Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper are considered to be one of Country Gospel's greatest husband and wife duos. From 1949 thru 1954, Wilma Lee & Stoney recorded what became some of the all-time favorites. 'Hello Central, Give Me Heaven' is one of those great classics. Wade Mainer helped usher the banjo into the Gospel Music realm. The banjo had been previously considered unfit in Gospel music circles. In 1942, a career highlight was an invitation to the White House to perform for Franklin Roosevelt. Mainer recorded five sessions for King Records. A gospel session in 1961 included 'Building On That Rock.' The Stanley Brothers are among that first generation of great Bluegrass groups that form the foundation of modern Bluegrass Music. The bulk of their recordings were made with Starday and King Records from 1958 thru 1965. The Stanleys deliver 'Heaven's Light Is Shining On Me' with all the soul-searching zeal that is their trademark. Terry McMillan was Country and Gospel music's premier harmonica player. He played alongside artists of stature such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, George Jones, Dolly Parton, and Amy Grant, to name a few. Here McMillan provides his stirring version of 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot.' The Lewis Family is the First Family of Gospel Music. They are one of the most recorded Bluegrass groups in history. From 1959 to 1969, the Lewis Family recorded 18 albums on the Starday label. One of those fine Gospel recordings was 'The Old Gospel Ship.' Red Sovine was the King of The Narrations. Red's hit, 'Teddy Bear,' climbed to #1 on the record charts faster than any other song in history. It is no surprise that Red's Gospel recordings, such as 'Except The Lord,' are among the best you'll hear anywhere. Ray Pennington started out as an A&R man for King Records in 1959. He later spearheaded Step One Records. Here Ray sings his mellow 'My Home Lies Beyond The Jordan.' Nashville Dulcimers is made up of the finest dulcimer players in Music City. They play a beautiful version of 'What A Friend We Have Jesus.' Sandy Posey once sang back-up for Elvis Presley. Her own notable list of hits include 'Born A Woman' and 'Single Girl.' Posey's 'Down To The River To Pray' is one of the most beautiful songs you'll ever hear. Carl Story's mountain-flavored bluegrass music made him the Father of Bluegrass Gospel Music. Story is at his best as he sings about the Bible patriarchs, 'Paul and Silas.' |