The Best Gospel Music of 1970

Looking for the best gospel music of 1970? Look no further than this blog post. We’ve compiled a list of the top gospel songs of the year, so you can enjoy the best of what the genre has to offer.

Introduction

Gospel music is one of the most important genres in American music. It has its roots in the African-American church music of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it has been a significant part of the musical landscape of the United States for over 150 years.

The 1970s was a particularly important decade for gospel music. This was the era when some of the most important figures in gospel history, such as Mahalia Jackson, James Cleveland, and Andrae Crouch, reached the peak of their careers. It was also a time when new voices, such as Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar, emerged as major forces in the genre.

Here are 10 of the best gospel albums from 1970:

Andrae Crouch – Take The Message Everywhere
The Clark Sisters – Jesus Is A Love Song
The Mighty Clouds of Joy – Live At Carnegie Hall
The Soul Stirrers – Jesus Hits Like An Atom Bomb
Mahalia Jackson – As I Traveled On My Way
The Winans – Declaration Of Dependence
Albertina Walker – Healing Waters Flow Down
Shirley Caesar – Something Got Ahold Of Me
James Cleveland – Peace Be Still

Best Gospel Albums of 1970

Many artists had breakout years in 1970, including signature performances from legendary Gospel greats like James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, and The Fairfield Four. That same year, a new wave of Gospel talent emerged, helping to shape the sound of the genre for years to come. Here are some of the best Gospel albums of 1970.

The Soul Children – Uncloudy Day

The Soul Children’s Uncloudy Day was one of the best gospel albums of 1970. The album featured the group’s signature sound, a mix of gospel, R&B, and soul. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard gospel chart. The album’s title track was a hit single, reaching number one on the gospel chart.

James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir – Jesus Is the Answer

Recorded in early 1970 and released that summer, James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir’s Jesus Is the Answer was not only one of the most popular gospel albums of its time, it was also one of the most influential. Featuring a full choir and orchestra backing up Cleveland’s impassioned lead vocals, the album’s 11 tracks tackled social issues like racism and poverty head-on, while also offering messages of hope and faith. standout tracks include the title track, “I Don’t Know Why Jesus Loved Me,” “God Is Love,” and “Blessed Assurance.”

Shirley Caesar – He Will Do What’s Best for Me

Released in early 1970, Shirley Caesar’s album He Will Do What’s Best for Me hit the airwaves and received much critical acclaim. The album was a mix of traditional gospel hymns and more modernized gospel tunes, which was a perfect reflection of Shirley’s own personal style. Highlights of the album include renditions of ” Amazing Grace” and “He Touched Me”, as well as the original song “I Remember Mama”.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy – Mighty High

The Mighty Clouds of Joy were formed in 1951 in Los Angeles, CA, by Josephine O’Neal and Eddie Williams. The group’s name was inspired by a verse from the Bible’s book of Isaiah (chapter 6, verse 3), which reads, “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Considered one of the original gospel quartets, the Mighty Clouds of Joy were one of the first groups to successfully blend gospel harmonies with R&B rhythms. They became widely popular in both the gospel and secular worlds and were one of the few gospel groups to ever appear on American Bandstand. The group has undergone many lineup changes over the years, but has always remained true to its roots, continuing to record and perform live. In 1970, they released their album Mighty High, which is considered by many to be one of their best works.

Conclusion

The best gospel music of 1970 is a matter of opinion, of course. But there are some clear standouts that have stood the test of time. Albertina Walker’s “Ohio” is a soulful classic, while James Cleveland’s “Peace Be Still” is an uplifting gospel anthem. And The Fairfield Four’s “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” is a haunting and beautiful example of gospel quartet singing at its finest. Whatever your own personal favorite may be, there’s no denying that these are three of the best gospel songs of 1970.