The Stories Behind Gospel Music's All-Time Greatest Songs

Gospel music has a rich and storied history, and some of its most iconic songs have truly captivating stories behind them. In this article, we explore the origins and stories behind some of gospel music's all-time greatest songs.

Turn Your Radio On: The Stories Behind Gospel Music's All-Time Greatest Songs

by Ace Collins

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

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1. "Oh Happy Day" by Edwin Hawkins Singers

Story: "Oh Happy Day" was written by Edwin Hawkins in 1968. Hawkins was a choir director at a church in Berkeley, California, and he wrote the song for his choir to sing at a New Year's Eve service. The song was an instant hit, and it quickly became one of the most popular gospel songs of all time.

2. "Amazing Grace" by John Newton

Story: "Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton in 1772. Newton was a former slave trader who had become a devout Christian. He wrote the song after a near-death experience at sea. The song has become one of the most beloved hymns of all time, and it has been recorded by countless artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Elvis Presley.

3. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" by Civilla D. Martin

Story: "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was written by Civilla D. Martin in 1905. Martin was a poet and songwriter who had been through a great deal of hardship in her life. She wrote the song after reading a story about a sparrow that was being chased by a hawk. The sparrow eventually escaped the hawk, and Martin was inspired to write a song about how God watches over his people, even in their darkest times.

4. "I Need You to Survive" by Andraé Crouch

Story: "I Need You to Survive" was written by Andraé Crouch in 1971. Crouch was a gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor. He wrote the song after a difficult time in his life when he was struggling with depression and anxiety. The song became a hit, and it has been a source of inspiration and comfort to countless people.

5. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland

Story: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg in 1939. The song was originally written for the musical The Wizard of Oz, and it was sung by Judy Garland in the film. The song quickly became a hit, and it has since been recorded by countless artists, including Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Aretha Franklin. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" has become a classic gospel song, and it is often sung at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions.

6. "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" by Fanny Crosby

Story: "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" was written by Fanny Crosby in 1868. Crosby was a blind poet and songwriter who wrote over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime. She wrote the song after she was asked to contribute a hymn to a new hymnal. The song quickly became a favorite, and it is still sung in churches today.

7. "How Great Thou Art" by Stuart K. Hine

Story: "How Great Thou Art" was written by Stuart K. Hine in 1885. Hine was an English minister who wrote the song after he was inspired by a sermon on the greatness of God. The song quickly became a popular hymn, and it is now one of the most beloved songs in the Christian faith.

8. "The Old Rugged Cross" by George Bennard

Story: "The Old Rugged Cross" was written by George Bennard in 1913. Bennard was a Methodist minister who wrote the song after he was inspired by a sermon on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The song quickly became a hit, and it is now one of the most popular gospel songs of all time.

9. "We Shall Overcome" by Pete Seeger

Story: "We Shall Overcome" was written by Pete Seeger in 1963. Seeger was a folk singer and activist who wrote the song after he was inspired by a traditional spiritual. The song became an anthem

Turn Your Radio On: The Stories Behind Gospel Music's All-Time Greatest Songs

by Ace Collins

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	969 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

FREE