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?!

As September comes to a speeding end, I didn’t wanna let Gospel Music Heritage Month end without making sure I talked about the incomparable Mahalia Jackson.  Many people hear the name her name and think to themselves, “yeah, gospel pioneer… I get it.”

But few of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, will acknowledge that we actually know very little about her.  So, here goes…

Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) was born in New Orleans, LA.  At the age of 16, she moved to Chicago, where she worked as a domestic, then as a beautician.  At age 18, she met Thomas A. Dorsey and, shortly thereafter, began touring with him as his primary vocalist and collaborator.

At age 24, she landed her first recording contract (Decca Records) after being heard singing at a funeral.  From that record deal, she later went to sign with Apollo Records, then Columbia Records (you thought Mary Mary was Columbia’s first gospel artist??? ).

She married Isaac Lanes Grey Hockenhull in 1936, but divorced him in 1941 (allegedly because of his racehorse gambling addiction and persistent pressure from him that she sing secular music, which would be more profitable).

Meanwhile, her success in gospel music began bringing her international acclaim as she toured throughout Europe.  In 1958, Mahalia’s version of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” peaked at #68 on Billboard’s singles chart, which was unprecedented at the time.

Toward the latter portion of her life on Earth, Mahalia was very involved with the Civil Rights Movement.  She is known to have joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at many events, the most famous of which was probably the 1963 March On Washington, where Dr. King gave his “I Have A Dream” speech.

Mahalia Jackson passed from heart failure in January of 1972, in Evergreen Park, IL.  Two services were held–one in Chicago and one in New Orleans.  Aretha Franklin closed the Chicago service with “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” the now classic song made famous by Jackson.  The majority of her estate, with an estimated value of over a million dollars, was left to her family back in New Orleans.

Following her death, she was honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Acheivement Award and, since then, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Hame and has her face on a U.S. postal stamp.

I remember seeing some great videos of Mahalia on YouTube a while back… just HAD to post one of ‘em.  In this one, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” watch how Mahalia WORKS this song so tough that, by the end, she’s in another DIMENSION! LOL

From the age of 12, twin brothers Edward and Edgar O’Neal ministered throughout the nation as the popular gospel duo The O’Neal Twins.

Their hit single, “Jesus Dropped the Charges,” was an instant hit and rose to even greater prominent in the successful national documentary, Say Amen, Somebody (a personal favorite of mine).

In a time dominated by gospel quartets, the duo overcame barriers and went on to perform nationally in major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Madison Square Garden.  The O’Neal Twins were inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Edgar O’Neal passed away in January of 2008, at the age of 70, following a brief illness.

Here’s a little Gospel Music Heritage Month Tidbit for ya…

Clara Ward (1924-1973) was well-known as the leader of The Famous Ward Singers.  She was a pioneer in the movement of small gospel ensembles– they even used choreography, which was criticized by some as “clowning.”

In addition to penning the popular gospel song “How I Got Over,” Clara Ward recorded background vocals on several secular albums and sang pop songs for various compilation albums in the 60′s.  She is cited by Aretha Franklin as a strong musical influence.  She passed away at the young age of 48 after suffering two strokes.

Here’s two videos (both with great vocals and great performances)– first is “We’ll Soon Be Done” and the second is “Didn’t It Rain”:

Whatd’ya think???

September is Gospel Music Heritage Month!  And with it, I’m launching a new series, entitled TidBits.  It’ll feature quick, random, little-known facts about gospel music and the gospel music industry, ranging from historical info to music trivia.  Hopefully, we’ll be more educated as we go!

First tidbit– Thomas A. Dorsey (1899-1993) is often credited as the “Father of Gospel Music”.  He may be best known for having written “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “Peace In The Valley,” but he also began the first black gospel music publishing company and founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.  Learn more about him here.

By the way, the official Gospel Music Heritage Month website is http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com.  Make sure you check it out for additional info.