Photo: Spotify Promo
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Welcome back, folks, to Gospel Railway Praise, where we uncover the threads of faith, hope, and rhythm that weave together this nation's vibrant tapestry. Today, we’re going to talk about a story that sings, a story that grooves, a story that’s got that unmistakable soul.

We’re talking about a musician, named Joe Simon. His music speaks volumes. This artist, rooted deep in the fertile gospel soil of the Bay Area in California, a place where sunshine and soul intertwine, started out singing with the Golden West Singers. Imagine that: the harmonies, the spirit, the pure, unadulterated joy of praising the Lord.

But Simon wasn't content to stay within the confines of traditional gospel. He felt a pull, a different kind of rhythm calling to him. And that’s where we find the magic, folks. That's where we see the inspiration blooming in a brand new way. He took a beloved hymn, a cornerstone of faith – "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah" – and infused it with something else, something… intoxicating.

He gave it a reggae sound. Think about that for a moment. Reggae, with its laid-back vibe, its syncopated rhythm, its roots in oppression and liberation. He took a hymn born out of the American spiritual tradition and married it to a sound that echoes the struggles and triumphs of another people, another land. Talk about a conversation across cultures!

Listen to those words. Simple, powerful words: "Glory, glory, hallelujah! Since I laid my burdens down." It's a declaration of freedom, a release from the weight that holds us back. But then listen to the verses he adds, personal touches that give the song its real, raw honesty.

"I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down." It's not just faith, it's experience. It's the tangible sensation of relief. And then, "Friends don’t treat me like they used to, since I laid my burdens down." Now *that’s* something powerful. That speaks to the transformative power of faith, how it can shift your relationships, your perspective, your very place in the world.

What Joe Simon did was more than just putting a new beat to an old song. He took a deeply personal, deeply spiritual experience and made it universal. He showed us that faith can be expressed in countless ways, that tradition can be reinterpreted, and that the message of hope and redemption can reach across genres, across cultures, across continents. He took the inspiration of gospel and the vibe of reggae and created something brand new, something that continues to inspire to this very day. And that is what Gospel Railway Praise is all about.

Join us next time as we explore another story of faith, hope, and the music that binds us together. Until then, keep those spirits high, and keep those hearts open. I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Gospel Railway Praise.