Still, after 30 years, the best gospel-music movie I’ve ever seen.
Say Amen, Somebody (1982): The Barrett Sisters (“He Has Brought Us”), The O’Neal Twins (“Jesus Dropped The Charges”), Willie Mae Ford Smith (“I’ll Never Turn Back”), Thomas A. Dorsey (“Precious Lord” [excerpt])
At last Sunday’s (wonderful) 84th birthday celebration for DeLois Barrett Campbell, roses graced the altar—a gift from longtime friend Aretha Franklin.
DeLois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters, live, “He Has Brought Us” (Say Amen, Somebody), 1982
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lagniappe
And then we being blood sisters, I always say that gives our harmony a special edge.—DeLois Barrett Campbell
That girl [DeLois Barrett Campbell] can make a song so sweet you want to eat it.—Marion Williams
—Quoted in Anthony Heilbut, The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times (6th ed. 2002) (Heilbut was at last Sunday’s birthday celebration.)
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You supply the most delightful diversions!
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Spent a good portion of the afternoon playing back your old clips. Such wonderful variety.
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Just wanted to let you know that I’ve really been enjoying that blog of yours. Very cool.
The well of Chicago gospel runs so deep it sometimes seems bottomless.
DeLois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters, “The Storm Is Passing Over,” live, 1982 (featured in the documentary Say Amen, Somebody)
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lagniappe
[DeLois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters’] harmony is special, probably the best in female gospel.—Anthony Heilbut, The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times (1975 ed.)
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DeLois Barrett Campbell & The Barrett Sisters
The O’Neal Twins
The Clark Sisters
The Louvin Brothers
The Delmore Brothers
The Stanley Brothers
The Everly Brothers
The Beach Boys
The Bee Gees
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
The Jackson Five
The Isley Brothers
The Neville Brothers
The list goes on, and on, and . . .
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“Thanks very much for that—a really nice blog!”—Tristan Murail (12/26/09 [in response to an email letting him know that his music was being featured here])
music clip of the day