Photo: Spotify Promo Card
Music by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

"Good evening , everyone. I'm Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the Gospel Greats. Today we're taking a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of Andrae Crouch, a true titan of soul gospel music. If you've ever felt the power of a song that lifts your spirit and stirs your soul, you might owe a debt to this remarkable artist. Crouch, who passed away in 2015, didn't just sing about faith—he made it feel alive, urgent, and utterly human.

Andrae Crouch was one of the top soul gospel artists of his time, blending infectious rhythms with profound messages that reached far beyond the church pews. His 1979 hit, 'Jesus is Lord,' is a perfect example from his 1979 album ‘I’ll be Thinking of You’. By the time I finished listening, I truly knew who Jesus was and what He had done. Crouch's lyrics painted a vivid picture: 'I tell them Jesus was wounded for my transgressions, and He was bruised for my iniquities.' Then he'd build to that soaring chorus: 'Jesus—He was sent from the Father; Jesus—He's a great Messiah.'

It was soul music at its finest, with Crouch's rich voice turning ancient scripture into something that felt like it was straight from the streets. He walked upon the water, as he sang, and calmed the raging sea—making Jesus sound like a soul man to me, full of grit and grace. That's what came through in every note: a deep, personal conviction that connected with so many.

Crouch didn't stop there. Songs like 'Soon and Very Soon' brought a joyful anticipation to the gospel genre, promising that 'we are going to see the King.' I grew up in an era when gospel music was simpler, often stripped down with just a few instruments—a piano, maybe a humble choir. But when Andrae Crouch arrived on the scene with tracks like 'Jesus is Lord' and 'Soon and Very Soon,' it was like a revolution. He infused it with layers of soul, funk, and even a touch of what some might call 'worldly' flair, expanding the sound and making it accessible to new audiences.

And that's no accident. I once read an article in the Los Angeles Times where Crouch opened up about his approach. He said he purposely alternated upbeat, enjoyable Christian songs with ones that carried a deeper message—songs that might not sound recognizably religious at first listen. 'It might be something that sounds worldly,' he explained, 'but the words will stay with them and accomplish something.' And boy, did he deliver on that promise. Through his music, Crouch didn't just entertain; he planted seeds of faith that grew in unexpected ways.

Andrae Crouch. That’s the story for today. They’ll be more soon but until next time goodbye friends.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0


This week, we're diving into a fascinating bit of musical history, a duet that sounds like a divine collaboration, but came together in a rather earthly, logistical way. We're talking about Shirley Caesar and Al Green, two great gospel singers, and their seemingly effortless rendition of "Sailing on the Sea of Your Love."

Now, on the surface, it sounds like a match made in heaven, right? Shirley Caesar, the "First Lady of Gospel," and Al Green, the soul singer turned reverend. But as *The New York Times* pointed out back in 1984, this meeting of musical minds wasn’t quite as spontaneous as it seems. Robert Palmer, in his article, quoted Miss Caesar as saying she’d be open to performing with Al Green, but emphasized the need for rehearsal, stressing they had never sung together.

Here’s where things get interesting. Conflicting schedules, a constant challenge in the music world, intervened. Miss Caesar, as the article revealed, recorded her part with her musicians, and then, while she was away on tour, Al Green came in to record his vocals solo. Think about that! Two powerhouse singers, seemingly singing *with* each other, but in reality, singing *to* each other, across time and space, thanks to the wonders of studio technology.

And yet… listen to the song. You'd never know. The blend of their voices, the passion and conviction, it's seamless. It's proof to their individual talents, of course, but also to the skill of the producers and engineers who pieced it all together.

“Sailing on the Sea of Your Love," released on Shirley Caesar's album "Sailin'," became a gospel hit, and a beloved example of how music can transcend logistical hurdles. Sometimes, the most beautiful harmonies are created not in perfect unison, but in separate moments, brought together by faith, talent, and a little bit of studio magic. And that, as they say, is the story behind the song.

I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to the gospel greats.

Photo: Spotify Promo Card
Story by: Gail Nobles
Intro | Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

Alright, lemme tell you something about this Gospel Keynotes tune, "If You Pray, Don't Worry, and If You Worry, Don't Pray." Now, this ain't just some pretty little melody to tap your feet to. This is a *powerhouse* of spiritual advice, wrapped up in a down-home package.

We're talkin' about a cornerstone of faith here. And that first verse? That's the foundation.

"Fret Not Thyself Because of Evil Doers. Neither Be Thou Envious Against the Workers of Iniquity."

See, that's *easy* to sing, but *hard* to live. We all been there, right? You see somebody cuttin' corners, lyin', cheatin', and they seem to be gettin' ahead. The flesh *screams* at you. "Why am I playin' by the rules? Why am I breakin' my back when they're gettin' rich off bein' crooked?"

But the song's tellin' you, flat out: *Don't even go there.* Don't waste your energy on envy. Don't let bitterness take root.  Those "evil doers," those "workers of iniquity"... they're on borrowed time. Their success is temporary, built on sand. Your peace, your righteousness, that's what lasts.

And that's the important part of it, see?  Worry is born of a lack of trust.  It's letting fear and doubt cloud your vision.  It's thinking you gotta control everything, fix everything, figure everything out yourself.  And that leads to trouble.

Now, let’s get to the important part of it: You think you can pray but then worry, then you're double minded. God can't move in that space.

"Commit Thy Way Unto the Lord and Thy God. And He Shall Bring It To Pass Before Thee.”

"Commit Thy Way."  What does that *mean*?

It means surrender. It means letting go of that death grip you got on your own plans.  It means trustin' God's got a bigger picture than you could ever imagine. It means pray about everything and worry about nothing. It means having the mind set to release it.  Commit.

Commit your *relationships* to Him. Commit your *finances*. Commit your *health*.  Commit your *dreams*, even the ones that seem impossible.  Commit your *fears*, your *doubts*, your *weaknesses*.  *Everything*.

And that last part? "And He Shall Bring It To Pass Before Thee.”

This is what this verse is saying: If you truly commit your way to God, He will *make it happen*.  Not maybe. Not possibly. He *will* bring it to pass. Before you even start to see the answer, he's going to bring it to pass.

But, here's the thing you gotta understand about this song: It's not magic. It's not a guarantee of a trouble-free life. But it's a promise that *even in the midst of trials*, if you keep your heart fixed on God, if you pray in faith and trust in His plan, He *will* see you through.

I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to a show about the gospel greats today’s topic Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes.

Blind Boys Of Alabama 2009-04-01 KCRW Radio Santa Monica, CA
Downloaded from: Archive.org
Usage: Public Domain
Photo: KCRW

Blind Boys Of Alabama 2009-04-01 KCRW Radio Santa Monica, CA
Downloaded from: Archive.org
Usage: Public Domain
Photo: KCRW

Blind Boys Of Alabama 2009-04-01 KCRW Radio Santa Monica, CA
Downloaded from: Archive.org
Usage: Public Domain
Photo: KCRW

Blind Boys Of Alabama 2009-04-01 KCRW Radio Santa Monica, CA
Downloaded from: Archive.org
Usage: Public Domain
Photo: KCRW

Story by: Gail Nobles

Good evening this is Gail Nobles bringing you more on the topic the Great I AM.Oh, what power lies in that declaration! No other God can claim to be no other being can exist outside of his own will!

He is the God of the impossible. Remember, he instructed Abraham to look toward heaven and he said: and tell the stars if they’ll be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shell thy seed be.” (Genesis chapter 15, verse 5) Is where you’ll find that.

Millions who have come to know him as their savior. He is the God who raises the dead and calls things that are not as though they are. The phrase ‘God calls things that are not as though they are’ is taken from Romans chapter 4 verse 17 in the Bible, where the apostle Paul discusses God‘s power to create and bring about reality from what does not yet exist. The full verse and context refers to God‘s promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, despite his old age and thebarrenness of his wife, Sarah. God wants us to trust in his plans even when the evidence seems contrary.

I’m Gail Nobles. Keep these things in mind. The topic ‘The Great I AM’ will continue later on in the show. Thank you for listening.

Photo: Spotify Promotiom
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Background Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

The Gospel keynotes sang a song titled ‘Only God Knows’. They sing: My heart goes out to those who can spend Christmas at home this year. My heart goes out to those who will be all alone this year.🎶

Welcome back to your favorite spot in the world where the rhythm meets the spirit. You’re tuning in with your host Gail Nobles.

Today I’m talking about the legendary Gospel Keynotes with their heartfelt tune. Only God knows, and let me tell you folks that song hits deep.

My heart goes out to those who will be all alone this year.  🎶

Now let’s take a moment and soak that in. Isn’t that the truth? Christmas-a time for joy, a time for family, but hey, life isn’t always that picture-perfect holiday card is it? Still, Christ is always there, reminding us that it’s really all about Him every day.

For many out there, this season can be tough whether it’s due to circumstances, distance, or maybe lost loved ones, not everyone gets to enjoy the holiday glow surrounded by their nearest and dearest. And you know what? That’s OK! Because while the festivities might feel a little dimmer, the message of love, hope, and faith shines bright my friends.

That’s where songs like this come in. They remind us to extend our hearts and hands to those who are struggling. So whether you’re celebrating with a crowd or navigating the holiday solo just remember you’re not alone.

In the spirit of the season, I’m calling on all you listeners out there. Reach out to someone who might be feeling blue this Christmas, drop a call, send a message. Even a warm smile can make a world of difference. We’ve all got a little light to share, and together, we can spread that holiday cheer, no matter where we find ourselves.

So stay tuned because we’ve got more uplifting tunes to talk about coming your way to keep that spirit alive. This is Gail Nobles reminding you to keep the faith spread love and let music lift you higher.

Today’s topic: The Gospel Keynotes. Only God knows where you’ll spend Christmas this year 🎶

I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to a show about The Gospel Greats.

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Rob Mieremet / Anefo
Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain

Today’s topic is the Edwin Hawkins singers. They sing: Children, Oh children, won’t you try to get together? Children Oh children, try a little love for your sisters and brothers.

My dear friends, today I invite you to join me in a melody that rings through the ages, a song that speaks to our hearts. It is an anthem of love and unity, as expressed by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in their call to "Get Together."

The song comes from their 1971 album: The Edwin Hawkins singers-Children Get Together.
In a world that often pulls us apart, we hear the clarion call that beckons us to embrace our sisters and brothers with a spirit of love and compassion. In the beauty of this song, we find a profound truth: every child, every individual, is a thread woven into the magnificent creation. We must remember that it is love that binds us together and forges the connections that transcend the barriers of race, creed, and circumstance.

Let us take a moment to think about this call. It urges us to reach out—to think about the life we lead and how we interact with one another. Are we lifting each other up? Are we approaching our fellow beings with kindness? Or are we stuck in our own narrow outlooks, forgetting that we are all part of the same human family?

Friends, it is not enough to simply coexist. We must actively engage in the sacred act of love. This love is not merely an emotion; it is a duty, a responsibility we owe to one another. It asks us to stand in the face of division, to break down the walls of indifference and to say, "I will take a step toward you; I will meet you where you are."

The Edwin Hawkins Singers remind us, "Try a little love for your sisters and brothers." Such simple words carry immense weight. It asks us to take action—to extend our hands, to open our hearts, and to share the burden of one another’s struggles. To love is to recognize the inherent dignity in every human being, regardless of where they come from or what they believe.

Let us embrace this vision, where love is our guiding principle. Love is powerful enough to heal wounds, to mend broken relationships, and to foster a world where understanding prevails over conflict. In this collective love, we can build bridges, break chains, and uplift those who have been grouped together and oppressed.

So please, let us pledge to try a little more love for our sisters and brothers.

I'm Gail Nobles. You're Listening to the Gospel Greats. Today's topic: The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Children Get Together.

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

The song The Train is by the male Gospel group known as The Second Chapter. It’s a song of journey towards salvation. The way their music is played in the song is like the sound of a train. I don't know much about the group Second Chapter, but that song,The Train, should have gotten an award if it didn't.

 The song came from the 1994 album entitled Feel the Spirit. They tell the story in the song about a train and a conductor who was an old sanctified man that would get happy up in the engine, how he would reach and grab hold of horn, and he would start blowing. Second Chapter would give a demonstration in their music how the horn and the bell and train would sound. And they would  sing Whoo! woo! if you don't want to go, you don't have to go, you don't have to ride this train.

 You can hear the Second Chapter’s song The Train from their album Feel the Spirit on Spotify. I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to a show about the gospel greats. Thank you for listening.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover art by: Gail Nobles

The great I AM! Hello!  I'm Gail Nobles. There's something I want to share with you. One day I was watching television and ask God: Lord, did you hear what the president said? He's got me worried.

 And I heard the Lord say: I know. Hard times are coming, but who am I? My word is fulfilling, and I'm coming just as the scripture said.

 The great I Am! Oh let me tell you about him! The very essence of existence. The Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. When you look up at the stars understand this, he created them with just a word. His word. Genesis chapter 1 tells us “Let there be light and there was light.” Not just light, but the light of the world shining through the darkness.

 John chapter 8 verse 12 tells us that Jesus said: I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but she'll have the light of life. 

According to Acts 7,  He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of our fathers.

The covenant-keeping God who walked through the pages of history and science, parting seas and bringing fourth rivers in the desert-yes he is the sustainer of life!  When Moses stood before the burning bush trembling, God spoke with authority.

 Exodus 3 verse 14 I Am that I Am: and he said, Thus shslt thou say unto the Children of Israel,  I AM hath set me unto you.

 Gospel singing Joe Douglas featuring Lena Byrd Miles sings The Great I AM. Gospel singing Shirley Caesar sings Who Is He.

 I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to a show about the gospel greats. But today's topic is The Great I Am. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And the message will continue. Tune in again next time for more of the topic: The Great I AM.

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Do you remember Paul Williams, one of the founding members and the original lead singer of the Motown group the Temptations?  He was the son of Sophia and Rufus Williams, a gospel singer in the gospel music vocal group called the Ensley Jubilee Singers.

 Let's see there were 1,2,3-4,5,6,7 of them were in the group according to the Birmingham News (anold newspaper clipping). They were familiar to Birmingham audiences both live and on radio. Silas Wooley, Lon hanlpr, Rufus Williams, James Williams (the leader), Marshall Johnson, Tommy Walton, and Morris Ridley. Ridgely played the guitar. They were well known at the church and performed old plantation numbers and appeared in the auditorium.

 You can hear the Ensley Jubilee Singers on YouTube, and see a photo of them in the video. I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Gospel Greats Podcast.

Podcast Music Intro and Vocals by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Angela George
Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0

Mary Clayton is a soul and Gospel singer she worked with many major recording artist for decades including a duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter". Clayton is prominently featured in 20 Feet from Stardom, the Oscar-winning documentary about background singers and their contributions to the music industry.

Clayton was born in Gert Town, New Orleans, Louisiana. She was born on Christmas Day, and was given the name "Merry" because of the December 25th birthdate. 

Clayton's voice as a backing singer can be heard on songs by Pearl Bailey, Tom Jones, Linda Ronstadt, and Carole King just to name a few. Clayton is often credited as having recorded with Elvis Presley.

Clayton began her recording career in 1962, at the age of 14.  She made studio albums in the 70s Give Me Shelter 1970, 1971 Mary Clayton, 1975 Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow, 1979 Emotion, 1994 Miracles, and in 2021 Beautiful Scars. Beautiful Scars is a beautiful album.

On June 16, 2014, Clayton was critically injured and almost died after being involved in a car crash in Los Angeles, California. She had to loose both her legs at the knees.

 When I hear her singing on her album, I can understand her soulful voice and words to her songs. My favorite gospel single on the gospel album is Beautiful Scars is Touch the Hymn of his Garment. Like Sam Cooke, she can really sing that song. I'm sure she can relate to the woman in the Bible days because a miracle happened for Mary Clayton. God kept her and f God is good. His mercy is as wide as the sea and his love is deeper than the ocean. 

You're listening to a show about the gospel greats. I’m your host, Gail Nobles. Today's topic: Merry Clayton.

Story by: Gail Nobles

Hello! I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to The Gospel Greats. Today's topic is the Gospel Imperials, Chilly Jordan. 


You might ask what does Chilly Jordan mean. I suppose that means the river Jordan is chilly and cold. Chilly Jordan is by the Gospel Imperials of Huntsville Alabama. I haven't found any info on The Gospel Imperials. The only info I have found is there music on YouTube and Spotify.

 The Gospel Imperials sound like a traditional sounding gospel group. The song Chilly Jordan comes from the Gospel Imperials 2011 album Move Satan. The lyrics you've got to cross Chilly Jordan if you want to be around the throne.

 I'm Gail Nobles.You're listening to a podcast about The Gospel Greats. Tune in again next time for more. Thank you for listening.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Background music by: Pixabay

Today I want to talk about the Encore Gospel Magazine that was launched in 2005 as a digital magazine and a division of Total Prayze Entertainment Group. Encore has since expanded into a leading multimedia brand consisting of a magazine, a music television production studio, Encore Entertainment, an online music video platform: A podcast network and more. The magazine features cover stories like Jekalyn Carr.

It’s good to have gospel magazines. I don’t remember any black gospel music magazines in the 80’s and 90’s on the shelf at the bookstore. It was always the Ebony, Jet, and RightOn magazines that were so popular about black entertainment. There may have been some black gospel music magazines around during that time, but I just didn’t see them. 

It seemed as if the Rock n Roll entertainers were the ones that stood out on the bookshelfs and television the most. It seemed like they were the ones getting the publicity constantly. 

I mostly heard about gospel singers mostly through radio on Sunday mornings on a show called Inspirations Across America. There was a program on Black Entertainment Television hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones (Bobby Jones Gospel). The series premiered on Sunday, January 27, 1980, two days after the network's January 25 launch. I didn’t always know about the show, and I didn’t always have cable or satellite.

But getting back to the Encore Gospel Magazine, it’s great to have it. It’s great to read & keep up with some of your greastest and favorite gospel stars. It’s great to read & keep up with some of your greatest and favorite gospel stars. The Encore Entertainment Magazine is a division of Total Prayze Entertainment Group created & designed by David M. Wallace.

To learn more about the magazine and the entertainment group, music, film, television. live events, go to totalprayze.com. Prayze is spelled P R A Y Z E. That’s totalprayze.com.
I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for tuning into Gospel Greats.

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Luther Barnes is a record producer, Director, songwriter, composer, and lead singer of Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires and the Red Budd Gospel Choir. He is an ordain minister and native son of Rocky Mount North Carolina. He wrote the famous Rough Sde of the Mountain and is the son of the late Rev. FC Barnes.

Luther Barnes shares the fame with Deborah Barnes of the song Still Holding On. Deborah is the lead female vocalist of the group with her many talents. Luther Barnes and The Red Gospel Choir have other hits like That Other Shore and No Matter How High I Get written by Bobby Womack.

I want to talk about the gospel hit So Satisfied. It got my attention right from the beginning of the music. I thought: I know this song is going to be a good one. And when I heard the beginning words of the choir, I thought: it's a good one.

And after the course when Luther Barnes sings: I'm satisfied with the way that he cares for me ….. I knew I was being led into a story of how blessed I am. Luther was telling the story of his life and the story of others.

The song comes from the album with the same title of the single So Satisfied (Luther Barnes and the Red Budd Gospel Choir).

Barnes is currently the Senior Pastor and Founder of Restoration Worship Center, Rocky Mount established in January 2014.

You're listening to a show about the Gospel Greats. I’m your host, Gail Nobles. Today's topic: Luther Barnes and the Red Budd Choir - So Satisfied.

Story by: Gail Nobles
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Hello! I'm Gail Nobles. I have more news about blackgospelradio.net for the year of 2024. It's a new year. If you want news on your favorite gospel singers, you can check out their gospel music news and see how well they are doing on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart. In the gospel headlines you'll see The Mississippi Mass Choir's The Promise, James Grear and Company I Wanna Say Thank You, Anthony Brown Speak Your Name, and Todd Delaney & Bishop Hezekiah Walker's It's Working just to name a few.

Also you can listen to Black Gospel Radio 24/7. Gospel Music News & gospel music. You can see also featured gospel videos on blackgospelradio.net.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo Credit: Scott Griessel, creatista on flickr.com
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Hello welcome to The Gospel Greats. I'm Gail Nobles. According to the New York Times, Carlton Pearson passed away at age 70 November 19, 2023. He was a Christian minister and gospel music artist.

I'm not podcasting to judge him about his religious beliefs. I'm not here to judge anyone. If Carlton beliefs were wrong about heaven and hell, maybe God showed him the truth before breath left his body. We don't know everything, and some things is just between the individual soul and God until the Lord comes. When the Lord comes, we’ll know everything then. And what we don't understand now like Carlton Pearson used to sing: and we'll understand it better by and by.

I've enjoyed hearing him sing that song and telling the story about his mother. Carlton Pearson and Pop Winans: We’ll Understand It Better by and by-Live.
He sang Jesus I'll Never Forget/He's Done So Much For Me, Father Alone (We will understand why. Cheer up my brother). Remember that one? Those songs came from Carlton Pearson's album titled: Carlton Pearson Live at Azusa 2: Precious Memories. It was his 1997 album.

To find out more about Carlton Pearson, go to carltonpearson.com.

Song: Somebody's Calling My Name
Use: Hymn Song In Public Domain

Song by: Dr. C.J. Johnson

Intro by: Gail Nobles

Today's topic is Dr. CJ Johnson, a gospel music singing preacher and pastor.


Claude Joseph Johnson is his name. He was born on May 16, 1913, in Douglasville, Georgia, the son of Will and Cora Reid Johnson. The family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1916. His mother died when he was young, and he with his elder and younger sister were raised by his paternal grandmother, Sarah Farley Johnson. His father, Will, was a shape note teacher in Georgia in the 1920s and 1930s.

He first acted as pastor at the age of 12 at the Antioch Baptist Church in Barnesville, Georgia. He was pastor in 14 churches, including his own foundation of the St Joseph's Missionary Baptist Church.

Although Johnson had been active in Georgia since his early years, he only gained wider prominence from 1964, when he came to the attention of Fred Mendelsohn, then executive producer at Savoy Records. He recorded at least 20 albums, all of which were recorded in his church rather than in a recording studio.Although most of his recorded songs are traditional, 26 are listed as his own compositions. His 1970 recording of "I Wanna Go Where Jesus Is" was a gold-selling record.

I love the way Johnson sings Hush! Hush! Somebody's Calling My Name. From the 1966 album Dr. C.J. Johnson The Old Time Song Service. They didn't have music.Just handclaps, the choir, and Johnson singing. Johnson was saying I'm so glad troubles don't last always and I'm so glad I got my religion in time. Every time I hear him sing and get to the end of each line of the song, I think to myself carry-on carry-on. When you get caught up in what he's singing, it makes you patient enough to listen no matter how long the song is. I listen and agree to the end of the song.

You're listening to the Gospel Greats. I'm Gail Nobles. Today's topic: Dr. CJ Johnson.