THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MICHEAL
It all started with KPFK 90.7 FM Radio’s Sunday morning radio show, Gospel Classics, hosted by Edna Tatum.
Being a singer myself, I’ve always loved choral music and Gospel music particularly, but my interest was nothing more than a passing interest. Sometimes a gospel song would get me. Usually something by Mavis Staples.
So I started listening to Edna Tatum’s program each Sunday morning at 6am and my what an education it has been. I’ve been introduced to some amazing singers and some even more amazing performances in the Gospel genre. People like Shirley Ceasar, Rev. D. T. Baldwin, The Holmes Brothers and on and on. The more Edna would spin the gospel, the more intrigued I became.
Before long, I was on my way to the record stores to find this or that recording. I’d just activated by computerized music library, so I copied the CD’s into my computer and spit them out into my MP3 Player (think Ipod).
Then I made CD copies of the list of my favorites, and started to pop it into the CD player in the morning when I’m getting ready to go to work. Straight up, it is more uplifting than a powerful anti depressent.
There is joy in this music; everyone I give a copy to hears it too. Something about all those voices, lifted in unison and sincerely praising the lord - well it’s very powerful stuff, to say the least.
The beauty is you don’t have to be a formal Christian to love this music. I’ve seen even the most agnostic of my friends tear up when listening to this music.
Bob Dylan said, “Music attracts angels in the universe” and this is true, certainly of this music.
I owe Edna Tatum a big favor; she got me to “get up, get up, get up” and go find a choir to join. I am now a proud member of the Hollywood Presbyterian Mass Choir, led by Patrick Hare. It’s a wonderful group - mixed ages and races - and we ROCK when we get the spirit!
I’m having the best time being a part of this wonderful group.
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