Monday, May 29, 2017

A new video of Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke!

Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke (1967), as she prepares to sing "Come On, Let's Run To Jesus" on an episode of TV Gospel Time.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Bessie brings it home!

Bessie Griffin (July 6, 1922 – April 10, 1989) was an African American gospel singer.

Born Arlette B. Broil in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was steeped in church music as a child. She sang for a while with the Southern Harps, had her own radio show in New Orleans, and later appeared in night clubs, on Broadway and in 1962 on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Griffin performed briefly with "Queen of Gospel" Albertina Walker and The Caravans in 1953-1954 but spent most of her career as a solo artist. While often compared to Mahalia Jackson, Griffin had a lighter contralto that allowed her to achieve more vocal pyrotechnics — holding a note for long periods of time, continuing a song for as long as twenty minutes and ranging through three octaves.

This is an early performance from Ms.Griffin and it is truly beautiful!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Gospel train is coming!


I love trains. Add Cousin Joe Pleasant and you've got something close to heaven:


WHCJ 90.3: From Savannah to the world...



I was introduced to Sanannah State University radio through a friend on our drive to Savannah- and what an introduction!

For years, you'd have to drive to Savannah just to listen to station manager Ike Carter spin his magic vinyl. But now, Ike and the rest of the crew at Savannah State Radio can be heard live anytime: http://www.savannahstate.edu/whcj/live/

If you're around tomorrow night, give Ike Carter a listen from 9pm onto sunrise with his signature show, Nothing But The Blues w/ Ike Carter.

And call Ike up directly for your special requests- he still answers the phone at this gem: (912) 356-2399.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Where do I begin? Sister Jessie Mae was one of the last great traditional gospel singers to pass in our lifetime. Evangelist Jessie Mae Renfro Sapp was born to Nesiah and Jessie Hayes, October 3, 1921 in Waxahachie, Texas and went to be with the Lord in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She organized her first group "City Wide Acapella Choir" and traveled throughout the state of Texas. Loving Music, she appeared at "The Apollo Theater," "Park Place," and "Madison Square Garden. In 1951 she became a gospel recording artist with Peacock Records of Houston, Texas. Evangelist Jessie Mae Sapp recorded such hits as: "God is so Wonderful," "You've Got to Move," and many others. Evangelist Sapp was inducted into Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, July 28, 1989. Please enjoy this example of her amazing voice...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Famous Davis Sisters- this is how to get on The Right Road

The Famous Davis Sisters of Philadelphia was founded by Ruth Davis in 1945 in Philadelphia. One day in Philadelphia it was raining, visibility was poor and as she was crossing a cobblestone street, she slipped on a trolley track in front of an oncoming trolley. She felt someone lift her up and assist her to the sidewalk underneath a store awning. When she turned around to thank them, no one was there. This experience initially startled her as she thought she was dreaming or in a daze like someone intoxicated, but then the Holy Spirit fell on her and made her realize that this was the answer to her prayer -- to have a new purpose in life: to spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ in song. She later realized what a blessing her discharge had been as she was given a headstart on her new career and unknown to her at the time, soon hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of military people would be discharged and sent home looking for new careers. She felt God had really laid His hand on her. Ruth stated to her family that her two musical inspirations, that encouraged her to become a singer, were Ira Tucker and Dinah Washington.

In 1945, immediately after the rain incident, Ruth rushed home and formed all her sisters into a religious singing group with her playing the piano. Alfreda was only 10 years old! Ruth was the spiritual motivator behind the group and had strong religious convictions and her faith fired the faith of her sisters even at their young ages. The girls used the old Baptist Hymnal, sheet music, and songs from the radio and practiced, practiced and practiced. The Davis Sisters finally made their debut at their parents' home in Port Deposit, Maryland in 1946.

Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke, the Mother of all Gospel Music

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!