The Best of 1970’s Gospel Music
Contents
A collection of the best gospel music from the 1970’s. This blog includes music from artists like James Cleveland, The Swan Silvertones, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Introduction
The 1970s was a special time for Gospel music. The genre was growing and evolving, with artists striving to find new ways to spread the Word and minister to people. This decade saw the rise of some of Gospel music’s most iconic artists and groups, who would go on to influence the sound of the genre for years to come. Here are some of the best Gospel albums of the 1970s.
The Best Gospel Songs of the 1970s
The 1970s was a decade that saw the rise of many different genres of music, but gospel was one that truly shone. With artists like Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, The Clark Sisters, and Andrae Crouch, gospel music reached new heights. If you’re a fan of gospel music, then you’ll want to check out this list of the best gospel songs of the 1970s.
“Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins
The Edwin Hawkins Singers became an instant sensation with their performance of “Oh Happy Day” in 1969. The song was originally written as a traditional hymn, but the group’s arrangement gave it a soulful, gospel feel that struck a chord with listeners of all ages. The Edwin Hawkins Singers continued to enjoy success throughout the 1970s with hits like “Wonderful!” and “To My Father’s House.”
“Amazing Grace” by Aretha Franklin
“Amazing Grace” by Aretha Franklin is one of the best gospel songs of the 1970s. The song was released on the album Amazing Grace: Live at New Bethel Baptist Church, and it became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a cover of the traditional hymn “Amazing Grace,” and Franklin’s powerful vocals make it a timeless classic.
“He’s Able” by James Cleveland
He’s Able is a song performed by James Cleveland and written by Dorothy Norwood. The song was released as a single in 1978 and became one of the decade’s defining gospel hits.
He’s Able is an uptempo, lively track that celebrates the power of God. Cleveland’s powerful vocals are elevated by the choir’s enthusiastic backing, making for a rousing performance that is sure to lift spirits. The song became a staple of Cleveland’s live sets and helped to cement his reputation as one of gospel music’s top performers.
While He’s Able is primarily known as a gospel song, its message of hope and triumph has resonated with people from all walks of life. The song has been covered by a number of artists across different genres, including R&B singer CeCe Winans and country music star Randy Travis. He’s Able remains one of James Cleveland’s most enduring hits and continues to inspire listeners nearly four decades after its release.
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” by The Staples Singers
The Staples Singers were an American gospel and R&B vocal group who rose to prominence in the 1970s. The group was founded in 1948 by Roebuck “Pops” Staples on guitar and Cleotha Staples on vocals, with their children Mavis Staples, Yvonne Staples, and Pervis Staples later joining. They reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s with a string of hits that included “The Weight”, “Respect Yourself”, “I’ll Take You There”, “If You’re Ready (Come Go with Me)”, and “Love Me, Love Me, Love Me”.
“Oh How I Love Jesus” by The Jackson Southernaires
“Oh How I Love Jesus” by The Jackson Southernaires is one of the best gospel songs of the 1970s. The song was released in 1977 and quickly became a favorite among gospel music fans. The Jackson Southernaires were a popular gospel group during the 1970s and 1980s, and this song is one of their most well-known hits.
The Best Gospel Albums of the 1970s
The 1970s was a great decade for Gospel music. Many wonderful albums were released during this time. Here are some of the best Gospel albums of the 1970s.
“Amazing Grace” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace is a live gospel album by American soul singer Aretha Franklin. It was recorded at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, a small church in the Watts section of Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 1972. Released on June 1, 1972 by Atlantic Records, the double album features Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir accompanying Franklin in recordings of 14 gospel standards and two original songs. Amazing Grace was a commercial and critical success, selling over two million copies in America alone and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time. The album won the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1999.
“Oh Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers
The Edwin Hawkins Singers became an instant success with the release of their 1969 rendition of “Oh Happy Day”, which sold more than seven million copies. The album it was released on, Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord, also did well, reaching No. 29 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart.
“He’s Able” by James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir
“He’s Able” was released in 1974 by James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1970’s was a great decade for Gospel music. There were many talented artists and groups who released amazing music that is still enjoyed by fans today. While there is no clear-cut winner for the best Gospel music of the 1970’s, there are certainly many contenders for the title. What is your favorite Gospel song from the 1970’s?
