V/A Memphis Marvels Memphis Gospel 1927-1960 4XCD [JSP]

This box represents the best of gospel's Golden Age as well as a few items of special interest. It's made up of artists who were born in Memphis and/or recorded there. Memphis is the second largest metropolis in Tennessee, with a population of over 700,000. When cotton was king, riverboats steamed up and down the Mississippi from New Orleans. Their cargoes provided a good deal of laboring work for African Americans. Alongside the country blues singers playing on the streets were a rag-tag bunch of country gospel singers, some of whom enjoyed radio exposure at WDIA, who also recorded radio transcriptions for the station. With four important recording companies (Sun, Meteor, Victor and Vocalion) there were plenty opportunities for the talented to increase their fame and (occasionally) fortune. Most African American gospel units were semi-professional and sponsored by their local ministry. As well as performing for Church radio and records - suppers, tent shows, small halls, private parties, and parish churches all provided opportunities to perform. Here it is - the full panoply of a unique, thriving tradition - adding fervent sincerity to musical accomplishment