This performance is from one of my favorite old school televised gospel shows, Going Home To Gospel, which was hosted by Patti LaBelle and aired on PBS. I think I’ve posted some Goodies from there before.
Anyway, this song… I just love it. From the classic style of the song to the just-right solo from Calvin Bridges… (and yes, that’s Ricky Dillard directing the choirs). LOVE IT!
Whatcha thinkin’???
Today’s the last day of September, which means it’s the last day of Gospel Music Heritage Month. I wanted to make sure I talked about one of my FAVORITE pioneering gospel groups ever– The Barrett Sisters.
Growing up in Chicago, I didn’t know of anyone who hadn’t heard of ‘em, but I’ve come to learn that folks across the nation don’t necessarily know about Delois, Billie and Rodessa. So, this will be a refresher for some and an introduction for others… gather ’round, folks.
The Barrett Sisters are a trio of… sisters… who are natives of Chicago. Growing up in the 1930′s, the sisters saw the passing of four of their siblings to tuberculosis, but their lives were spared from the illness.
While in high school, Delois (the eldest sister) began singing with the famed Roberta Martin Singers. She traveled the world with the group for 18 years before returning home to Chicago and linking up with her younger sisters– Billie and Rodessa– to sing. They formed The Barrett Sisters in 1962 and recorded their first album a year later for Savoy Records. Today, they are known for their soaring voices and tight harmonies, which have helped to pioneer the sound of female gospel groups.
The Barrett Sisters have been featured on several television programs– including mainstream shows such as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Oprah Winfrey Show. They were also featured in the great gospel documentary, Say Amen, Somebody. The group was awarded the Bobby Jones Legend award at the 23rd Annual Stellar Awards.
Though the sisters, now in their late 70′s and early 80′s, do not perform much anymore, they’re still active in their local church bodies. Delois has been in a wheelchair for some time now, battling arthritis and other health issues. Pray for all three of ‘em, okay?
I’m embedding TWO videos of them. The first is a performance from the Say Amen, Somebody documentary (one of my faves), featuring the Barrett Sisters singing “No Ways Tired.”
The next is a video I’ve embedded on this site before. It’s from a PBS special hosted by Patti LaBelle called Going Home To Gospel (which I STILL have on VHS!). They’re singing “I’m Going To Fly Away”:
Whatd’ya think about THAT?! 
AWESOME!!!
Folks, I’m telling you now– tune in to Gospel Music Channel THIS Sunday at 8pm ET… they’re showing the concert film, Oh Happy Day.
In case you don’t know what it is, it’s a live concert featuring Walter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, and Rev. James Cleveland.
The original broadcast aired on PBS years ago, but kudos to GMC for the good gospel programming in celebration of Gospel Music Heritage Month.
Take THAT, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman!
