1926–78)

• Rainbow in the Sky [1954–58, Specialty], B+(***)
• Too Close [1953–58, Specialty]

Rev. Milton Brunson

• Available to You [1988, Word]
• Greatest Hits [(1996), Word]

Bushwick Gospel Singers

• Songs of Worship Vol. 2 [2014, The Church of Universal Knowing], B+(***)

Shirley Caesar (1938– )

• The Best of Shirley Caesar with the Caravans [1966, Savoy]
• Her Very Best [(1991), Word]
• I Remember Mama [1992, Word]
• Sailin' [1992, Word]
• Don't Drive Your Mama Away [1995, Hob]
• Go [Myrrh]
• Rejoice [Myrrh]

The Campbell Brothers [1997– ]

• w/Katie Jackson: Pass Me Not [Sacred Steel Guitars – Vol. 2] [1997, Arhoolie], B+(**)
• Can You Feel It? [2005, Ropeadope], A–

The Caravans

• The Best of the Caravans [(1977), Savoy]
• Seek Ye the Lord / The Soul of the Caravans [(1993), Vee-Jay]
• Amazing Grace [(1995), Charly]

Wylie Champion (1946–2021)

• Pastor Champion: I Just Want to Be a Good Man [2018, Luaka Bop], A–

Rev. Julius Cheeks (1929–81)

• How Far Is Heaven [(1991), Savoy]
• Somebody Left on That Morning Train [Savoy]

The Chosen Gospel Singers

• The Lifeboat [1954, Specialty]

The Clark Sisters [1959– ]

• Heart and Soul [1985, Word]

James Cleveland (1932–91)

• Peace Be Still [1962, Savoy]
• Hallelujah: A Collection of His Finest Recordings [1958–67, Music Club]
• James Cleveland Sings with the World's Greatest Gospel Choirs [1980, Savoy]
• Gospel Music Workshop of America [(1990), Savoy]

Dorothy Love Coates (1930–2002)

• Get on Board [1956, Specialty]
• A City Built Four Square [1978, Savoy]
• The Best of Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes [(1991), Specialty], B
• The Best of Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes [1968–69, Nashboro]

Come Sunday

• Crosscurrents [2011, self-released], B–

Andrae Crouch (1950– )

• Andrae Crouch and the Disciples [1978, Light]
• The Best of Andrae Crouch [(1993), A&M]

DC Talk

• Free at Last [1992, ForeFront]
• Intermission: The Greatest Hits [(2000), ForeFront]

Dedicated Men of Zion

• The Devil Don't Like It [2022, Bible & Tire], B+(***)

The Detroiters

• w/The Golden Echoes: Old Time Religion [(1992), Specialty]

The Dixie Hummingbirds

• Complete Recorded Works (1939–1947) [1939–47, Document]
• The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds [(1973), MCA]
• Live [1976, Mobile Fidelity]
• In the Storm Too Long [1991, Gospel Jubilee]
• Thank You for One More Day [(1998), MCA]
• Love Me Like a Rock [MCA]
• Diamond Jubilation: 75th Anniversary [2003, Treasure/Rounder], B+

Thomas A. Dorsey (1899–1993)

• Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1928–1930) [1928–30, Document]
• Come on Mama Do That Dance 1928–1932 [1928–32, Yazoo], A–
• Precious Lord: The Great Gospel Songs of Thomas A. Dorsey [1973, Columbia], A

Phil Driscoll (1947– )

• I Exalt Thee [1983, Sparrow]
• Drops of Praise [2006, Jordan/Koch], B

Michael English

• Michael English [1992, Warner Brothers]
• Freedom [1996, Curb]

The Fairfield Four [1960– ]

• Angels Watching Over Me [1981]
• Standing in the Safety Zone [1992, Warner Brothers]
• I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray [1997, Warner Brothers]

The Five Blind Boys of Alabama [1937– ]

• 1948–1951 [1948–51, Flyright]
• The Sermon [1953–56, Specialty]
• The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama [1959, Savoy]
• Oh Lord, Stand By Me / Marching Up to Zion [1970, Specialty]
• Precious Memories [1974, MCA]
• The Five Blind Boys of Alabama [1987, Gospel]
• Deep River [1992, Elektra/Nonesuch], B+
• Swing Low, Sweet Chariot [1994, Jewel]
• Down in New Orleans [2008, Time Life], B+(**)

The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi

• The Original Five Blind Boys [1959, Vee-Jay]
• The Best of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi [(1973), MCA]
• The Great Lost Blind Boys Album [(1992), Vee-Jay]
• The Best of Five Blind Boys [Chameleon]

Clarence Fountain (1929– )

• In the Gospel Light [Paula]
• Soul Gospel [Jewel]
• At His Best [Jewel]

Rev. C.L. Franklin

• Two Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread [1961, MCA]
• 23rd Psalm [1976, MCA]
• Hannah the Ideal Mother [1984, MCA]
• The Eagle Stirreth in Her Nest [MCA]

Kirk Franklin

• Kirk Franklin and the Family [1993, Gospo Centric], C+
• God's Property [1997, B-Rite Music]

Reverend J.M. Gates (1885–1941)

• Are You Bound for Heaven or Hell? The Best of Reverend J.M. Gates [1926–31, Columbia/Legacy], C–

Cassietta George (1929–95)

• Dorothy Norwood Presents Cassietta George [1994, Paula/Flyright]

The Golden Gate Quartet [1937– ]

• Travelin' Shoes [1937–39, RCA/Bluebird], B+(***)
• Swing Down, Chariot [(1991), Columbia/Legacy], B+

The Gospel Harmonettes

• The Gospel Harmonettes Specials [1962, Savoy]
• Peace in the Valley [1963, Vee-Jay]
• Original Gospel Harmonettes [Specialty]

Amy Grant (1960– )

• Amy Grant [1977, Reunion]
• My Father's Eyes [1979, Reunion]
• In Concert [1981, Reunion]
• A Christmas Album [1983, Word]
• Lead Me On [1988, A&M]
• The Collection [(1990), Reunion]
• Heart in Motion [1991, A&M], B
• Behind the Eyes [1997, A&M]

Fred Hammond (1960– )

• The Essential Fred Hammond [1991–2004, Verity/Legacy, 2CD], C+

The Harmonizing Four [1950– ]

• Harmonizing Four / God Will Take Care of You [1959, Vee-Jay]
• Singing Is Our Life [1965, Buddah]
• Gospel in My Soul [1974, Chameleon]
• I Shall Not Be Moved [(1995), Charly]

Larnelle Harris

• The Best of 10 Years, Vol. 1 [(1991), Benson]
• The Best of 10 Years, Vol. 2 [(1991), Benson]

Edwin Hawkins (1943– )

• Oh Happy Day [1969, Pair]
• The Best of the Edwin Hawkins Singers [(1985), Savoy]
• The Best of the Edwin Hawkins Singers [(1997), Capitol]
• The Very Best of the Edwin Hawkins Singers [(1998), Music Club]

Tramaine Hawkins (1957– )

• The Search Is Over [1983, A&M]
• The Joy That Floods My Soul [1988, Sparrow]
• Live [1990, Sparrow]

Reverend Charlie Jackson (1932–2006)

• God's Got It: The Legendary Booker and Jackson Singles [1970–78, CaseQuarter], A–

Mahalia Jackson (1911–72)

• How I Got Over: The Apollo Records Sessions [1946–54, Westside, 3 CD]
• Live at Newport [1958, Columbia]
• Silent Night (Songs for Christmas) [1962, Columbia]
• In the Upper Room [1965, 601 Records]
• The Essential Mahalia Jackson [1955–67, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD], B+
• Sings the Best Loved Hymns of Dr. M.L. King [1968, Columbia]
• Gospels, Spirituals and Hymns [1954–69, Columbia/Legacy, 2 CD]
• Amazing Grace [(1989), Sony]
• The Essence of Mahalia Jackson [(1994), Columbia/Legacy]
• The Best of Mahalia Jackson [(1995), Columbia/Legacy], B+
• 16 Most Requested Songs [(1996), Columbia]
• Gospels, Spirituals and Hymns, Vol. 2 [(1998), Columbia/Legacy]
• In My Home Over There [(1998), MCA]

The Jackson Southernaires

• Thank You Mama for Praying for Me [1971, Malaco]
• Legendary Gentlemen [1979, Malaco]

T.D. Jakes (1957– )

• Praise & Worship [1978–98, Verity/Legacy], B+(**)

Jars of Clay [1994– ]

• Jars of Clay [1995, Essential/Jive]
• The Essential Jars of Clay [1995–2006, Essential/Legacy, 2 CD], C+

Bessie Jones (1902–84)

• Bessie Jones and the Georgia Sea Island Singers: Get in Union [1959–66, Global Jukebox], B+(**)
• Step It Down [1981, Rounder]

Phil Keaggy

• Crimson and Blue [1994, Word]
• Way Back Home [1994, Sparrow]
• Time 1 [(1995), Myrrh]
• Time 2 [(1995), Myrrh]
• Phil Keaggy [1998, Myrrh]

John P. Kee (1962– )

• The Essential John P. Kee [1991–2000, Verity/Legacy, 2CD], B–

Ben Bowen King

• Sidewalk Saints: Roots Gospel Guitar [2007, Talking Taco Music], B+(***)

Christy Lane (1940– )

• One Day at a Time [1978, CEMA]
• Footprints in the Sand [1983, Liberty]

Hovie Lister and the Statesmen

• The Gospel Classics Series [(1998), RCA]

Roberta Martin (1907–69)

• Old Ship of Zion [1973, Kenwood]
• The Best of the Roberta Martin Singers [(1979), Savoy]

The Sallie Martin Singers

• w/Cora Martin: Throw Out the Lifeline [1950–52, Specialty]

Brother Joe May (1912–72)

• Brother Joe May Live, 1952–1955 [1952–55, Specialty]
• Singles, Album Tracks and Live Recordings 1949–1962 [1949–62, Acrobat, 4CD]
• Thank You Lord for One More Day [(1967), Specialty]
• Search Me, Lord [1974, Specialty]
• In Loving Memory ... [(1974), Specialty]

Donnie McClurkin (1961– )

• The Essential Donnie McClurkin [2000–2005, Verity/Legacy, 2 CD], B–

Liz McComb

• The Spirit of New Orleans [2001, GVE/Sunnyside], A–

Meditation Singers [1947– ]

• Good News [1953–59, Specialty]

The Mighty Clouds of Joy [1959– ]

• The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy [(1973), MCA]
• It's Time [1974, ABC/Dunhill], B+(***)
• Kickin' [1975, ABC]
• Live and Direct [1977, ABC]
• The Very Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy [(1978), ABC]
• Faith, Mercy, Glory [(1996), King]
• The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Volume 2 [20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection] [2005–2010, Motown Gospel], B

Geoff Moore

• Pure and Simple [1990, Forefront]
• Home Run [1995, Forefront]
• Greatest Hits [(1996), Forefront]

Dorothy Norwood

• The Bell Didn't Toll [1965, Savoy]
• Dorothy Norwood Singers [1966, Savoy]
• Denied Mother [1966, Savoy]
• The Best of Dorothy Norwood [(1996), Intersound]

Michael Omartian

• White Horse / Adam Again [1974–76, Myrrh]

Rev. Louis Overstreet (1947–80)

• Live at the Powerhouse Church of God [1962, Arhoolie]

Isaiah Owens

• You Without Sin Cast the First Stone [1998–2001, CaseQuarter], C+

Shun Pace-Rhodes

• He Lives [1991, Savoy]

Parchman Prison Prayer

• Some Mississippi Sunday Morning [2023, Glitterbeat], B+(**)

Washington Phillips (1880–1954)

• The Key to the Kingdom [1927–29, Yazoo], B+

The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers

• Walk On / The Old Ship of Zion [1963–64, Mobile Fidelity]
• Back to Basics [1990, Malaco]
• Gospel Roots [1990, Malaco]
• Greatest Hits [(1991), Nashboro]

The Pilgrim Travelers

• Walking Rhythm [1947–51, Specialty]
• The Best of the Pilgrim Travelers, Vols. 1 and 2 [(1990), Specialty]

The Radio Four

• The Radio Four Collection [(1995), Nashboro]

Rev. D.C. Rice

• Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order (1928–1930) [1928–30, Document]

Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou

• Rev. Sekou: In Times Like These [2017, Zent], B–

The Sensational Nightingales

• The Best of the Sensational Nightingales [(1978), MCA]
• Heart and Soul / You Know Not the Hour [Mobile Fidelity]

Shakers n' Bakers

• YfZ (Yearning for Zion) [2008, Little (i) Music], B+(**)

Richard Smallwood (1948– )

• Textures [1987, Sparrow]

Willie Mae Ford Smith (1906–94)

• Willie Mae Ford Smith [Savoy]

The Soul Stirrers

• w/R.H. Harris: Shine on Me [1950, Specialty], A–
• w/Sam Cooke, Paul Foster, Julius Cheeks: Jesus Gave Me Water [1951–55, Specialty], B+(**)
• Heaven Is My Home [1953–58, Specialty]
• The Last Mile of the Way [1952–59, Specialty]

Sounds of Blackness

• The Evolution of Gospel [1991, Perspective]

The Southern Sons

• Deep South Gospel [1950–53, Alligator]

The Speer Family

• He's Still in the Fire [(1996), Homeland]

The Spiritualaires of Hurtsboro, Alabama

• Singing Songs of Praise [2004–2005, CaseQuarter], B+(*)

Pops Staples (1914–2000)

• Don't Lose This [1999, dBpm], B+(**)

The Staple Singers [1955– ]

• Uncloudy Day [1959, Vee-Jay]
• Swing Low, Sweet Chariot [(1961), Vee-Jay]
• The Best of the Vee-Jay Years [1956–61, Shout! Factory], B
• Amen! [1965, Epic]
• For What It's Worth [1967, Epic]
• Freedom Highway Complete: Recorded Live at Chicago's New Nazareth Church [1965, Epic/Legacy], B+(*)
• Freedom Highway [1965–67, Columbia/Legacy], A–
• We'll Get Over [1969, Stax]
• Pray On [(1968), HOB]
• Stax Profiles [1969–73, Stax], A–
• The Best of the Staple Singers [(1978), Capitol]
• Chronicle [(1979), Stax]
• The Best of the Staple Singers [(1990), Stax]
• The Best of the Staple Singers [(1990), Buddah]
• Uncloudy Day [(1995), Charly]
• Greatest Hits [(1999), Fantasy]

Swan Silvertones [1938– ]

• Heavenly Light [1952, Specialty]
• Love Lifted Me / My Rock [1952–53, Specialty], A–
• Swan Silvertones / Singin' in My Soul [1956–60, Vee-Jay], A–
• Pray for Me / Let's Go to Church Together [1956–61, Vee-Jay]
• Amen Amen Amen: The Essential Collection [1952–63, Rockbeat/Archive Alive], A–
• Let's Go to Church Together [1964, Vee-Jay]
• Get Your Soul Right [1956–65, New Cross], A–
• Do You Believe: The Very Best of the Swan Silvertones [(1998), Collectables]

Russ Taff (1953– )

• The Way Home [1990, Word]
• Under Their Influence, Vol. 1 [1991, Word]

Take 6 [1988– ]

• Take 6 [1988, Reprise]
• So Much 2 Say [1990, Warner Brothers]
• One [2012, Shanachie], C+

Rosetta Tharpe (1915–73)

• Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 1 (1938–1941) [1938–41, Document]
• Gospel 1938–1943 [1938–43, Frémeaux]
• Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1942–1944) [1942–44, Document]
• The Swinging Gospel Queen 1939–1947 [1939–47, Blues Collection], A–
• The Gospel of the Blues [1938–48, MCA/Decca]
• The Singles Collection As & Bs 1939–1950 [1939–50, Acrobat, 3CD]
• Gospel Train [1956, Mercury]
• Live in 1960 [1960, ORG Music], B+(**)
• Sister on Tour [1961, Verve], B+(***)
• Precious Memories [(1997), Savoy]
• The Original Soul Sister [(2002), Proper, 4CD]

Sonny Treadway

• Jesus Will Fix It [1997, Arhoolie]

Trin-I-Tee 5:7

• Holla: The Best of Trin-I-Tee 5:7 [1998–2002, Gospo Centric/Legacy], B

Kathy Troccoli

• Pure Attraction [1991, Reunion]
• Kathy Troccoli [1994, Reunion]

Albertina Walker (1930– )

• w/The Caravans: Freedom [Jewel]

Hezekiah Walker (1962– )

• Live in London at Wembley [1997, Verity]
• Love Is Live! [2001, Verity]
• The Essential Hezekiah Walker [1992–2005, Verity/Legacy, 2CD], C

Clara Ward (1924–73)

• Lord Touch Me [1956, Savoy]
• That Old Landmark [1958, Savoy]
• Down by the Riverside [1958, Dot]
• When the Gates Swang Open [(1993), HOB]
• Meetin' Tonight [(1994), Vanguard]

The Whites

• Greatest Hits [(1987), Curb]

Dewey Williams

• Wiregrass Notes: Black Sacred Harp Singing [Wiregrass]

Marion Williams (1927–94)

• Strong Again [1991, Spirit Feel]
• The Gospel Soul of Marion Williams [1973–91, Shanachie], B+
• My Soul Looks Back: The Genius of Marion Williams 1962–1992 [1962–92, Shanachie]
• Remember Me [1968–92, Shanachie], B+

The Williams Brothers

• I've Got a Home [1981, Savoy]
• Ain't Love Wonderful [1989, Malaco]
• Blessed [1990, Malaco]
• Trust in the Lord [(1999), MCA]

Vickie Winans (1953– )

• Praise and Worship [2003–2006, Verity/Legacy], B–

The Winans [1981– ]

• Tomorrow [Light]

BeBe and CeCe Winans [1985– ]

• Lord Lift Us Up [1985, PTL]
• Heaven [1988, Capitol]
• Greatest Hits [(1996), Capitol]

Various Artists

• Celebrate! Songs of Praise [1994–2006, Columbia/Legacy], B
• Celebrate! Songs of Worship [1994–2006, Columbia/Legacy], B
• Close Harmony: A History of Southern Gospel Music, Volume 1 (1920–1955) [1920–55, Dualtone], B+
• Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures, Vol. 1 [(1997), Kent]
• Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures, Vol. 2 [1964–75, Kent]
• Fathers and Sons: Gospel Quartet Classics [(1991), Spirit Feel]
• Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal [1968–81, The Numero Group], B+(**)
• The Gospel According to Earthworks [1998, Sterns/Earthworks]
• Gospel at Colonus [1984, Warner Brothers], B
• Gospel Music [1937–77, Hyena], B+(*)
• The Gospel Sound of Spirit Feel [1946–60, Spirit Feel]
• Gospel Warriors: 50 Years of Female Gospel Classics [(1990), Spirit Feel]
• Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan [2003, Columbia], C+
• The Great Gospel Women [(1993), Shanachie]
• Greatest Gospel Gems [1991, Specialty], B+
• Greatest Gospel Hits: Peace of Mind [(1995), Specialty]
• Holy Church of the Ecstatic Soul: A Higher Power: Gospel, Funk and Soul at the Crossroads 1971–83 [1971–83, Soul Jazz], B+(*)
• Jubilation! Great Gospel Performances, Vol. 1: Black Gospel [(1992), Rhino]
• Jubilation! Great Gospel Performances, Vol. 2: More Black Gospel [1937–82, Rhino], B+
• Jubilation! Great Gospel Performances, Vol. 3: Country Gospel [(1992), Rhino], A
• Negro Religious Field Recordings: From Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee (1934–1942): Vol. 1 [1934–42, Document], A–
• Over in Glory: Favorites from Classic Gospel Groups [(1998), MCA], B+
• Sacred Soul of North Carolina [2020, Bible & Tire], A–
• Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music in Florida [1997, Arhoolie]
• Sacred Steel: Live! [(1999), Arhoolie]
• Shout, Sister, Shout! A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe [2003, MC Records], B+
• Something Got a Hold of Me: A Treasury of Sacred Music [(1990), RCA], A–
• Testify! The Gospel Box [(1999), Rhino, 3CD]
• Train Don't Leave Me: Recorded Live at the 1st Annual Sacred Steel Convention [2000, Arhoolie], B+(**)
• The Very Best of Praise & Worship Volume 2 [1996–2006, Verity/Legacy], B–
• Wade in the Water, Vol. I: African American Spirituals: The Concert Tradition [(1994), Smithsonian/Folkways]
• Wade in the Water, Vol. II: African American Congregational Singing: Nineteenth-Century Roots [1989–92, Smithsonian/Folkways], B
• Wade in the Water, Vol. III: African American Gospel: The Pioneering Composers [1992, Smithsonian/Folkways], B+
• Wade in the Water, Vol. IV: African American Community Gospel [1992–93, Smithsonian/Folkways], B–
• When Gospel Was Gospel [1949–63, Shanachie]
• World Spirituality Classics 2: The Time for Peace Is Now [1970, Luaka Bop], B+(***)