The Relatives: Is That James Brown?

Check out Thomas Fawcett’s enjoyable audio report on the Relatives, a 1970s gospel group based in Dallas, Texas.

Lead singer Rev. Gene West not only sounds like James Brown, but according to West, he could have been a contender for the Godfather of Soul’s title had he not refused to go secular.

Thanks to Heavy Light Records, the Relatives’ funk-laden, psychedelic “street sound” recordings have been saved from obscurity and are available for discovery by a new generation of gospel enthusiasts.

Listen to Fawcett’s audio report here: The Relatives

Photo courtesy of Heavy Light Records.