Gospel

Gospel music is an intense and joyful genre of music that is associated with African-American religious tradition in the southern United States. Gospel has had a strong influence on rock music among other modern musical movements.

Goreau, Laurraine. Just Mahalia, Baby. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1975.

A biography written in response to a request by Mahalia herself because she was unhappy with what had been previously written about her. Taken from interviews with Mahalia as well as family, friends, doctors, employees, and neighbors. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 780.0711 J13G, 1975

Myers, Oma Lou. Rosa's Song : The Life and Ministry of Rosa Page Welch. St. Louis, MO: CBP Press, 1984.

An account of this southern African-American gospel singer and missionary based on interviews, tributes from relatives and friends, newspaper clippings, magazine articles, church bulletins, and concert programs. Divinity -- CALL NUMBER: 286.6092 W441, M996, 1984

Powell, J. Gilbert. Madame Jessie Strathearn, Her Life and Work. London: The Epworth Press (E.C.Barton), 1933.

A window into a different tradition of gospel music, this biography tells the story of an early 20th century Scottish gospel singer who was a lifelong resident of Glasgow and the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. Divinity -- CALL NUMBER: 783.7092 S899, P883, 1933

Reagon, Bernice Johnson. We Who Believe in Freedom : Sweet Honey in the Rock-- Still on the Journey. New York: Anchor Books, 1993.

The story of the ground breaking gospel group with an original style and a wide appeal as told by its leader. An interesting feature of this group is the member who performs the music in sign language. With 26 pages of illustrations. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 782.25 R287, W361, 1993

Franklin, Aretha. Aretha Gospel. Universal City, CA: Chess/MCA, 1991.

9 gospel tracks recorded in 1956 in her church when Franklin was 14 years old make up this disc. Also with a short description of her contribution to gospel music. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 2161

Caesar, Shirley. Her Very Best. Irving, TX: Word : manufactured and distributed by Epic, 1987.

This disc contains 10 tracks from a contemporary gospel singer who produced many of the tracks herself. This collection was recorded in Nashville, TN. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 2033

Coates, Dorothy Love. The Best of Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes. Berkeley, CA: Specialty Records, 1991.

Two albums on one CD, this collection of 24 tracks was recorded by a classic all-women group which started in the 1950's in Birmingham, AL and originated the popular shouting element of gospel music. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 738

Jackson, Mahalia. Gospels, Spirituals & Hymns. New York: Columbia/Legacy, 1991.

A collection on two discs compiled for the Gospel Spirit series with 35 tracks both well known and obscure. With previously unissued selections as well, and a 31 page booklet that includes program notes and illustrations. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 2606

Fannie Bell Chapman: Gospel Singer. Memphis, TN: Center for Southern Folklore, 1975.

A 43 minute color video that shows Chapmen and her family in Centerville, Mississippi singing traditional gospel music as well as original songs. An account of her role as family leader and faith healer. Lilly A-V Video cassette -- CALL NUMBER: 3395

Jackson, Mahalia. Mahalia Video Recording: Give God the Glory. Dothan, AL: Onyx Films Inc., 1988.

A color video 88 minutes in length that shows Mahalia's final international tour concerts in London, Berlin, and Stockholm with commentary by the singer on her philosophy of life. Lilly A-V Video cassette -- CALL NUMBER: 3543