In Gomez’ mind, he’s able to get a driver’s license, despite being undocumented. Then he goes on a road trip to some southern state, say, Alabama, without being harassed. He pulls up to a plain white clapboard southern Baptist church, and is welcomed by the congregation, allowed to witness the exultation of gospel singing.
Gospel = godspell = good news. It’s praise, worship, thanksgiving. It’s not the blues.
But talking about music is no substitute for hearing it. So Gomez made a poem out of some of the names of the pioneering divas of gospel. It’s a bad poem, but sincere.
Marian Anderson
Mahalia Jackson
Clara Ward, Albertina Walker
And the famous Caravans
Sister Rosetta Thorpe
Mavis Staples
Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith
Madam Marie Knight
Dorothy Love Coates
And the Original
Gospel Harmonettes!
Precious Lord, Take My Hand . . .
Music allows Man to listen to God, and God to hear his children.
© 2011 by Frank Daykin, for Innovative Music Programs
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