Sunday Morning Music (5/30/21)
Happy Sunday, friends!
What a week! First of all, thank you for reading this past week’s feature, “I Don’t Wanna Be A Soldier,” about the pioneering work of Teri DeSario. Your emails and comments on social media have been a delight to read. If you missed the essay, just click here to start the journey!
This week’s playlist was inspired by several different events. I got to spend some time working on my book about the New York Community Choir. They always inspire, so, they made the list this week. I hope you feel the joy!
I’ve also been closely watching Crystal Lewis’ Kickstarter campaign (which I’m a contributor to). Some of the persnickety feedback she’s received had me in deep contemplative thought as I also worked on this coming week’s feature, so you’ll find Crystal in the mix on the playlist as well. Today is the last day to contribute, so be sure to check out her campaign!
Then last night, as I was finishing the playlist, I saw the news of BJ Thomas’ death. BJ was one of the voices of my childhood, which coincided with his leap into contemporary Christian music. BJ was, like Teri DeSario, part of a world that he would never fully be able to join. His life post-CCM is a testament to the importance of evolution and continual seeking. I’ve included his solo from Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire’s Grammy Award-winning collaborative effort, The Lord’s Prayer. I’m quite certain their performance on the Grammy Awards was the first time I ever actually saw him sing on television. What a voice. Rest in peace, BJ.
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Until then, here’s the list!
Thanking You Lord—the New York Community Choir
We All Need Each Other—Danniebelle Hall
Never—Crystal Lewis
Where Love Rules—Al Green
What Would I Do (Without the Lord)—New Jersey Mass Choir
Hallowed Be Thy Name—BJ Thomas
Somewhere Down the Line—The Gospel Wonders
Blessed Assurance—Richard Smallwood
I Must Go On—Shirley Miller
Shine On Me—Bishop Carlton Pearson & Bishop James Morton