Vinyl Digest: Gospel Soul

Written By Greg Belson

Edited by Anna Blumenthal

400 essential gospel soul records, selected and annotated by Greg Belson, DJ, compiler, and host of The Divine Chord Gospel Show on dublab and Divine Discotheque on Soho Radio. Seven chapters move through boogie, disco, choir, funk, modern soul, soul and vocal harmony, with rarity scores, collector’s checkboxes and full-color original artwork throughout.

As a distinct genre, gospel music took shape in the early twentieth century. Guided by songwriter and pianist Thomas A. Dorsey, the combination of sacred hymnal lyrics with the emotional power and rhythmic drive of blues and jazz created a new sound. Throughout the century, gospel soul was increasingly influenced by secular sounds, dividing conservative audiences but creating legends like Sam Cooke, the Staple Singers, and later, Al Green.

“People are starting to see that these records aren’t just about God, Jesus, or the devil. They’re beautiful songs that talk about the world’s condition.” —Greg Belson

AT A GLANCE

400 records: each individually annotated, from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s

7 chapters: Essentials · Boogie & Disco · Choir · Funk · Modern Soul · Soul · Vocal Harmony

12 essential compilations with a survey essay on the reissue labels that opened the genre

23 guest selector lists from DJs, musicians, label heads, scholars and journalists

Extended interview with Greg Belson, conducted by Anna Blumenthal

Rarity scoring 1 5 — from common pressings to the holiest grails; Collector’s checkboxes on every entry

All US releases — a deliberate focus on the birthplace of gospel soul

Full index of listed artists and guest performers; Blank notes pages at the back for want-lists and annotations

Cover Artist Bráulio Amado

ARTISTS INSIDE

Aretha Franklin · Al Green · The Staple Singers · James Cleveland · Shirley Caesar · Mighty Clouds of Joy · The Supreme Jubilees · Pastor T. L. Barrett · Staples Jr. Singers · The Voices of East Harlem · Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark · Willie Scott & the Birmingham Spirituals · Dorothy Norwood · The Soul Stirrers · The Pilgrim Jubilees · Genobia Jeter · The Clark Sisters · Jessy Dixon

LABELS COVERED

Savoy · Nashboro · Peacock · HOB · Jewel · Light · Gospel Truth · D Vine Spirituals · Designer · Sound of Gospel · Birthright · Checker · Myrrh · Malaco

GUEST SELECTORS

Gilles Peterson · Rich Medina · Wayne Hemingway MBE · Palms Trax · Eli Paperboy Reed · Luke Howard (Horse Meat Disco) · Bob Marovich · Yale Evelev (Luaka Bop) · Supreme La Rock · Tone B. Nimble · Kevin Nutt · DJ Marcia Carr · Monalisa Murray · Big Joe Louis · Double Peas · Lovie · Polly Jones · Yusuke Ozawa · Toni Rossano (The Showfa) · Raw Queen · David Hodes · Boogie Monster

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Greg Belson

A Los Angeles-based DJ, veteran record collector, label owner, and compiler, specializing in rare gospel soul, funk, disco, and vocal harmony on original vinyl. He hosts The Divine Chord Gospel Show on dublab. He’s released groundbreaking compilations, including the Divine Disco series for Cultures Of Soul and the acclaimed The Time for Peace Is Now (Gospel Music About Us) for Luaka Bop.