Gospel Blues

Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain Lady Blackbird, the soulful artist known as Marley Munroe, released a captivating song titled ‘Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled’ from her album 'Slang Spirituals.' Released in September 2024, the album was produced by Chris Seefried and features a distinctive sound described as a 'psychedelic gospel hymn,' seamlessly blending orchestral elements with powerful vocals. Biblical and Cultural Roots The title and lyrics draw directly from St. John 14:1, a passage often cited in gospel traditions to provide comfort during times of grief or uncertainty. By framing this as a "Slang Spiritual," Lady Blackbird recontextualizes traditional religious themes into a modern, secular space—bridging the gap between the historic Black spirituals of the past and contemporary soulful expression. You’re listening to Gospel Blues. I’m your host, Gail Nobles. Today’s topic is Lady Blackbird with 'Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled'—a reminder that even in the…

Intro by Gail Nobles Story by Gail Nobles Photo: Eatonland - Own work Usage: CC BY-SA 4. Wikipedia Rare 1965 Blues Recordings Released on Takoma Records Chicago, IL — Reverend Robert Wilkins, the Mississippi-born country blues guitarist and vocalist (1896–1987), was a master of deep, expressive acoustic blues and gospel-infused songs. Originally active in the late 1920s and 1930s, he was rediscovered during the 1960s folk-blues revival. One of his most haunting performances, the traditional gospel-blues piece “I Wish I Was in Heaven Sittin’ Down,” appears on the new release Rare Blues on Takoma Records (TAK 7081), produced by Norman Dayron. The album gathers previously unreleased acoustic blues performances recorded in January 1965 during the University of Chicago Folk Festival, as part of Dayron’s documentation of Chicago’s blues scene between 1963 and 1965. Featuring older artists delivering raw, traditional styles on acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica, it captures a quieter, folk-blues side of the city…

Photo: Marco Tambara / Lightversus - Own work Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 Voice actor: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Voice Actor: If you get to heaven before I do, save a seat for me. B.B. King save a seat for me. I’m Gail Nobles. Welcome to Gospel Blues. BB King’s song Save a Seat For Me is a treasure to me. The treasured song comes from his 1960 album, "BB King Sings Spirituals."This heartfelt track conveys the spirit of hope and faith, delivering a message about longing for a place in heaven. In today's world, it’s rare to hear songs that speak so simply and beautifully about the afterlife. The lyrics express a promise to keep pushing through life's struggles until victory is achieved. One of the most memorable lines says, "But if you make it in Glory before I do, save a seat for me." This touching sentiment connects with many,making us think about the connections we cherish with loved ones. BB King’s soulful voice brings these powerful words to life, making "Save a Seat For Me" not just a song,…

THE RED CLAY STRAYS Will The Lord Remember Me? Story by Gail Nobles We’re talking about some truth tonight, some real heart and soul music from a band that's bringing something special to the scene. We're talking about The Red Clay Strays, hailing from Mobile, Alabama, and they're laying down a country blues sound that'll grab you by the collar and make you listen. Now, this track, "Will the Lord Remember Me," ain't your typical two-step and beer-soaked anthem. This is heavy stuff. This is the blues digging deep into the well of faith. “But one of them cried out to Him, "Oh, Lord, remember me" The song paints a vivid picture, right? You're right there at Calvary. You can feel the heat, the hate, the sting of the mockery aimed at the Lord as He hangs on that cross. That's powerful imagery, folks, and The Red Clay Strays aren't afraid to go there. What really grabs me is the story they're telling. Two thieves, sharing in the agony, but only one finding the grace to cry out for mercy. "Oh, Lord, remember me."…

Photo: Kurt "Doc" Huot Usage: CC BY-SA 2.0 Intro by: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles We’re diving deep into the heart and soul of some good old gospel blues, and you know nobody does it better than the fantastic Holmes Brothers! I’m talking about the kind of music that lifts you up and grounds you all at once, that makes you say “Amen!” as much as it gets your feet tapping. From their soulful 2001 album *Speaking In Tongues*, the Holmes Brothers deliver a real tune with "Thank You Jesus." This track is a beautiful blend of rich harmonies, infectious rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics that take you straight to church. The brothers, Wendell, Sherman, and Popsy, weave together their gospel roots with bluesy undertones, creating a sound that’s rich. Their voices mingle bringing layers of emotion that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a Nashville juke joint or a rural Mississippi church house. In “Thank You Jesus,” they’re singing and also testifying. You can feel the gratitude as they bring a message that…

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Let me tell you about a tune that's got the soul and the spirit like no other! Paul Kelly's “Stealin’ in the Name of the Lord.” That’s today’s topic. Paul Kelly’s Stealin’ in the Name of the Lord” is a hard-hitting piece of musical genius that speaks right to the heart of the matter! This jam shines a spotlight on the so-called messengers of faith—those smooth talkers standing on the corner with their righteous claims. We got a man raising up a congregation, promising salvation and a divine path, but oh, there's a twist! He’s saying he’s the chosen one, ready to lead us down the road to glory. But you gotta ask yourself, is he a true shepherd, or just a wolf in sheep's clothing? This tune digs into the irony of faith when it’s tangled with greed and manipulation, and trust me, it reaches an audience! The song came from Paul Kelly’s 1972 album dirt. It was written by Paul Kelly himself. Paul Kelly tells you what he sees. When the man on the corner starts…

Story by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Vocals: Gail Nobles Photo: Jalylah Burrell Brooklyn, NY - Mavis Staples Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0 We Shall Not Be Moved can also be considered a gospel blues song. Gospel blues is a genre that combines elements of traditional African-American gospel music with blues music. We Shall Not Be Moved into this genre with its uplifting lyrics and soulful melody. The song is performed by Mavis Staples and is on her seventh studio album titled We’ll Never Turn Back. It was released in 2007. It is a concept album with lyrical themes relating to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Mavis and her band performed We Shall Not Be Moved at Chicago Symphony Center in April 2014. She told her story about how they would march all day with Dr. King. She told how they would go into a restaurant and how they would lock arms and sing We Shall Not Be Moved. Mavis Staples is a rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She knows what it's all about.…

Photos: Wikipedia/Public Domain Intro by: Gail Nobles B.B. King and Ray Charles made a song together titled Sinner’s Prayer singing "Lord Have Mercy On Me." If I've done somebody wrong please have mercy. According to the lyrics they would sing about all the things they once had and how bad luck overtook, and how if they've been bad they’d change their ways. In my opinion, I think B.B. and Ray left us a prayer to cherish singing Sinner’s Prayer. Together their voice & out cry for God's mercy lets you know that we need to stop and talk to the Lord about life when things are going good and when things are going bad. B.B. and Ray were singing “if I've done somebody wrong have mercy if you please.” There might have been a time when we've done someone wrong and did not realize it. In my opinion, I think a song like Sinner’s Prayer should be handed down to generation to generation. I think it's an important song.B.B. King and Ray Charles have done an awesome good job singing Sinner’s Prayer. You’re listening to…

Intro by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Vocals: Gail Nobles Photo: Wikipedia Public Domain You are listening to Gospel Blues. I am your host Gail Nobles. Today’s topic: The Staple Singers Uncloudy Day and Unclouded Day is a collection of recordings between 1956 in 1959 by The Staple Singers many of which that were originally released as 10-inch 78 RPM sheliac disc, that became the first 12 inch Gospel LP released by the Vee-Jay label. Uncloudy Day, also known as Unclouded Day is a gospel song. The Staple Singers covered this song in 1956, 16-year old Mavis Staples provided deep- voice soulful vocals that most assume had come from an older woman expressing great experience or even a man. It was also covered by the outlaw country singer Willie Nelson in 1977 featured on his album The Troublemaker. The lyrics to the song Uncloudy Day say: Oh they tell me of a home far beyond the skies, Oh they tell me of a home far away; Oh they tell me of a home we're no storm clouds rise, Oh they tell me of an Uncloudy…

Song: Call on God Song by: Sharon Jones Podcast vocals: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles Hi! I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to The Gospel Blues Show. What is gospel blues? According to Wikipedia, it is a form of blues based on Gospel Music that has been around since the inception of blues music. It combines evangelistic lyrics with blues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment. Have you ever heard of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings? They are under the R&B category, but have a song titled “Call on God”. I can hear the Gospel, soul, & the blues. You know your life gets filled with so much sorrow And it seems like there’s no tomorrow In these times that we live in today Seems like everything is in your way. You just call on God And he will provide …. In the lyrics, it’s simply gospel. Sharon Jones was the lead singer of the group. The song is from the album: Soul of a Woman. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. Call on God was a song that was written by Sharon Jones. I don’t see Sharon Jones under the…