Robert Darden

1 week ago | kwbu.org | Robert Darden

The legendary Don Robey’s Peacock and Song Bird gospel record labels were housed in the same building at 2809 Erastus Street in Houston ... along with his R&B and jazz labels, studio, night club, and flourishing gambling operation. Robey never paid his artists much, but his recording studio was pretty good, the session musicians always first-rate, and he pretty much left his artists alone to do whatever they wanted. The Melody Kings were one such group.

2 weeks ago | kwbu.org | Robert Darden

When Kendrick Lamar recently sampled two tracks by Monk Higgins, “I Believe in My Soul” and “MacArthur Park,” it set off a wave of interest in the famed saxophone player/producer with the legendary Chess/Checker label from the 1950s and ‘60s. Higgins worked with the likes of Bobby “Blue” Bland, the Chi-Lites, Muddy Waters, Etta James and others in their funky Chicago studio.

3 weeks ago | kwbu.org | Robert Darden

From his earliest days with Edna Gallmon Cook, the Violinaires, and the Jackson Southernaires, Willie Banks possessed one of the mightiest, most commanding voices in all of gospel music – what a powerhouse! With his own Messengers, Banks’ recorded a dozen albums, filled with hits like “God’s Goodness,” “Heaven Must Be a Beautiful Place,” “God is Still in Charge,” “Too Late” and the Grammy nominated “For the Wrong I’ve Done.” But my all-time favorite song by Willie Banks is his commanding...

1 month ago | kwbu.org | Robert Darden

The Heavenly Stars of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recorded three incredibly rare 45s for the otherwise unknown Church, C.L.B. and Hummingbird record labels during the 1960s. But the disks are of such high quality, I’ve seen them for sale – when they’re available – for up to $70 and more!From the credit listings, we know that the Heavenly Stars were led by the multi-talented Dorothea Coney, who is listed as “evangelist.” Other songs feature Eva Shearry, Mary Booker and Cheryl Gilmore on lead vocals.

1 month ago | kwbu.org | Robert Darden

Legacy to the Church honors Bishop John D. Bright Sr.’s five decades of service to St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church of Atlantic City. The LP spotlights Bright’s final sermon, recorded in June 1972. The great preacher went to his eternal reward less than a month later. “Legacy to the Church” is the title of that sermon, which also comprises the first side of the LP. Side two features each of St. James’ choirs – Children’s, Youth, Gospel, and Senior.