“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” to quote from Star Wars, the White House used to be a place of hope and filled with music. The Obama’s would regularly host evenings that celebrated the best of American music. One such evening was entitled ‘Songs of Hope’ a word spoken by the great Mahalia Jackson to describe gospel music. Barak Obama put it this way: ‘Hope that we might rise above our failures and disappointments and hope that we might receive his redemption.’ So what better way to celebrate Sunday than with some songs of hope – and in the midst of this pandemic it is something we need in abundance.
Sadly there appears to be no footage of Shirely Caesars’ performance on that night. So instead let’s begin with Tamela Mann. She began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Her third studio album, Best Days was certified Gold by the RIAA, and lead single “Take Me to The King” was a major commercial success.
Now we turn to a singing bishop! Rance Allen is an American Bishop of the New Bethel Church Of God In Christ. He is a gospel musician, and leader of the Rance Allen Group. Known for his extremely wide vocal range and powerful singing voice. Here he sings I stood on the banks of Jordan.
The evening was concluded by the late, great Aretha Franklin, who began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father was a minister. ranklin received numerous honours throughout her career. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she became the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She also was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, showing that despite her success she never lost touch with her gospel roots.
