Welcome to Nashboro Gospel. It didn't take long to decide who would be the first post for the site. I could think of only one singular voice!
Edna Gallmon Cooke! She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of a shouting Baptist preacher, Reverend Eddie J. Gallmon. She was more educated and musically trained than most gospel singers. As a young adult, she lived and studied in Washington and Philadelphia, attending Temple University and briefly teaching elementary school. She had contemplated a career in semi-classics and show tunes when she underwent a conversion. In the late 1930s, she heard Willie Mae Ford Smith. "I was shocked. The woman sang with such finesse until I knew I had to be a gospel singer."
We're glad she did! This first and only live television recording of Madame Cooke is of very poor quality but her siren voice will carry you to sweeter places!
Want to listen to more and support gospel music? Visit us every time you need to hear the Nashboro Gospel!
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