By Eva (81.226.54.68) on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 03:41 pm:

Hi everyone,

Here's something for all the church-goers out there, an article on the "chanted sermon":

http://www.afana.org/preaching.htm

The only time I get to listen to this soul-stirring preaching is when I put on my C.L. Franklin tapes...but even then I feel quite uplifted...if I ever had the privilege to hear it in a 'live' setting, I'd probably "get religion" right then and there!;-)

Eva

By Nosey (66.153.113.238) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 02:46 pm:

Thanks Eva, I'll read it over the weekend. As my pastor would say, "praise hourva God, hah!

By Isaiah (205.188.117.14) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 08:45 pm:

Eva, you're just much too heavy, dear(smile!) This information is downright juicy. particularly when applied to the styles of various singers, such as a Barry White, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Curits Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Wicked Pickett, and Otis Redding... They loved to "rap" and sermonize their songs... In fact, I can hear the "preacher" in David Ruffin and Teddy Pendergras, especially in Bad Luck... Teddy goes completely to the pulpit on that song!!!(smile!) And I've always said I could hear David Ruffin preaching on I'm Losing You... Unvarnished sermonizing, particularly from the baritone guys, like Barry and Isaac - I've Got So Much To Give to You, My Dear!!! Thanks for the history and culture lesson, Eva...

Peace!
Isaiah

By Eva (81.226.54.68) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 06:14 pm:

Hi again,

I actually tracked down the book that Alexander refers to in the article, "I Got The Word In Me....", and although a bit on the "heavy" (scholarly) side, it is still a fascinating read.

As for the "preaching" style of many soul singers, let me add Oscar Toney Jr.'s "sermonette" at the beginning of "For Your Precious Love" (also in Linda Jones' version), Clarence Carter's hilarous version of "Dark End of the Street" (though you gotta wonder how the church folks would feel about Carter's exposé on the various ways of "making lurve"!;-)). Another great "preaching style" singer is Jimmy Lewis.

All the best, Eva