Motown Gospel

[skooldem1]

Has Motown ever signed a gospel act, and released an album?

[kenneth]

The Great Gospel Stars and the Rev. Columbus Mann both had early albums on the Tamla label, amongst the rarest of Motown LPs.

There were several others who had 45s [[most notably on the early Motown imprint Divinity), but I can't think of any others who had a full album.

There were a few compilations later which included some of the early sides, such as a great LP from around 1970 which included the Gospel Stars and several of the lesser acts. I can't think of the name of the LP, but someone will likely know it here. There was also a "Rock Gospel" album which included the current acts, such as the Supremes [["May His Love Shine Forever" - the Jean Terrell group), and some of the more rock oriented acts such as Stoney & Meatloaf. Another great LP is the "In Loving Memory" which was a tribute to Berry Gordy's sister, who died quite young, and includes the more "traditional" Motown acts including one of Marvin Gaye's finest moments, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

[skooldem1]

"Motown imprint Divinity"

......never knew about that one.

Now that has me wondering if any of the acts ever recorded gospel albums that were canned.

[woodward]

The two main early gospel artists were the Gospel Stars and Rev. Columbus Mann. The Gospel Stars had one 45 released in 3/61 He Lifted Me b/w Behold the Saints of God [[Tamla 54037). This was followed by one LP entitled The Great Gospel Stars [[Tamla 222) released in 11/61. The 45 single had two pressings; the first pressing had the early lines label and the second pressing had the globes label. There may have been some variation between the first and second pressings. The Gospel Stars were then shifted to the Divinity 45rpm label and had a single released in 7/63. Other artists on the Divinity label [[only five singles were released) were the Wright Specials, Burnadettes, and Liz Lands, all releases on this label are gospel. This was the major concentration on gospel by Motown and it didn't seem to generate many sales; as a result today both the Gospel Stars and the Columbus Mann LPs are very very scarce and when you do see them for sale they command a price usually in excess of $1,000. This shows the low quantity obviously pressed for each of them. Gospel obviously wasn't Motown's biggest sales generator.

[kenneth]

If you look at the listings for The Complete Motown Singles, you'll find some of the Divinity and other gospel titles. That site that reviews all the Motown 45s probably has covered most of those early singles as well. I forget the name of that site, but they review every single, both sides, in somewhat exhaustive fashion.

I'd love to see a CD Compilation of the early Motown gospel sides. It might have limited commercial appeal, but what a great store of recordings they must have.

[KegtapperII]

Is there any value to Wingate WG-701 Rev. Columbus Mann - He Satisfies Me? I know it took me forever to find it, but now parring down my collection. Especially the ones I never play.

It was Wingate's only LP

[tomato tom]

I would class the Caston & Majors self titled album on Motown, a Gospel release. Also Leonard Caston himself released an album on the Rare Earth label as by Leonard Caston & The God Squad called Jesus Christs Greatest Hits....Paulo xxxx

[Roger Polhill]

Bad news Kegtapper according to Goldmines` Rhythm & Blues Albums 2002 it is only worth between $330-$900.So I suggest that you send it to me.

[kenneth]

I would class the Caston & Majors self titled album on Motown, a Gospel release. Also Leonard Caston himself released an album on the Rare Earth label as by Leonard Caston & The God Squad called Jesus Christs Greatest Hits....Paulo xxxx

Paulo, Have you ever heard these? If so, how are they?

[tomato tom]

I have the Caston & Majors album, and it is, quite simply stunning. A concept album, if you will. Features the late, great Syreeta on vocals also. One song from this album called I'll keep a light in my window, has been covered by other Motown artists including The Temptations, and Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye. The Caston & Majors original is the best. It's on you tube. Try it, Your'll like it! This, along with Child Of Love and Sing, were released as 45's in the UK. No singles were released in the U.S. as far as I recall. The other album, I have been unable to track down,alas, so I cannot comment. The Caston & Majors album turns up quite often on e-bay, and I highly recommend it! Hope this helps...Paulo xxxx

[kenneth]

Paulo - Thanks for the information. I'll have to look for that Caston LP. I love Syreeta's voice. I remember the "Light in the Window" song from the Pops We Love You LP, it's a great song. Thanks again, K

[robb_k]

The Sons of Zion and The Pronouns also recorded enough Gospel cuts with Motown in the early '60s to both have albums [[though neither even had one scheduled). Both groups made excellent recordings [[great stuff- to my taste). Wilson Pickett was formerly with The Sons of Zion [[but not when they were with Motown).

[tomato tom]

Thanks robb for that info. You certainly learn new stuff all the time on this wonderful site..Paulo xxx

[kenneth]

There were a few compilations later which included some of the early sides, such as a great LP from around 1970 which included the Gospel Stars and several of the lesser acts. I can't think of the name of the LP, but someone will likely know it here.

I recalled later the album was called "Shades of Gospel Soul." Here is its track listing from bsnpubs.com.

MS-701 - Shades of Gospel Soul - Various Artists [3/70] Give God A Chance - Gospel Stars/Pilgrim Of Sorrow - Wright Specials/Hush Children Hush - Columbus Mann/Have You Any Time For Jesus - Gospel Stars/Ninety-Nine And A Half - Wright Specials//He Lifted Me - Gospel Stars/I'll Never Turn Back No More - Columbus Mann/I Won't Go Back - Wright Specials/Lamb At The Altar - Gospel Stars/[[They) Shall Be Mine - Columbus Mann

[tomato tom]

Something else to add to my wish list..Paulo xxx

[phil]

If you look at the listings for The Complete Motown Singles, you'll find some of the Divinity and other gospel titles. That site that reviews all the Motown 45s probably has covered most of those early singles as well. I forget the name of that site, but they review every single, both sides, in somewhat exhaustive fashion.

Kenneth, the site that you mention must be the fabulous Don't Forget The Motor City : http://www.dftmc.info/home.html

[big_mac]

To my knowledge, I have all the Motown Gospel orientated albums including both the Gospel Stars and Rev.Columbus Mann sets on Tamla. Although not to everyone's taste, Motown's delve into the gospel world is certainly in my opinion, well worth the consideration for a future compilation release which could include the unreleased material by the Pronuns etc.

The scarcity of both the Gospel Stars and Rev.Columbus Mann sets would make them ideal candidates for a straight forward release without any additional material. I searched the world for these albums for many a year, only to get both within the space of 3 weeks back in 2009. Given the current situation, I doubt however if gospel music from Motown would be high on the agenda of Universal etc.

[kenneth]

To my knowledge, I have all the Motown Gospel orientated albums including both the Gospel Stars and Rev.Columbus Mann sets on Tamla. Although not to everyone's taste, Motown's delve into the gospel world is certainly in my opinion, well worth the consideration for a future compilation release which could include the unreleased material by the Pronuns etc.

The scarcity of both the Gospel Stars and Rev.Columbus Mann sets would make them ideal candidates for a straight forward release without any additional material. I searched the world for these albums for many a year, only to get both within the space of 3 weeks back in 2009. Given the current situation, I doubt however if gospel music from Motown would be high on the agenda of Universal etc.

You're probably right, unfortunately. Ace UK did a great compilation of the King label Gospel sides, roughly from the same era as the Motown sides, though the King material does predate it some. A really great compilation full of great, stirring music, but subsequent volumes in the proposed series never followed. Still glad to have it, naturally, but disappointed there wasn't a market for more of the same.

[kenneth]

Kenneth, the site that you mention must be the fabulous Don't Forget The Motor City : http://www.dftmc.info/home.html

I'm not sure that's the one. I don't see reviews on that site. The site I was referring to reviews every single release, A and B side. Maybe I'm not looking at the site in the right place. In the site I'm referring to, the reviews are interesting though I find that some of them are a bit harsh and seem to be over critical and analytic of some tracks that I've more or less always enjoyed, even if they might have been lesser tracks from certain artists. To me, it's kind of the "too much information" effect.

[pj1]

http://motownjunkies.co.uk/

[kenneth]

http://motownjunkies.co.uk/

That's it...

[1382hitsville]

And in the 1994 Frank Wilson produced an album "Motown Comes Home"

Here is the tracklisting:
Come Here [[Kum Ba Ya)- featuring Ali Woodson, Shanice, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Howard Hewett, Trey Harris and System 3
Searching- featuring Shanice, Crystal & Penni Wilson
Gotta Hold On-featuring Strate Vocals
Do They Know-featuring Boys II Men
Spirit Control Me-featuring Brent Jones and the T.P. Mob
Broken Pieces-featuring The Temptations
His Name Is Jesus-featuring Strate Vocalz
Just When You Think It's Over-featuring Trey Harris
I'll Keep My Light In My Window-featuring Smokey Robinson
I Know Where I Stand-featuring Johnny Gill

Executive Producer: Frank E. Wilson
Associate Producer: Earl S. Cole jr
A&R Director: Vida Sparks

[kenneth]

1382hitsville - Thanks for that. I didn't know about that album. I just found the CD on Amazon for $1.08! Kenneth

[radionixon]

That's it...

That's me! If you ever disagree with a review, comments are always open on every page for visitors to have their own say. Can't help being over-analytical, though; I want to do the job properly.

Divinity discography: http://motownjunkies.co.uk/labels/divinity

"In Loving Memory" is available on CD under the title "Motown Gospel", strangely enough.

[KegtapperII]

Ok Roger I'll send you my Paypal address j/k

You mean that was the price range in Goldmine's 2002 issue of rhythm & blues section? And if so where should I sell it? Ebay US/UK?



EC Mayo
aka Kegtapper

[Roger Polhill]

Kegtapper, Jerry Osbourne has it at $200-$300 in 2001.Ebay would be the place I guess.No in Goldmines` record price guide- they vary in other guides.

[Hotspurman]

The info on the Rock Gospel album The Key To The Kingdom is:

M-743L - Rock Gospel: The Key to the Kingdom - Various Artists [10/71] Hey Lordy - Bobby Taylor/Sinner Man [[Don't Let Him Catch You) - Valerie Simpson/May His Love Shine Forever - Supremes/God Bless The Child - Blinky/Bridge Over Troubled Water - Jackson 5//[[I'd Love To Be) As Heavy As Jesus - Stoney & Meatloaf/What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Impact Of Brass [[with Joe Hinton)/Jesus Is The Key - Ken Christy & Sunday People/There Is A God - Valerie Simpson/God Is Love - Marvin Gaye/How Great Thou Art - Gladys Knight & Pips

[phil]

[KegtapperII]

Thanks - I'll dig it out, the cover is still in great condition. I think it has a plastic sleeve so the paper shouldn't have lost it's sheen.

[tomato tom]

phil..I have this album too.Blinky still gives me goosebumps.Wish I had this on CD...Paulo xxx

[Roger Polhill]

It is on cd. Paulo from Polygram titled "The Key To The Kingdom"

[tomato tom]

I never new this was on CD!..Thanks..the hunt begins...Paulo xxx

[grapevine]

...Motown released a further Gospel-esque album ....In Loving Memory ...MT642 ...in 1968 ...with the following tracks...

Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Gladys Knight & Pips
His Eye Is On The Sparrow - Marvin Gaye
He - Diana Ross & Supremes
The Lord's Prayer - Temptations
Were You There - Martha Reeves & Vandellas
Swing Low Sweet Chariot - Stevie Wonder
How Great Thou Art - Gladys Knight & Pips
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen - Four Tops
Rock Of Ages - Smokey Robinson & Miracles
Steal Away - Voices Of Tabernacle
Never Grow Old - Voices Of Tabernacle
What Do You Choose - Harvey Fuqua

[grapevine]

…Paulo

…The Key To The Kingdom CD …released by Polygram …different cover to the LP

http://www.amazon.co.uk/rock-gospel-key-kingdom-LP/dp/B003YX74CC/ref=sr_1_23?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1322869507&sr=1-23

…In Loving Memory CD …released by Polygram …different cover to the LP

http://www.cdwow.com/CD/various-in-loving-memory-motown-gospel-in-loving-memory/dp/760975

[radionixon]

Yes, for me In Loving Memory is "the" definitive Motown gospel LP [[I mentioned above it's been released on CD under the title Motown Gospel). It was a tribute album in memory of Berry's sister Loucye Gordy Wakefield, the idea being Motown's top artists would each record their favourite gospel tunes.

It's well worth tracking down a copy if you don't have it. The first three tracks are as good a first three as any Motown album, for my money, while the Pips' "How Great Thou Art" [[while less well-known than "Just A Closer Walk With Thee") remains one of my favourite Gladys Knight vocals.

[tomato tom]

Thanks guys for the info. I do have the In Loving Memory album on vinyl on UK Tamla Motown. and what a treasure it is. I will definately have to track down the CD issues. Thanks again for such informative replies..much appreciated..Paulo xxx

[TMSG]

The Caston & Majors album turns up quite often on e-bay, and I highly recommend it! Hope this helps...Paulo xxxx

Just bought the Caston & Majors album for £8.99 on Ebay, looking forward to hearing it. Always loved Child Of Love and bought it when released here in the UK. Was very surprised this was not a bigger hit as it got plenty of radio play at the time.

[jaybs]

I only have the one track from Caston & Majors on my iPod "Child of Love" and that was because it was featured on a BBC Radio 2 Motown Collection, I think it is time for one of specialist labels release it again for the first time on CD>

[762rob]

http://www.amazon.com/Key-Kingdom-Va...4586557&sr=1-6

Just picked one up for 99 cents.