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The Gospel Greats

The Gospel Greats

By: Gail Nobles
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 About the best singers in gospel music and more.Copyright Gail Nobles Music
Episodes
  • Andrae Crouch-The Soul of Gospel 8:10:25 9.49 PM

    Andrae Crouch-The Soul of Gospel 8:10:25 9.49 PM
    Aug 11 2025
    Photo: Spotify Promo Card
    Music by: Gail Nobles
    Story by: Gail Nobles

    "Good evening , everyone. I'm Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the Gospel Greats. Today we're taking a moment to celebrate the life and legacy of Andrae Crouch, a true titan of soul gospel music. If you've ever felt the power of a song that lifts your spirit and stirs your soul, you might owe a debt to this remarkable artist. Crouch, who passed away in 2015, didn't just sing about faith—he made it feel alive, urgent, and utterly human.

    Andrae Crouch was one of the top soul gospel artists of his time, blending infectious rhythms with profound messages that reached far beyond the church pews. His 1979 hit, 'Jesus is Lord,' is a perfect example from his 1979 album ‘I’ll be Thinking of You’. By the time I finished listening, I truly knew who Jesus was and what He had done. Crouch's lyrics painted a vivid picture: 'I tell them Jesus was wounded for my transgressions, and He was bruised for my iniquities.' Then he'd build to that soaring chorus: 'Jesus—He was sent from the Father; Jesus—He's a great Messiah.'

    It was soul music at its finest, with Crouch's rich voice turning ancient scripture into something that felt like it was straight from the streets. He walked upon the water, as he sang, and calmed the raging sea—making Jesus sound like a soul man to me, full of grit and grace. That's what came through in every note: a deep, personal conviction that connected with so many.

    Crouch didn't stop there. Songs like 'Soon and Very Soon' brought a joyful anticipation to the gospel genre, promising that 'we are going to see the King.' I grew up in an era when gospel music was simpler, often stripped down with just a few instruments—a piano, maybe a humble choir. But when Andrae Crouch arrived on the scene with tracks like 'Jesus is Lord' and 'Soon and Very Soon,' it was like a revolution. He infused it with layers of soul, funk, and even a touch of what some might call 'worldly' flair, expanding the sound and making it accessible to new audiences.

    And that's no accident. I once read an article in the Los Angeles Times where Crouch opened up about his approach. He said he purposely alternated upbeat, enjoyable Christian songs with ones that carried a deeper message—songs that might not sound recognizably religious at first listen. 'It might be something that sounds worldly,' he explained, 'but the words will stay with them and accomplish something.' And boy, did he deliver on that promise. Through his music, Crouch didn't just entertain; he planted seeds of faith that grew in unexpected ways.

    Andrae Crouch. That’s the story for today. They’ll be more soon but until next time goodbye friends.
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    5 mins
  • Shirley Caesar & Al Green 6:23:25 9.40 PM

    Shirley Caesar & Al Green 6:23:25 9.40 PM
    Jun 24 2025
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Photo: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0


    This week, we're diving into a fascinating bit of musical history, a duet that sounds like a divine collaboration, but came together in a rather earthly, logistical way. We're talking about Shirley Caesar and Al Green, two great gospel singers, and their seemingly effortless rendition of "Sailing on the Sea of Your Love."

    Now, on the surface, it sounds like a match made in heaven, right? Shirley Caesar, the "First Lady of Gospel," and Al Green, the soul singer turned reverend. But as *The New York Times* pointed out back in 1984, this meeting of musical minds wasn’t quite as spontaneous as it seems. Robert Palmer, in his article, quoted Miss Caesar as saying she’d be open to performing with Al Green, but emphasized the need for rehearsal, stressing they had never sung together.

    Here’s where things get interesting. Conflicting schedules, a constant challenge in the music world, intervened. Miss Caesar, as the article revealed, recorded her part with her musicians, and then, while she was away on tour, Al Green came in to record his vocals solo. Think about that! Two powerhouse singers, seemingly singing *with* each other, but in reality, singing *to* each other, across time and space, thanks to the wonders of studio technology.

    And yet… listen to the song. You'd never know. The blend of their voices, the passion and conviction, it's seamless. It's proof to their individual talents, of course, but also to the skill of the producers and engineers who pieced it all together.

    “Sailing on the Sea of Your Love," released on Shirley Caesar's album "Sailin'," became a gospel hit, and a beloved example of how music can transcend logistical hurdles. Sometimes, the most beautiful harmonies are created not in perfect unison, but in separate moments, brought together by faith, talent, and a little bit of studio magic. And that, as they say, is the story behind the song.

    I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to the gospel greats.
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    4 mins
  • Willie Neal J. & The Gospel Keynotes 4:18:25 6.23 PM

    Willie Neal J. & The Gospel Keynotes 4:18:25 6.23 PM
    Apr 18 2025
    Photo: Spotify Promo Card
    Story by: Gail Nobles
    Intro | Keyboardist: Gail Nobles

    Alright, lemme tell you something about this Gospel Keynotes tune, "If You Pray, Don't Worry, and If You Worry, Don't Pray." Now, this ain't just some pretty little melody to tap your feet to. This is a *powerhouse* of spiritual advice, wrapped up in a down-home package.

    We're talkin' about a cornerstone of faith here. And that first verse? That's the foundation.

    "Fret Not Thyself Because of Evil Doers. Neither Be Thou Envious Against the Workers of Iniquity."

    See, that's *easy* to sing, but *hard* to live. We all been there, right? You see somebody cuttin' corners, lyin', cheatin', and they seem to be gettin' ahead. The flesh *screams* at you. "Why am I playin' by the rules? Why am I breakin' my back when they're gettin' rich off bein' crooked?"

    But the song's tellin' you, flat out: *Don't even go there.* Don't waste your energy on envy. Don't let bitterness take root. Those "evil doers," those "workers of iniquity"... they're on borrowed time. Their success is temporary, built on sand. Your peace, your righteousness, that's what lasts.

    And that's the important part of it, see? Worry is born of a lack of trust. It's letting fear and doubt cloud your vision. It's thinking you gotta control everything, fix everything, figure everything out yourself. And that leads to trouble.

    Now, let’s get to the important part of it: You think you can pray but then worry, then you're double minded. God can't move in that space.

    "Commit Thy Way Unto the Lord and Thy God. And He Shall Bring It To Pass Before Thee.”

    "Commit Thy Way." What does that *mean*?

    It means surrender. It means letting go of that death grip you got on your own plans. It means trustin' God's got a bigger picture than you could ever imagine. It means pray about everything and worry about nothing. It means having the mind set to release it. Commit.

    Commit your *relationships* to Him. Commit your *finances*. Commit your *health*. Commit your *dreams*, even the ones that seem impossible. Commit your *fears*, your *doubts*, your *weaknesses*. *Everything*.

    And that last part? "And He Shall Bring It To Pass Before Thee.”

    This is what this verse is saying: If you truly commit your way to God, He will *make it happen*. Not maybe. Not possibly. He *will* bring it to pass. Before you even start to see the answer, he's going to bring it to pass.

    But, here's the thing you gotta understand about this song: It's not magic. It's not a guarantee of a trouble-free life. But it's a promise that *even in the midst of trials*, if you keep your heart fixed on God, if you pray in faith and trust in His plan, He *will* see you through.

    I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to a show about the gospel greats today’s topic Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes.
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    4 mins
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