(The legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy, live at the Music Hall in Houston, TX singing ‘It’s Another Day’s Journey’ I’m Glad About It” (1967) with Ermant Franklin Jr. on lead. Listen and see video below.)

Here’s an oldie but goodie. The Mighty Clouds of Joy performing “Walk Around Heaven.” Growing up I would wake up to this almost every Sunday morning while my grandmother would sit in her chair nodding her head (aww the good ole days). Known as “The Temptations of Gospel” the Mighty Clouds of Joy have been in the recording industry since the late 1960′s.

This legendary performance at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1981 was one that truly showcased the talent within the group with Hampton Carlton on the organ and Paul Beasley being the soloist.

The original members included Paul Beasley, Elmeo Franklin, Dwight Gordon, Johnny Martin, Michael Cook (who died in 2008), Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Hampton Carlton. Together these guys have released a total of 17 CD’s with their latest CD “At the Revival” having been released in the earlier part of 2010.

As you watch this clip just sit back and think about the good ole days when you would go to your grandma’s house and listen to gospel legends from dusk to dawn. Enjoy

Check out this 1983 taping of the 26th Grammy Awards where Tramaine Hawkins, Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, Candi Staton, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Sandra Crouch were all up for the “Best Soul Gospel Performance Female” award . The category was presented by Al Green and Michelle Fifer. Sandra won and received the award with her twin brother music legend Andre Crouch. Enjoy

For all those that may not be familiar with  Sandra Crouch’s music here is a hit from the 1983 Grammy Winning Album “We Sing Praises” featuring Soloist Jean Johnson. Andre & Sandra were the King and Queen of Gospel in those days and if you listen to the video below all the way to the end you will hear them both.

Everywhere we look there’s gospel music on television. The span and reach of this incomparable genre has become cosmic in recent years as well broadly appreciated on mainstream television shows. American Idol which has dominated American television for over nine years is becoming more “Christian Friendly”. In recent years American Idol has catapulted gospel singing newbie’s into stardom that may have never been reached without such exposure.

Stars like Season 5 contestant Mandisa (who you may remember braved Simon’s ridicule to sing “Shackles”) from Antioch, TN have experienced mainstream success on levels many artist only dream of. Jermaine Sellers who ironically made his television debut on BET Networks hit talent show “Sunday Best” made top 20 during the latest season of AI. While auditioning for AI Sellers performed Joan Osborne’s “What if God was One of Us”. When interviewed about his elimination from idol Sellers said:

“But you have to remember that God fights your battles, and that’s why I kept throwing him out there. And with us even making it this far, to the top 20, we haven’t taken the time to thank God for getting us through. We don’t acknowledge him enough.”

(Former contestant Jermaine Sellers brought back as audition judge for Sunday Best Season 3 along with gospel artist Latrice Pace and Associate Producer Chucky Jenkins take a listen to a contestant)

Sellers certainly made sure EVERYBODYYY knew about the goodness of God while on idol… which presents the question: Should gospel singers aspire to become an American Idol? Sunday Best showcases great singers who’s vocal abilities are in 99.99% of cases more capable to compete on a grand stage such as Idol. But is that what Gospel Music Lovers want??? We would love to know what you think!!!

(Titus 1:10-11) Black atheists state PUBLICLY “praying and churches is not the answer” .Now Receive Biblical Insight and Knowledge as Pastor Gregory B. Drumwright Unveils End Time Prophecy!!!

My friends:

I just read an article regarding a growing demographic amongst African Americas and I am appalled.  It reports that Black Atheists are a growing community in our country.  When I first started reading, I was like, ok, this is what the word teaches us about the latter days.  Then I was shocked by this statement:

“…churches can sometimes be part of the problem, not the solution. “We need clinics, jobs, and schools in black neighborhoods,” she said. “We need proactive solutions, and praying and churches is not the answer.”

Black churches are APART OF THE PROBLEM!! <–This demonic influence goes beyond casting the Lord’s Church in a negative light, but rather diminishing the church’s effectiveness to being problem starters in our communities.

We, the body of Christ, must go to work and “stay about a good work (Nehemiah),” as the word teaches.  Our own, those formerly of the church, are trying to tear God’s Kingdom down!  Even though these people, mentioned in the article, aspire to affect our community as it relates to social issues, they are leaving a great work to do a good work.  Great work– being the work of God, good work– being the work of man.

Nehemiah’s work, as aforementioned, was referred to in the word of God as good, but once he finished it, God made it great.  So even if you are apart of humble, small, seemingly less significant work that is being ridiculed, know that ANY work in the kingdom of God is MEGA-work even if it’s not attached to a mega-church.

We must teach our people that the institution of Christ’s Church is PERFECTION, not the people within it (though we strive).  There are those that purport messages of “church hurt” in a way of expressing their horrors and experiences of disappointment while attending church.  Be it true, we all have been hurt in the church. However, didn’t we arrive hurt?

( A Prolific Preacher and Pastor w/ over 15yrs of dedication to ministry it is not uncommon for God to grace Pastor Drumwright with spiritual insight into the current status of our world. What your presently reading is a email originally addressed to his ministers & closet colleges, other pastors that are serious about the guidance and well-being of their flocks.)

Would any of us deny that the hurt that we experience in the world and from the world, is greater and far more damaging? Didn’t the devil try to kill us behind, lies, drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships, the lusts of our flesh, generational curses, walking in darkness, etc?  Therefore it is not appropriate for Christians to embellish their “church hurt” above that of the LAMB OF GOD.  It was Christ who was ostracized, rumored, rejected and eventually SLAIN for the sins of the whole world.  So what makes our “church hurt” of any significance?

Friends, read this very alarming article and be informed.  The only thing worse than having to fight the fight, is not knowing what you are fighting at all.  As Paul said to Timothy, I say unto you, it is the “good fight of faith”. Let’s write sermons and songs to build all people (not only the black church) up in their FAITH!

In His Care,

P. G. D.

Pastor Gregory B. Drumwright

Citadel of Praise, Greensboro NC

Greg Drumwright Ministries Intl’

READ IT HERE:   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/24/blacks-mirroring-larger-u_n_587854.html

Let the Church Say AMEN!!!