SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC:
40 GREATEST LIVE ALBUMS
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#20
The Wilburns Alabama Lightning MorningStar Records (MS4118), 1990 Producer: Eddie Crook Location: Bessemer Civic Center - Bessemer, AL Personnel: Jackie Wilburn, Elaine Wilburn, Jonathan Wilburn, Tony Gore Jackie Wilburn was a fiery and unapologetic evangelist who just happened to bring his singing family with him for his services. Combining Jackie, Elaine, and son Jonathan with the vocal and instrumental talents of Tony Gore made for an experience that far exceeded that of a typical southern gospel concert. Recorded live in Bessemer, Alabama, this concert represents The Wilburns at the peak of their career. One of the Wilburns' most popular songs, "Death Valley Days", brought the advertised electricity to an unusual lyric, leaving both the song and the artist unforgettable in the hearts and minds of their new fans. Tony Gore, of course, would leave the Wilburns in 1994 to form his trio, Majesty. Jonathan Wilburn, who naturally exhibited stage charisma similar to that of his father, clearly possessed a bright future in 1990, yet even with such promise, surely no one could imagine during this period that Wilburn would become one of gospel music's most beloved lead vocalists in the ensuing decade. |
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#19
The Speers In Concert Heart Warming Records (R3180), 1972 Producer: Bob MacKenzie Personnel: Brock Speer, Ben Speer, Harold Lane, Suzan Speer, Sue Chenault, Bob Johnson, Jeanne Johnson, Steve Speer, Marc Speer One finds it hard to imagine that more than half a century into their illustrious career, the Speers recorded their very first live album. It was well worth the wait, as the Speers were at their peak during their "polyester years". Led by Brock and Ben, the Speers had now welcomed a third generation of Speers to the stage as Brock's young son and daughter, Marc and Suzan, and Ben's son, Steve, entered their famous family singing group in the early 70s. Sue Chenault Dodge had captured the hearts of gospel music fans across the nation, amassing the second largest number of GMA Female Vocalist Dove Awards in history. And the impact of Harold Lane has never been felt more heavily than on this record. Lane's arrangement abilities alone could have earned him a place in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2009, yet his talent only began with such. The impact of Bill and Gloria Gaither upon the Speers is also noted, as six of their most popular songs are included in this two-record set. The Speers were still riding high from the success of "The King is Coming". This album captures America's first family in an intimate concert performance, linking both the past and the future in effortless fashion. Ironically, the elder Speers and Harold Lane would continue many years past the third generation Speer performers. When asked when he planned to retire, Brock Speer simply responded, "Retire to what?" |
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#18
Various Artists Indiana Live RiverSong Records (2688), 1991 Producer: Eldridge Fox Location: Indianapolis, IN Personnel: Heaven Bound-Jeff Gibson, Lawrence Taylor, Rick Busby, Ken Eubanks; Gold City-Tim Riley, Mike LeFevre, Ivan Parker, Brian Free, Garry Jones, Mark Fain, Doug Riley, Kingsmen-Ray Dean Reese, Parker Jonathan, Jim Hamill, Tim Surrett, Garry Sheppard, Anthony Burger, Greg Fox, Gary Dillard; and solo appearance by Gerald Wolfe Indiana Live was a breath of fresh air for 1991. Few multi-artist live recordings had been released in previous years, and the Kingsmen, Gold City, Heaven Bound, and Gerald Wolfe came together, providing a great concert experience. Recorded just before the days of the Gaither Homecoming phenomenon, gospel music fans needed a live recording of this nature. All groups were at the top of their game, and Gerald Wolfe's impressions of Jerry Goff and Peg McKamey Bean were worth the price of the album. Wrap it up with all of the artists combined for "Where the Soul Never Dies", and one possesses as great a sample of a 1990s southern gospel concert as can be found. |
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#17
The Perrys Little Thunder, LIVE From Alabama MorningStar Records (MSC4119), 1990 Producer: Eddie Crook Location: Bessemer Civic Center - Bessemer, AL Personnel: Randy Perry, Denise Helton, Libbi Perry Stuffle, Tracy Stuffle Following their inaugural live album, God's Little People, The Perrys had gained steam as one of gospel music's most exciting new mixed groups. Diminutive in stature, but armed with power house vocals and the dynamic vocals and presence of “Chainsaw” Tracy Stuffle, the Perrys only went higher in the industry with Little Thunder. Libbi Perry Stuffle, until this time, had stood in the shadows of heroes such as Vestal Goodman and Naomi Sego, yet she stepped to the forefront of female vocalists with her performance of the classic “This is Just What Heaven Means to Me”. In addition, gospel music has rarely known more powerful soprano voices than Denise Helton. Recorded from the same concert as The Wilburns' classic Alabama Lightning, the group both entered and exited the stage with nothing more than four robust voices blending in full harmony. The Perrys were on the scene, and this was only the beginning. |
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#16
The Imperials LIVE Impact Records (R3215), 1973 Producer: Bob MacKenzie Location: The Tivoli Theatre, Richmond, IN Personnel: Armond Morales, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus, Jim Murray, Joe Moscheo, with Solid Rock featuring Keith Gregory, Mike Padgett, John Darnall, Steve Ford The Imperials had begun a much heavier trend towards the contemporary sound by this point in their career, yet few complained. The addition of Sherman Andrus elevated the Imperials only higher in the industry, as they pioneered a new musical movement that would cement their legacy as one of gospel music's most groundbreaking artists. Andrus is utilized heavily throughout this outstanding two-record set, placing his stamp on Imperials classics "Time to Get it Together" and "Jesus Made Me Higher", plus taking the intensity level up a few notches on his signature classic brought over from his years with Andrae Crouch and the Disciples, "I've Got Confidence". |
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#15
The Downings This is How It Is, Live Heart Warming Records (R3151), 1971 Producer: Bob MacKenzie Location: Masonic Temple - Muncie, IN Personnel: Paul Downing, Ann Downing, Joy Dyson (Gardner), Wayne Hilliard, Dony McGuire, Nathan McGee Peters The word "captivating" could best be used to describe the Downings and their stage performances. Whether a fast song or a slow heartfelt ballad, the Downings had listeners either on their feet or on the edge of their seats. And never has mixed harmony combined so perfectly with such basement-level bass vocals as those of Paul Downing. Paul's speaking voice alone could shake the rafters. The Downings had recorded Paul's great recitation, "The End Was the Beginning", on a previous studio record, but his live spoken word performance captures the dramatic essence of the lyric. Young Joy Dyson utilized her power-packed and emotion-filled voice to its greatest capacity on "I Find No Fault in Him", "Redemption Draweth Nigh", and a version of "I've Got Confidence" that would give Sherman Andrus a run for his money. Tenor Wayne Hilliard's voice was full and his youth exhuberant, yet possessed a "classic" quality. Pianist and added vocalist Dony McGuire had a truly unique rhythm at the keyboard, and his vocals would prove even more valuable for the group in the years ahead. |
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#14
Oak Ridge Boys Performance Heart Warming Records (R3118), 1971 Producer: Bob MacKenzie Location: War Memorial Auditorium - Nashville, TN Personnel: Noel Fox, William Lee Golden, Duane Allen, Willie Wynn, Tommy Fairchild, Greg Gordon, Mark Ellerbee, with guest musician Duke Dumas on guitar The Oak Ridge Boys had recently been voted the Gospel Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year, and it is little wonder why. Respected, feared, and even a little resented by their peers, no force could beat the Oak Ridge Boys in 1971 in terms of vocal arrangements, stage presence, song selection, and musicianship. "Jesus is Coming Soon" and "I Know" were the top songs in the nation. Newly supplementing their vocal sound and pianist Tommy Fairchild were bass guitarist Greg Gordon and drummer Mark Ellerbee, and the band is featured prevalently through the album. Fairchild, pianist and arranger extraordinaire, prepared superb arrangements that showcased each member, vocal and instrumental, at their very best. Ellerbee, who had previously served in the United States Army in Vietnam as a medic, delivers a haunting vocal on "I Wish We'd All Been Ready". A piece of gospel music trivia..."The Holy Hills of Heaven" was originally recorded with bass guitarist Greg Gordon on the solos, but Gordon soon departed the Oaks for The Rambos. Gordon's vocals were overdubbed by Duane Allen in post production. Even as the Oaks rode atop the gospel music industry during this time period, even greater stratospheric heights awaited them. |
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#13
Singing Americans Live and Alive RiverSong Records (ZLP-8402), 1984 Producer: Bill Traylor Location: Paramount Auditorium - Ashland, KY Personnel: Dwayne Burke, Ed Hill, Michael English, Rick Strickland, Martin Geuresko, Gary Coursey Many consider the Live and Alive vocal lineup of the Singing Americans their "gold standard" for their illustrious quarter-century career. Michael English presented a combination of "old school" lead singer and the contemporary electricity that he would further embody with the Gaither Vocal Band in the ensuing years. "I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy" would propel the Singing Americans to the greatest heights of their career, ascending to number one on the Singing News Charts. "Home, "Something New", "Over There", and "I Wouldn't Miss Heaven for the World" remain favorites more than thirty years later. |
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#12
The Cathedrals Travelin' Live RiverSong Records (CO2324), 1986 Producer: Lari Goss Location: Reynolds Auditorium - Winston Salem, NC Personnel: George Younce, Glen Payne, Mark Trammell, Danny Funderburk, Roger Bennett Many consider the Cathedral lineup of Younce, Payne, Funderburk, Trammell, and Bennett as the ultimate grouping of the quartet's legendary 35-year career. It is certainly difficult to argue against such a claim upon hearing Travelin' Live. This album is more than just a great Cathedrals live record, it is a great Cathedrals record period. The Dianne-Wilkinson-penned “Boundless Love” sat at the #1 position of the Singing News Charts for two months in 1987. Another Wilkinson song, “Homeland”, would remain identified with pianist and vocalist Roger Bennett for the remainder of his life. Mark Trammell contributed a beautifully-written traditional song of praise, “He's My Lord”. And surely the quartet numbers “Blood Washed Band”, “Gonna Be Movin'”, and “Following In His Footsteps” were written with the Cathedrals in mind, for they fit their style of performance so naturally. |
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#11
Gold City A 10 Year Celebration RiverSong Records (2715), 1991 Producer: Garry Jones Location: Gadsden Convention Center - Gadsden, AL Personnel: Tim Riley, Mike LeFevre, Ivan Parker, Brian Free, Garry Jones, Mark Fain, Doug Riley, with guest musicians Kelly Back, Darrell LaCroy, Terry McMillan Any fan of the Gold City vocal lineup of Riley/LeFevre/Parker/Free should own this album. In 1991, the go-to approach for ten years worth of legendary chart hits for any artist would have been to release a simple compilation of the hits as they were recorded, yet Gold City chose to stage their favorite hits and songs in concert. Their medley featuring "In My Robe of White", "John Saw", "Once Upon a Hill", "I Think I'll Read It Again", "When I Get Carried Away", "Midnight Cry", and "Getting Ready to Leave This World" is unsurpassed in both quality and magnitude. |