Smith & Co

The roots of nearly every great black artist to emerge from the USA always seem to be based on their early influences which is inevitably going to church and hearing the local gospel choir. Michael Jackson was of course no exception and therefore it is logical that a black gospel group, The Joyous Voices should dedicate an album to the memory of Michael Jackson by covering all his many Hits which lend themselves to a gospel re-working.Recorded in London, the album features 17 of Michael Jackson's best loved ballads as well as the Charlie Chaplin song "Smile" which was his favourite song. The album also features an opening and reprise ode to Michael Jackson, entitled "Sing his Name", from the choir.
This is a beautiful well produced album which is a wonderful and warm musical tribute to the memory of Michael Jackson, the boy that never quite grew up!

Probably one of the finest music forms that literally everyone enjoys (but sometimes is loathe to admit) is without question Gospel music as sung by primarily African Americans (currently the PC way to refer to black citizens of the USA.) Gospel music is the root of all black music emanating from the U.S. and practically every major star, be it the Blues, Soul or R & B, started by singing Gospel music in their local church choir.

This collection features 101 Gospel classics sung by the legendary names of Black Gospel. In fact with stars like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, The Golden Gate Quartet, Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Soul Stirrers, Louis Armstrong, Paul Robeson and the Pilgrim Travellers, it reads like a who’s who of American Gospel singing.

Because of the historic nature of some of these recordings, from time to time there are tracks which may not have optimal sound quality, but we can assure you that when you listen to this album you might just be inspired to go to church again. At least if they sing like this that is!!!