"O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.

Sing unto the LORD, bless his

name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all
people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of
the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and
beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and
strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts."

-Psalm 96:1-8

The History of Gospel Music

Part 3: The Transitional Age (1972-1997)

Voices of gospel always have a magnanimous power. They can reach human souls to enhance creativity, be
gravitated to righteousness, and express gratitude to the Lord’s power. Gospel music has been shown by
men, women, and children for a long time. Like any human being, gospel singers aren’t perfect and admit
their imperfections. Likewise, we acknowledge the contributions of gospel music to human history. For
example, gospel music has been an instrument that has been utilized to promote freedom and justice for
the oppressed. It has helped to change lives positively, and it works wonders to develop communities
including institutions in a more glorious fashion. This work is about the gospel music of the old school era
and the start of the new school era of gospel sounds. From Mahalia Jackson’s passing to 1997, this
transitional age of gospel music incorporated some of the most talented artists of all time and witnessed the
started of a new era of gospel talent whose influence is felt today on January 28, 2023.
This image showed the Staple Singers performing their gospel music
to a joyful audience. These human beings are icons of music.

Table of Contents

1. Foreword

2. Continuing Gospel
Music

3. The Gospel Music of

the 1980’s

4. New School Gospel

Music

5. The Start of a
Change (Conclusion for
Gospel Music)
 Foreword
After the passing away of the legendary icon
Mahalia Jackson (whose life was celebrated in
the recent Lifetime TV film about her life in
2021 starring the great singer, Danielle Brooks.
It was directed by Kenny Leon, and its
executive producer is Robin Roberts), gospel
music was in a transition. From being
relegated to religious people mostly, gospel
expanded internationally by the time of the
early 1970's. That is why that tons of religio1us
and non-religious people love gospel music.
With the growing pains of the musical genre,
gospel music evolved. By the 1970's, there were
growing debates to figure a balance of how to
show the gospel music with a message of
salvation plus inspiration while not selling out
spiritual principles. These debates continue to
this very day in the 21st century. That is why
in our generation, apologetics are promoted by
spiritual human beings. Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh
Happy Day” is loved by diverse audiences.
During this time, some gospel songs
represented outstanding character. We know
many gospel musicians who are very righteous
human beings. Also, we find some gospel
musicians who were revolting and who abused
innocent human beings. Abusing people is
wrong period in any circumstance.
Artists and groups flourished during the era of
1972 to 1997 like Andrae Crouch, Yolanda
Adams, The Disciples, The Imperials, Shirley
Caesar, Alex Bradford, Aretha Franklin,
Clarence Fountain, Clara Ward, Five Blind
Boys of Alabama, Marion Williams, and other
human beings. This time period of gospel saw
greatness, controversies, and a transition to
the new school era of music at the same time.
Music is representative of the culture of the
ages of time regularly. This time saw civil
rights, women's rights, and other cultural
revolutionary changes existing in American
plus world societies. Gospel music definitely
reflected the times. The end of this era saw the
rise of hip hop, and some gospel musicians like
Kirk Franklin merging gospel and hip hop
sounds into one. That is exemplified in the song
of Stomp. Therefore, we must know of these
realities in order to analyze plus understand
the evolution of gospel music in general. Like
always, I do believe in God. To me,
mathematics, natural laws in the Universe,
Phi, the complexity of DNA, prophecies, and
other reasons cause me to believe that the Most
High God caused the Universe to exist in the
first place. Gospel certainly does inspire the
soul magnificently.
 Continuing Gospel Music
By 1972, America and the world was in a new era. There was the aftermath of the deaths of
prominent human rights activists and musicians (like Fred Hampton, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, etc.). Gospel music helped to fill the void found among
many people. One of the most influential albums of the 1970's was Amazing Grace by Aretha
Franklin. It was a live album recorded in January 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist
Church in Los Angeles. She worked with the controversial Reverend James Cleveland and the
Southern California Community Choir accompanying Franklin in performance. The album was
very powerful, and it was highly successful with zeal and energy. It went double platinum in the
United States. It also won Franklin the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance.
As of 2017, it stands as the biggest selling disc of Franklin's entire fifty-plus year recording career
as well as the highest-selling live gospel music album of all time. Aretha Franklin was one of the
greatest vocalists in history, and that album proved it once again. Songs like Old Landmark,
Mary, Don't You Weep, and Amazing Grace are staples in American gospel culture. The black
gospel group of the Dixie Hummingbirds helped many diverse artists in the 1970's. Many of their
members are James Davis, Ira Tucker, William Bobo, Jimmy Bryant, Barney Gipson, Claude
Jeter, etc. Even Elvis Presley made some gospel music in the 1970's which was strange, because
Elvis by the 1970's didn't believe in orthodox Christianity.
We know of Elvis' imperfections, and I don't agree with him on many issues. I do agree with his
statement that ultimately rock and roll and rhythm and blues came from black people. Also, the
imperfections of Elvis shouldn't be understated. When he was a child, he grew up in the First
Assembly of God Church in East Tupelo, MS and then the First Assembly of God in Memphis.
Elvis was a rebel, he wanted to pray to his dead twin Jesse, and cursed God in private when he
was in high school. Elvis loved Southern Gospel music, but he didn't repent of his mistakes. He
accepted a New Age faith. Elvis had a violent rage, he tried to get people to murder his enemies,
he threw a poll ball at one woman fan to cause severe injury, and he abused drugs. He put his
hands on Priscilla Presley (he was a grown man when he dated her as a teen). Elvis and Priscilla
committed adultery against each other. Elvis Presley read new age books like material from the
guru Paramahansa Yogananda, the Hindu founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship. According
to the book Hungry for Heaven, Elvis studied Hinduism, mind control, theosophy, numerology,
and positive thinking. He constantly cursed God's name in private conversations. Elvis was a
great fan of occultist Madame Blavatsky. He was so taken with Blavatsky’s book The Voice of
Silence, which contains the supposed translation of ancient occultic Tibetan incantations, that he
"sometimes read from it onstage and was inspired by it to name his own gospel group, Voice"
(Goldman, Elvis, p. 436). Another of Elvis’s favorite books was The Impersonal Life, which
supposedly contains words recorded directly from God by Joseph Benner. Biographer Albert
Goldman says Elvis gave away hundreds of copies of this book over the last 13 years of his life.
So, Elvis was the ultimate hypocrite to make gospel albums, but he didn't follow what the Holy
Gospel entails. So, this is the truth. Now, you know.

Additionally, there are other black gospel singers who excelled in the 1970's too. The 1970’s saw
gospel music go more into the mainstream of music’s atmosphere. That balancing act among
gospel artists is that many of them wanted popularity and success, but many also wanted souls
to be saved. Andrae Crouch was one of the gospel legends too. For decades, he has been a gospel
singer, a songwriter, an arranger, a record producer, and a pastor. He worked with The Disciples
in the album of Keep on Singin' in 1971 and Soulfully in 1972. His debut album was Just Andrae
in 1973. Andrae Crouch also had the song of Take Me Back in 1975. Later, he made the album of
I'll Be Thinking of You in 1979. Later in his life, he was a producer and arranger with Michael
Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Mika (We Are Golden), Diana Ross, Elton John, Rick Astley
("Cry for Help"), and Prefab Sprout. Crouch also had a long relationship with the Oslo Gospel
Choir, which he occasionally produced, arranged for and performed with. By the 1970's, Edwin
Hawkins made more albums like Children Get Together (1971), New World (1973), Wonderful
(1976), The Comforter (1977), Edwin Hawkins Presents the Matthews Sisters (1977), and Edwin
Hawkins Live at the Symphony (1979). Many singers who worked with Hawkins are Elaine Kelly,
Margarette Branch, Dorothy Combs Morrison (the original lead singer on "Oh Happy Day"),
Tramaine Davis (Hawkins), Reuben Franklin, Donald Cashmere, Betty Watson, and Ruth
Lyons. Albert Floyd and the Floyd Family was a prominent gospel group of the 1970's. The Floyd
Family made tons of music. Willie Scott and the Birmingham Spirituals worked as a collective
team. Willie Scott handled booking, merchandise, marketing, and logistics. The 1970’s had
unsung gospel singers too like The Midstates Singers (who made songs like To God Be the Glory,
A Wonderful Feeling, and The Lighthouse). The 1970’s saw a new generation of Christian plays
and movies like Jesus Christ Superstar that tried to appeal to the younger generation. Jesus Christ
Superstar was released in 1971 to be a musical and film. It had rock songs, and the music was
done by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics were by Tim Rice. It is related to the life of Jesus Christ
as found in the Gospel accounts. It was controversial back then. The talent of the musical was
always there.

Annie Caldwell was born in Mississippi. She loved the Staples Singers growing up too. She formed
a band called The Caldwell Singers who performed for years and decades. Shirley Caesar
continued to make music in the 1970's. Caesar recorded and performed with Albertina Walker,
Cassietta George, Inez Andrews, Delores Washington, Josephine Howard, Eddie Williams and
James Herndon while in the Caravans. Her biggest hit with the Caravans was the song "Sweeping
Through the City" followed by "No Coward Soldier." After eight years with the Caravans, she
decided to leave after being offered a solo recording contract with Hob Records. Shirley Caesar's
first LP on the Hob label was entitled I'll Go, backed up by the Institutional Radio Choir and
includes the classics "Oh Peter, Don't Be Afraid" and "Choose Ye This Day." In 1971, Shirley won
her first Grammy Award for her recording of "Put Your Hand in the Hand of the Man", and in
1975, her recording of the song "No Charge" became an instant hit and her first gold record. To
reach more people with her music, Caesar signed with a secular record label called Roadshow
Records in 1977 and released the debut album entitled First Lady. The producer of the album
titled the album First Lady because Caesar was the first woman to ever record on the label. The
album contained songs with strong gospel lyrics, but many within the gospel community felt that
the music itself was "too worldly." Many gospel DJ's refused to play it on their radio station. One
song, however, "Faded Rose", later became a Caesar classic. Overall, the album sold poorly, but
the "First Lady" title caught on within the gospel industry, and concert announcers, DJ's and
gospel promoters everywhere started introducing her as "The First Lady of Gospel Music", a title
that has been associated with her ever since. She had the From the Heart album in 1978.
 The Lives of the Clark Sisters
Jacqueline Lenita Clark-
Chisholm (née Cullum;
December 29, 1948), known
professionally as Jacky Clark-
Chisholm, is an American
Grammy Award-winning
gospel singer, songwriter, and
licensed practical nurse who
is best known as the member
of the American gospel
singing group The Clark
Sisters. On March 29, 2005,
Chisholm released her first
solo album, Expectancy, on
the Entheos Records label. On
this album she teamed up with
songwriter/producer Carnell
Murrell, Autun Foster, and
Doreonne Stramler.
Recorded live at the Cathedral
Center in Detroit, the album's
background vocals were
supplied by a special
assembly of vocalists, which
included two of her children,
Angel and Aaron Chisholm, as
well as Lorenzo Clark, her
sister Denise Clark Bradford's
son. The choir was directed
by Bryon Stanfield. Her vision
for the album is simply meant
to “minister to the heart and
soul, to restore the people of
God who’ve been hurt
working in the church. Her
signature vocals can be heard
on “Oil of God,” “We Are
Overcomers” featuring her
sister Elbernita "Twinkie"
Clark, and the urban Gospel
tune “My Soul Says Yes.” The
album also features a duet
with Jacky and Ron Winans
and a special appearance by
the Clark Sisters together on
“Blessing Me.”
She is a legend. Sister
Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark. She
is now 68 years old. She was
born in Detroit, Michigan.
Those, who love gospel, know
about her as being one of the
most successful, gospel
artists of all time. The Clark
Sisters are icons in gospel.
She has been a singer,
composer, evangelist, and
musician. Since the late
1960's, she travels across the
world to show music that
inspires the soul. Her parents
were very religious people.
Since leaving The Clark
Sisters she has recorded
several solo albums
intermittently including
Comin' Home, Masterpiece.
Detroit is home to a lot of
musical talent and Elbertina
Clark is proof of that. Clark is
known as the "Mother of
Contemporary Gospel
Music.” Known as the "Queen
of the B3 Hammond Organ,”
she is a member of the
Hammond organ Hall of Fame
Class of 2014. In 2012, Clark
was honored by Dr. Judith
Christie McAllister and the
International Music
Department of the Church of
God in Christ, as a living
legend and influencer during
the 105th International Holy
Convocation, where Clark
also received an honorary
doctorate of sacred music
from Dr. Tony Lewis and the
Christian Bible Institute and
Seminary (CBIS).
Karen Clark Sheard is one of
the greatest gospel singers of
our generation. She is a
singer, musician, songwriter,
and businesswoman. She is
the wife of the current Church
of God in Christ Presiding
Bishop J. Drew Sheard. She is
part of the well-known Clark
family of sisters who are part
of the singing group called
The Clark Sisters. Her
daughter is singer and actress
Kierra Sheard. Her son is J.
Drew Sheard. Karen Clark
Sheard was born and raised at
Detroit, Michigan. By 1979,
she graduated from Mumford
High School in Detroit. She
had great success as The
Clark Sisters and as a solo
artist. She sang with many
legendary people in the song
Don't Give Up in 1996. Finally
Karen was her first solo album
in 1997. She won Grammys
and the Lady of Soul and in
1998. Her daughter Kierra
Sheard portrayed her in the
Lifetime TV biopic The Clark
Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel
on April 11, 2020. Her
surviving a blood clot was a
miracle, and she has praised
God for her recovery.
The Clark Sisters perform and Evangelize the
Gospel to this day.
To understand gospel music
fully, you must comprehend
her legacy. For decades, she
worked with some of the best
gospel singers in history.
Also, she established her own
solo career and other
evangelism services that
enriched the lives of millions
of people worldwide. Her
parents are Elbert and Dr.
Mattie Moss-Clark. Her sisters
are Karen, Twinkie, Jacky,
and Denise. Clark-Cole's
voice is a mezzo-soprano. Her
debut album called Dorinda
Clark-Cole was released in
June 2002 on Gospo Centric
Records/Zomba Label Group.
The album won 2 Stellar
Awards and a Soul Train Lady
of Soul Award. Clark-Cole has
been evangelizing and
speaking globally for over 20
years. She has a husband, 2
children, and 2 grandchildren.
She has ministered in the UK,
Japan, Germany, France,
South Korea, and South
Africa. In 2020, she had the
album of The Return. She won
2 NAACP Image Awards.
 The Staples singers always did gospel music too. The Clark Sisters were born and raised in
Detroit, Michigan. The Clark Sisters are Elbertina "Twinkie" Clark, Jacy Clark Chisholm,
Dorinda Clark Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. Their parents are musician Dr. Mattie Moss Clark
and Pastor Elbert Clark. The Clark Sisters signed to Sound of Gospel Records in 1974. Under
this association, the group released albums such as Unworthy, Count It All Joy, and He Gave Me
Nothing to Lose, which hit the top 20 of the Billboard Spiritual LPs chart. By this point, Dr. Clark
had turned over control of the group to Twinkie, who continued to write, arrange, conduct, and
produce all the Clark Sisters' recordings. Their popularity soared with the release of the live
recording Is My Living in Vain, in 1980. By the end of the 1980's, music changed. Disco was
scapegoated and bashed by bigots, hip hop (a new artform back then) grew, and Contemporary
Gospel Music started to solidify itself.

Unsung Gospel Music of the 1970’s

Walter Hawkins’s Be The Staple Singers’ There is Amy Grant’s Old Man’s Rubble Aretha Franklin’s
Grateful (1978) a God (1972) (1977) Amazing Grace (1972)

“SOMEBODY HAS TO
HAVE COURAGE
ENOUGH TO STAND
UP TO MAKE A
CHANGE.”

-Ruby Bridges on November 3, 2014

 The Gospel Music of the 1980's
The 1980's saw a different style of music. There was the growth of CDs, synthesizers, and a sense
of experimentation in fashion and music. Gospel music in the 1980's was a turning point. More
artists wanted gain more secular audiences, while other gospel musicians wanted to keep up with
the traditional sounds. In 1981, the Clark Sisters released the album of You Brought the Sunshine.
The music from that album was a hit in the churches and on the dance floor. The song of You
Brought the Sunshine (Into My Life) is beloved by lovers of music. The sisters delivered another
progressive effort in 1982, Sincerely, which included "Name It, Claim It" and the politically
charged "World." Though its success was overshadowed by You Brought the Sunshine, the sisters
received their first Grammy Award nomination for Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or
Group for the album at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards. Shortly after winning the Grammy
nomination, the Clark Sisters won the NAACP Image Award for best gospel group for 1983. After
receiving a second Grammy nomination in the Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group
category for the song, "He'll Turn Your Scars Into Stars" – later included on the album Heart
& Soul (1986), the sisters were invited to perform live on the following 27th Annual Grammy
Awards in 1985, alongside their mother, where they performed "Praise the Lord (Hallelujah)" as
part of a medley with the year's fellow gospel nominees.

By the end of the 1980's, the Clark Sisters were already one of the most influential, talented gospel
groups of all time. Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, Jill Scott, Fantasia, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, and
Kelly Price (some of the most talented R&B singers of our generation) are all inspired by the
Clark Sisters. A younger Yolanda Adams came on the gospel scene by the 1980's too. In 1982,
Yolanda Adams was a featured vocalist for the song of For My Liberty (as part of the Houston's
Southeast Inspirational Choir). Yolanda Adams is from Houston, Texas. In 1986, Adams was
featured on the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Choir released Give Us Peace, with a
performance entitled "My Trust Lies in You." Later, she signed a recording contract with Sound
of Gospel which yielded her first album Just As I Am in 1987. By the 1990's, Yolanda Adams
would reach legendary status as a musician and artist. The history of 1980's gospel music was
filled with choir and groups making a huge contribution to songs. One choir making a great deal
of praise was the Mississippi Mass Choir based in Jackson, Mississippi. They were united by the
1980's made up of hundreds of people. After months of rehearsals, the Mississippi Mass Choir
recorded their eponymous debut album and video live at Thalia Mara Hall (formerly Jackson
Municipal Auditorium) on October 29, 1988.

In the spring of 1989, five weeks after their debut album was released, Billboard magazine
certified it as the Number 1 Spiritual album in the country. The album stayed on the Billboard
charts for a consecutive 45 weeks, setting a new record for gospel recordings. At the 9th annual
James Cleveland GMWA Awards, the Mississippi Mass Choir won the Choir of the Year-
Contemporary, and Best New Artist of the Year-Traditional. They also walked away with four
Stellar Awards in 1989 and were nominated in several categories for the 1989 Soul Train Music
Awards and Dove Awards. The choir's second album, Near the Cross, God Gets The Glory, was
recorded live at the Mississippi State Coliseum in Jackson on December 8, 1990. Many of their
great songs are All in His Hands, Lord, We Thank You, Come On In the Room, Going Up Yonder,
and Call Him Up. The Mississippi Mass Choir continues to make music to this very day. The
Commodores made a gospel album in the 1980's too with the famous song of Jesus is Love. By the
 end of the 1980's, BeBe Winans and CeCe Winans grew their gospel careers too. Both siblings
were born in Detroit, Michigan.
Unsung Gospel Music from the 1980’s
The Clark Sisters’ Trust in
Him (1989)
Sister Shirley Caesar is
84 years old. She was
born in Durham, North
Carolina. As one of the
most famous gospel
singers in history, she
helped to expand the
influence of gospel in
America plus worldwide.
As a songwriter, Shirley
Caesar maintained her
walk. She has won many
awards, and her voice is
very distinctive. When
you know about her
music, you definitely
know how powerful her
voice is. She started to
record music at the age
of 12 in 1951.
Amy Grant’s El-Shaddai Sandra Crouch’s Glorify Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s
(1982) the Lord (1985) Peace Be Still (1983)
She worked with the
Caravans, Inez Andrews,
Dorothy Norwood, Patti
Labelle, and other
The icon of
Gospel
singers. She has released
over 40 albums. She won
12 Grammy awards, 14
Music
Stellar Awards, 18 Doves,
1 RIAA, an Essence
Award, a NAACP Lifetime
Achievement Award, etc.
She graduated with a
Bachelor of Science
degree in Business
Shirley
Caesar
Administration in 1984.
During the 21st century,
she continues to
establish music.
 New School Gospel Music
The 1990's saw the birth of new school gospel music. By 1990, Mighty Clouds of Joy had the song
of Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus. In 1995, CeCe Winans had His Strength is Perfect. She also
worked with Whitney Houston (her friend) on gospel songs too. By 1996, Fred Hammond and
Radical for Christ had the 1996 song of When the Spirit of the Lord. Yolanda Adams shined
brightly during the 1990's with the song of That Name. Her album of Save the World had her
signature song of The Battle is the Lord's. The Battle is the Lord's is a song so popular that even I
heard of the song as a child. My mother is a fan of Yolanda Adams's music too. The album had
music like Let Us Worship Him, This Joy, and Right Now. In a way, the 1990's was a throwback
to the 1960's with harmonies, soul singers, and a gospel influence in music. Gospel music was
heavily popular in the 1990's. Also, we see the rise of Christian rap and gospel music with much
hip hop elements in it. Back then, the group with that influence included Kirk Franklin and the
Family. Kirk Franklin is the first of a new generation of gospel artists. He is urban, he has
charisma, and he is daring. Kirk Franklin suffered a great deal in his childhood. A native of Fort
Worth, Texas, Franklin was raised by his aunt, Gertrude, having been abandoned as a baby by
his mother. Gertrude recycled aluminum cans to raise money for Kirk to take piano lessons from
the age of four. Kirk excelled and was able to read and write music while also playing by ear.

At the age of seven, Franklin received his first contract which his aunt turned down. He did join
the church choir and became music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at 11 years
of age. He was once involved in destructive behavior as a teenager until gospel music literally
saved his life. In 1992, he formed a choir called the Family. In 1993, the group, now known as
"Kirk Franklin & The Family," released their debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family. It spent
 almost two years on the gospel music charts and charted on the R&B charts, eventually earning
platinum sales status. It remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for 42
weeks. It was the first gospel music album to sell over a million units. Two years later, after
releasing a 1995 Christmas album entitled Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, the group
released Whatcha Lookin' 4 in 1996. The album was certified 2x platinum and earned Franklin
his first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Through accomplishments,
controversies, and awards, Kirk Franklin remains one of the most influential gospel artists of all
time. He loves his wife. We know the elephant in the room, but he admitted his imperfections like
a man in public and in private. That's much more courageous than deceit. Kirk Franklin remains
a new school pioneer of gospel music.

Unsung Gospel Music from the 1990’s

Dottie Peoples’s He’s Your Grace and Mercy Whitney Houston’s I Love Revolution (1998)
an on Time God by the Mississippi Mass the Lord (1996)
(1994) Choir (1994)
THE GOSPEL BROTHER & SISTER DUO OF BEBE
AND CECE WINANS
Brother BeBe Winans is famous for being a gospel
and R&B singer. As being part of the Winans family,
he is known as being one of the prominent gospel
singers. He was born in Detroit with influences in
gospel and R&B music. She is known to have worked
with her sister CeCe Winans on many songs and
albums. He had a solo album too winning his first
Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male for
his role in the song Abundant Life. He was involved
in the song I Wanna Be the Only One with the
British soul trio Eternal. He worked with Warryn
Campbell, Brian McKnight, Debra Winans-Lowe,
Marvin Winans, and Stephanie Mills. He continues
to make music.
Sister CeCe Winans has a long career as a gospel
singer. She won 12 Grammy Awards, 23 GMA Dove
Awards, 16 Stellar Awards, 7 NAACP Image Awards,
and many other honors. She is the best-selling and
most awarded gospel artist of all time. Winans is one
of the best gospel musicians of all time. Detroit is the
place of her birth where the famous Winans family is
from. She is one of 10 children. When she was a
child, she only listened to gospel music, and CeCe
Winans sang her first solo at the age of 8 years old.
She duets with her brother BeBe Winans on many
songs like the album of Lord Lift Us Up. She worked
in her own solo projects like her album of Alone in
His Presence in 1995. It won a Grammy and Dove
Award. The song On That Day was written and
produced by R&B singer Lauryn Hill. She continues
to show music like her first live worship album called
Believe for It in 2021. She wrote 3 books. Also, CeCe
Winans was a best friend to Whitney Houston and
godmother to her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown.
CeCe Winans loves her husband and their 2
children. They live in Brentwood, Tennessee.
 YOLANDA
ADAMS

For decades, she has been one of the greatest and one of
the most influential gospel singers of all time. As the
Queen of Urban Gospel, her music is loved by old
school and new school audiences. Her music is popular
among everyone. She is the eldest of six siblings. She
graduated from Sterling High School in Houston by
1979. Today, she is 61 years old. After graduating from
Texas Southern University, she worked as a
schoolteacher and part-time model in Houston. As a
lead singer, she worked in gospel since the 1980's. First,
she was in the Sound of Gospel Records as a lead singer
in the Houston's Southeast Inspirational Choir affiliated
with the Church of God in Christ. For My Liberty was
the single in 1982 that had her as a featured singer. She
worked with Edwin Hawkins and other people. Later,
she made her own solo albums and singles. Just As I Am
was her debut solo gospel album in 1987.

Her signature song is The Battle is the Lord's that was

from her Save the World album. By the 1990's, Yolanda
Adams became a household name. By 1999, she released
her albums called Mountain High...Valley Low. It was
on Elektra Record. It had many producers like Jimmy
Jam and Terry Lewis, Warryn Campbell, Keith Thomas,
etc. The album was 2X platinum in 2000, and it won a
Grammy Award. She made more albums too. Her song
I Believe was found in the 2003 film of Honey. She has
been involved in supporting independent artists for
years. Adams earned four Grammy Awards, four Dove
Awards, five BET Awards, six NAACP Image Awards,
six Soul Train Awards, two BMI Awards, and sixteen
Stellar Awards. She was the first Gospel artist to be
awarded an American Music Award. Yolanda Adams has
written literature, been involved in a radio show, and did
charities for decades.
 Famous Religious Films Spanning Decades
Ben Hur (1959): This movie is
about a Jewish man who
survives betrayal from his
best friend to be an
honorable force of good. He
encounters Jesus Christ and
calls him the Son of God, the
King of Kings. Ben Hur finds
love (with a spiritual woman),
redemption, and new chance
of life after turmoil. Ben Hur is
one of the greatest movies in
human history.
War Room (2015): This
movie is about a struggling
family who prays and relies
on God to grow spiritually
and morally. The family
struggles for a time. The
married couple goes through
the storm and the power of
God helps them. Miss Clara
helps the married couple out.
Risen (2016): A Roman military
tribune Clavius investigates and
believes in the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Ten Commandments
(1956): This epic movie is about
Moses who understands his
Hebrew heritage and fights to
liberate his people from ancient
Egyptian bondage. Plagues and
other events happen, and
Moses comes to go pass the
Red Sea with inspirational
power.
The Hiding Place (1975):
This movie is about a brave
Christian family to help its
Jewish neighbors during
the years of WWII in
Holland. It is a story about
the life of the Christian
Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth
Sherrill, and John Sherrill.
This movie exposes the evil
of anti-Semitism and
righteousness found in
human compassion.
Heaven is Real (2014): This
movie is about a child who
claims to have an encounter
of Heaven. Thousands of
people have near death
experiences for centuries
and thousands of years.
This movie was the second
highest grossing Christian
film of all time.
The Preacher’s Wife (1996):
This film is about a religious
preacher who gets help
from God’s angel in
improving his own
congregation and life. The
angel meets the preacher’s
wife, but the angel realizes
that boundaries must be
respected. The angel fulfills
his mission, and the
preacher’s life is greatly
improved.
Quo Vadis (1951): This
drama is about the story of
early Christians during the
time of Nero. The story is set
from 64 to 68 A.D. The
movie helped to rescue
MGM from the brink of
bankruptcy. The end of the
movie shows an early
Christian community still
thriving after Peter’s
crucifixion in Rome.
 The Start of a Change
(Conclusion for Gospel Music)
One date of gospel music that changed everything was May 27, 1997. That was the date when
God's Property and Kirk Franklin released the album of God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu
Nation. This album was unlike any album before 1997. It represented a new time. I remember
this album came out during my 8th grade time in middle school. Back then, many older people
didn't like this album for it merging hip hop sounds with gospel music. I remember the criticisms
of some older people too. It was very controversial when it was first released, but now it's more
celebrated to keep it real. It changed everything. The song of Stomp ft. Salt represented the start
of the current era of gospel music. This change was monumental, but the gospel message still
persisted. From 1997 to the present, gospel music had new artists who wanted to express themselves
from Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett to Smokey Norful. Many young artists continued to old school
sounds, and other musicians used R&B/hip hop styles in showing their messages to the world. In
the near future, the current artists of gospel will be shown in a more depth analysis. With a
changing world, you never go wrong in maintaining legitimate core convictions of loving your
neighbor, standing up against injustice, preaching the Gospel, and working to build in our
communities. That is what real Gospel music is all about.
By Timothy

The Next Part of this Historic Series

on Gospel Music will explore Modern
Day Gospel Music
 Appendix A: Places, Geography, and Archaeology
(involving Biblical Research)
We live in a time where tons of research exist constantly. Time after time again, we see the
mysteries of life explained. The Bible is the most famous form of literature in human history.
It has action, drama, love, life lessons, and its words inspire speeches and the of conduct
for thousands of years literally. From the Greek Receptus Text to the Masoretic texts, the
Bible has been used for research and understand the world of the ancient world literally.
Also, we must place the Bible into context. Many people believe in the myth that the Bible is
all fiction. Other folks believe in the myth that every word of the Bible doesn’t have metaphors
or symbolism in them. The truth is that the Bible has references to many real places, many
real people (from Tiberius, Cyrus the Great, and to Taharqa from Nubia), and real events
(like the Assyrian invasions of the Middle East). Yet, the Bible does have idioms and symbols
in them that shouldn’t be taken literally, but they should be used to understand higher
meanings. For example, the book of Daniel has animals mentioned in them (in prophetic
terms). These animals aren’t to be taken literally, but these animals represent future nations
that would conquer Israel until the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, we must use our minds
to see the Bible as a guide of information to further understand the psyche or the experiences
of people who lived thousands of years before we were ever born (and to be motivated to
better our own longevities as human beings). As the Bible says, the Kingdom of God is within
you. That means that we have the power as human beings to invent, to explore, to think
independently, and cherish God given rights that our ancestors fought and died for.
Therefore, the places, geography, and the archaeology of the Bible is a great avenue to
research and understand. Humans are beyond atoms, flesh, and bone. We have an intellect,
the power of the human mind (that is creative to create abstract art, travel into space, and
harness Nature to fight diseases), and a soul. We exist from basically the elements of the
Universe to be the very advanced living physical beings on Earth intellectually (coming from
the Most High God). Here is an exegesis on this important topic:

Close up of the Khirbet Beit Lei inscription, showing the earliest extra-biblical
Hebrew writing of the word Jerusalem, dated to the seventh or sixth century B.C.

1. Jerusalem is obviously a real ancient place that existed long before the time of the Roman
Empire. One of the earliest extra-biblical Hebrew writing of the word Jerusalem is dated to
the sixth or seventh century BC and was discovered in Khirbet Beit Lei near Beit Guvrin in
1961. The inscription states: "I am Yahweh thy God, I will accept the cities of Judah and I will
redeem Jerusalem,” or as other scholars suggest: "Yahweh is the God of the whole earth.
The mountains of Judah belong to him, to the God of Jerusalem.” An older example on
papyrus is known from the previous century.
In extra-biblical inscriptions, the earliest known example of the -ayim ending was discovered
on a column about 3 km west of ancient Jerusalem, dated to the first century BCE.
Archaeological remains from the ancient Israelite period include the Siloam Tunnel, an
aqueduct built by Judahite king Hezekiah and once containing an ancient Hebrew
inscription, known as the Siloam Inscription; the so-called Broad Wall, a defensive
fortification built in the 8th century BCE, also by Hezekiah the Silwan necropolis (9th-7th c.
BCE) with the Monolith of Silwan and the Tomb of the Royal Steward, which were decorated
with monumental Hebrew inscriptions; and the so-called Israelite Tower, remnants of ancient
fortifications, built from large, sturdy rocks with carved cornerstones. A huge water reservoir
dating from this period was discovered in 2012 near Robinson's Arch, indicating the
existence of a densely built-up quarter across the area west of the Temple Mount during
the Kingdom of Judah.
2. The University of Haifa announced the discovery of another first-century synagogue at
Magdala in late December, located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The first
Magdala synagogue, discovered a dozen years ago, was notable because it was in use
before the destruction of Jerusalem, when worship was still centered at the temple. Now
there are two. Only a handful of first-century synagogues have been excavated in Israel. Of
those, these are the ones most likely visited by Jesus during his ministry (Matt. 4:23) because
of their location near the Nazareth-to-Capernaum Road and their association with the
hometown of Mary Magdalene.
3. As the Temple Mount Sifting Project reopened in a new Jerusalem location, researchers
announced the discovery of a clay seal impression (bulla), identifying it as “the first readable
ancient Hebrew inscription found on the Temple Mount.” The priestly family of Immer served
in the temple (1 Chron. 24:14). Pashur, son of Immer, is called the chief official in the temple
of Yahweh, when he had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks (Jer. 20:1–2).
4. Another seal impression surfaced in 2018, this one with the actual name of one of the most
important Old Testament prophets, Isaiah. It nearly says, “Isaiah the prophet,” but because
there’s a letter missing at the end, it’s unclear if it actually refers to a personal name. One
piece of evidence that suggests that the seal impression refers to the biblical prophet is a
small piece of clay that archeologists recovered in an area near Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
This similar seal impression, which was first found in 2015, says “of King Hezekiah of Judah.”
King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah are mentioned in the same verse 17 times in the Bible.

5. In 1947, shepherds stumbled upon a cave in a rugged, arid area on the western side of
the Dead Sea. What they discovered was soon proclaimed the greatest archaeological find
of the twentieth century. Over the next few years, other, similar remote caves in the area
were found. Over 800 fragmentary documents, mainly consisting of Hebrew writings on
leather (with a few on parchment), including fragments of 190 biblical scrolls. Most of these
are small, containing no more than one-tenth of a book; however, a complete Isaiah scroll
has been found. Almost every OT book is present, and there are also other writings valued
by the community that dwelt in those caves. It appears the earliest scrolls date to the mid-
third century BC, and most to the first or second centuries BC. Perhaps the greatest
contribution of this find is to our understanding of the transmission of the biblical text. These
are part of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
6. The Ketef Hinnom scrolls, also described as Ketef Hinnom amulets, are the oldest surviving
texts currently known from the Hebrew Bible, dated to 600 BC. The text is from the Book of
Numbers in the Hebrew Bible and has been described as "one of most significant discoveries
ever made" for biblical studies.” The two silver scrolls were uncovered in 1979 at Ketef
Hinnom, an archaeological site southwest of the Old City of Jerusalem and were found to
contain a variation of the Priestly Blessing, found in Numbers 6:24–26. The scrolls were dated
paleographically to the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, placing them in the First Temple
period. They were discovered in 1979 (by Israeli archaeologist Gabriel Barkay was
excavating a burial cave at Ketef Hinnom, just southwest of Jerusalem).
7. The Greek Minor Prophets Scroll from Nahal Hever (8HevXII gr) is a Greek manuscript of
a revision of the Septuagint dated to the 1st century CE. The manuscript is kept in the
Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem. It was first published by Dominique Barthélemy in 1963.
The Rahlfs-Siglum is 943. In the 1st century CE, the 8HevXII gr with several documents was
taken by Jewish fugitives (Bar Kokhba's troops, women, and children) who were taking
refuge in the Caves of Nahal Hever.
8. The Khirbet Beit Lei graffiti are seven inscriptions
in Hebrew in various states of preservation found in
the excavations at Khirbet Beit Lei. Of particular
interest is one inscription containing a very early
appearance in Hebrew of the name ‫ירשלם‬
(Jerusalem)
9. The Trumpeting Place inscription is an inscribed
stone from the 1st century CE discovered in 1968
by Benjamin Mazar in his early excavations of the
southern wall of the Temple Mount. The stone,
showing just two complete words written in the These ancient Hebrew Letters are
related to the Phoenician letters too.
Square Hebrew alphabet, was carved above a wide
depression cut into the inner face of the stone. The
first word is translated as "to the place" and the second word "of trumpeting" or "of blasting"
or "of blowing", giving the phrase "To the Trumpeting Place.” The inscribed stone was
probably thrown over after the destruction of the Temple and city in 70 A.D., where it
remained for almost 1900 years until Mazar found it.
10. The Delphi Inscription, or Gallio Inscription (IG, VII, 1676; SIG, II, 801d), is the name given
to the collection of nine fragments of a letter written by the Roman emperor Claudius c. 52
A.D. which was discovered early in the 20th century at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi,
Greece. The reference to proconsul Gallio in the inscription provides an important marker
for developing a chronology of the life of Apostle Paul by relating it to the trial of Paul in
Achaea mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 18:12-17).
 Happy Black History Month (in 2023)

David Adjaye Ella Baker Aretha Franklin Victor J. Glover Jr.

This February of 2023 of Black History Month is always sacrosanct and glorious. This month is personal to
us as black people, because it is about celebrating our glorious past, promoting a better present, and building
for a greater future. Our black people are a blessed people. Our lives are miracles. Our people survived
the Maafa (the most vicious form of slavery in human history) to be great contributors to society from
scholars to STEM experts. Life is not to be taken for granted which is why we will live life to the fullest in
the right fashion. We make the world move. Maya Angelou wrote literature in a powerful, eloquent fashion
along with Toni Morrison. Spike Lee directed some of the greatest films in human history. Mahalia Jackson,
Aretha Franklin, Levi Stubbs, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Babyface, and other icons
made some of the greatest music of all time. Serena Williams and Michael Jordan are the GOATs in their
sports. Robert Robinson Taylor, Norma Merrick Sklarek, and David Adjaye, and Beverly Loraine Greene,
are some of the best black architects in human history. Therefore, we should never ever give up on our
dreams and aspirations. The paradox of this time in February of 2023 is that we made so much of the world,
and we have a long way to go. Now, we are still fighting for voting rights, an end to police terrorism,
universal health care, housing rights, environmental justice, social justice, equality, and other rights that
should be ours by birthright. Being on the right side of history is our M.O., and the best way to honor our
black ancestors is to continue to achieve excellence earnestly and without apology. Amen.

Jody Watley Michael Jordan Amanda Gorman Cynthia Marshall

Peace and Blessings Y’all