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Let's start the year by revisiting Gospel music's greatest artists: from Sister Rosetta Tharpe to The Staple Singers.

We begin the new year reflecting on the power and purpose of Gospel music by revisiting some of its greatest artists. In this episode, Beverley shines a light on the Rebel Souls - the artists who rocked the boat, taking Gospel out of the church, often upsetting their pious congregation. Salute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, Thomas A Dorsey, The Staples Singers and Kirk Franklin.

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58 minutes

Last on

Sun 4 Jan 202600:00
BBC Radio 2

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Music Played

  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    Strange Things Happening Every Day

    • Decca.

  • Arizona Dranes

    God's Got A Crown

    • Jazz Figures / Arizona Dranes (1926-1929).
    • Collector Records Greece.
    • 12.

  • Thomas A. Dorsey with R.H. Harris, Thomas A. Dorsey & R. H. Harris

    (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (Album Version)

    • Precious Lord Recordings Of The Great Gospel Songs Of Thomas A. Dorsey.
    • Legacy/Columbia.
    • 5.

  • Sallie Martin Singers

    Nothing But The Grace Of God

    • Precious Lord & God Is Here.
    • Vee-Jay Records.
    • 13.

  • Roberta Martin

    What a Friend

    • Gospel Greats.
    • AudioSonic Music.
    • 73.

  • The Staple Singers

    City in the Sky

    • City In The Sky.
    • Craft Recordings.
    • 2.

  • The Original Gospel Harmonettes

    Heaven Is A Beautiful Place - Original

    • The Gospel Harmonettes Selected Hits.
    • Charly Records.
    • 8.

  • Andraé Crouch

    The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power

    • Take the Message Everywhere.
    • Light Records.
    • 8.

  • Jessy Dixon

    Come Out Of The Wilderness

    • Touch Me, Lord Jesus.
    • Spring House (HSE).
    • 1.

  • The Rance Allen Group

    What A Day

    • A Soulful Experience.
    • Truth.
    • 3.

  • Kirk Franklin

    Father Knows Best

    • LONG LIVE LOVE.
    • Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Records.
    • 5.

  • John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir

    Jesus Is Real (Live) (feat. John P. Kee)

    • Pure... Gospel.
    • Sony Music Entertainment.
    • 4.

  • The Dixie Hummingbirds

    Let's Go / Jesus Gave Me Water / Our Father / Mother Bowed / Lets Talk About

    • Classic Gospel 1951-60, Vol. 1.
    • Acrobat.
    • 18.

Broadcast

  • Sun 4 Jan 202600:00
    BBC Radio 2