Hello, gospel music fans!
Just a reminder that “Gospel Memories” comes at you again live Sunday, August 6 from 3:00 to 7:30 a.m. Central Time US on Chicago’s WLUW 88.7 FM and via live global webcast at www.wluw.org.
Highlights of Sunday’s Broadcast:
— Words and Music with Rev. Lawrence Roberts, iconic gospel producer at Savoy Records and director of the famous Angelic Choir of Nutley, NJ. With James Cleveland, Roberts and the Angelic Choir produced the 1963 “Peace Be Still” album that not only was one of the biggest selling hits for Savoy, but earned its rightful place in the Library of Congress Archive. The interview will run approximately 5:00 a.m. Sunday.
— Live in the WLUW studio: Stellar-nominated artist Tracy Worth! While Tracy is better known as a contemporary gospel performer, she loves traditional gospel and will perform some of it for you. Believe me when I tell you that I heard Tracy tear up a Gospel Announcers Guild meeting with her rendition of “Christ is All,” with Bro. Nash Shaffer on organ. She’ll be singing live approximately 7:00 a.m. Sunday.
— Rare acetate of Chicago’s Mt. Herman Baptist Church Choir, featuring Bro. Crawford (Jan. 4, 1953).
— Preacher Feature: Who else? Rev. Lawrence Roberts! (1979).
And original recordings by artists such as:
Dorothy Norwood and James Herndon (1960s)
Roberta Martin Singers
Andrew Rowe and the Crusaders
Sensational Williams Brothers
Dixie Hummingbirds (pre-Peacock)
Evelyn Gay w/the Pilgrim Outlets
Rev. Gary Davis
Barrett Sisters
Gospel Hummingbirds feat. Roy Tyler
Thomas A. Dorsey (1940s)
Elder Beck
Bethel Singers of Detroit
Cincinnatians
Arnold Laws Singers
…and much more!
So tune in and turn on the great gospel, spiritual and jubilee sounds of “Gospel Memories,” because we’ve got Tracy Worth and Reverend Roberts! What more can you ask for? I mean, really!
A special bon voyage to everyone attending the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Dallas!
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Many persons ae asking what has become of Reverend Lawrence Roberts of Nutley NJ. Well please note that the famed Gospel recording artist and pastor had retired to Stone Mountain, Georgia with his beloved wife Bootsie. They have had a beautiful retirement thus far. They were able to travel to wonderful destinations and he still ministered in song and preaching in Georgia and at other select locations as the occasion arose. Many of us were kept abreast of Pastor Roberts’ wonderful life indirectly through Evangelist/Singer Dorothy Norwood of Georgia and Mother Mattie Taylor (Full Gospel) of Washington, DC.
As I pen these words, Pastor Lawrence Roberts has just passed on from a heart attack at his home in Stone Mountain, GA while eating. He leaves a wonderful legacy in song and preaching. His memory will live on in the words of his many songs, such as his famed “Angelic Choir’s” recording of “Peace Be Still” with Rev. James Cleveland in 1983 and riveting words like the pre-eulogy comments at the funeral or rather glorious home-going services of his great friend and musical partner, Rev. James Cleveland in 1991. Many remember his famous words, “He’s Gone,” but also “Gone” are pain, “Gone” is suffering . . . .
The last bit of trivia is: how many recall a young Rev. Lawrence Roberts who performed, or was featured on piano and organ, on the third recording of “The Original Soul Seekers?” This flavor, amidst the classic Soul Seeker harmonious, vocal blend, made this a classic recording.
I am glad I was able to be personally acquainted with Rev. Roberts initially through he and his wife’s close friendship with my late Pastor, Rev. Charles H. Nicks, Jr. of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. There he worked with Pastor Nicks as a member of the Board of Directors of the Assembly of Free Spirit Baptist Churches headquartered out of Detroit, Michigan. He preached many a riveting sermon during those wonderful years from 1987 to the early 1990’s.
Be Blessed in all you do for Christ,
Dea. Stephen Johnson
4696 Quarton Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(Shield of Faith Ministries)
But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 1 Thessalonians 3:6