Performers of Gospel Music and Their Techniques: Choirs 1
Unlike gospel soloists, quartets, and vocal groups where performances occurred outside as well as in the church, choir appearances, on the other hand, were the mainstay "in" churches during the golden age of Gospel. Of course, exceptions to this included gospel music festivals, school events, or social gatherings (but these were usually held in the church building), and even films.
Well-known festivals include the Annual Music Festival of the A. A. Peters Chorale of Victory Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1940s, and the 5th Annual Candlelight Service and Gospel Music Festival Program at the First Church of Deliverance, in Chicago, Illinois, on July 4, 1945. The program consisted of various performers such as the First Deliverance Choir, Ladies Ensemble, Radio Choir of the First Church of Deliverance, The Charioteers, Roberta Martin Singers, and Mahalia Jackson, to mention some.
Founded by Rev. Charles H. Cobbs in 1929, the First Church of Deliverance, like most churches in the African American community, was more than a church; it was a place that spoke to the community's needs. The NBC Chicago broadcast provides an overview of the church's purpose, mission, and success.
One of the most widely known churches in Chicago that catered to the African American community, the First Church of Deliverance has maintained a stellar choir since its inception. Below is the Choir's recording of "God Put a Rainbow in the Cloud," featuring Sallie Martin, a regular member at First Church of Deliverance. Sallie Martin and her mother, Roberta Martin, were mainstays at the church, and it was Sallie Martin who helped to introduce Chicago-style gospel music to churches in Los Angeles.
God Put A Rainbow In The Cloud Sallie Martin & The First Church Of Deliverance [ 00:00-00:00 ]
Religious music in films proved to be another vehicle for spreading Gospel or, at least, sacred music sung by Black choirs. In 1943 the race film Cabin in the Sky (1943), produced for the African American market (though enjoyed by people regardless of race or ethnicity), was one such film that performed Black-sounding religious music. The Hall Johnson Choir is the featured choir on the film's soundtrack. The songs "Li'l Black Sheep" and "Old Ship of Zion" are not performed in the Gospel manner but rather the concertized spiritual. At times, however, the soloist's performance somewhat resembles gospel music.
Precious Lord
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
It's a Highway to Heaven
It's a highway to heaven
None can walk up there
But the pure in heart
It's a highway to heaven
Walking up the king's highway