Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Original Kings Of Quartet - The Soul Stirrers In Stores Today!!!

The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce that the long awaited album release “A Soul Stirring Reunion” by The Original Kings Of Quartet Gospel Music – The Soul Stirrers, is available in stores today or order online at Malaco dot com.

Say the name ‘Soul Stirrers’, not just in gospel circles, but in the wide world of R&B and Rock and there is instant recognition. The Soul Stirrers, as pioneers, trendsetters and trailblazers, have inspired and brought joy to church congregations, concert hall audiences and festival-goers for a remarkable eight decades. Former Soul Stirrers renowned vocal giants include Rebert H. Harris, Sam Cooke, J. J. Farley, and Johnnie Taylor. At times during their rich history, the Soul Stirrers featured vocalists Paul Foster, Martin Jacox and Julius Cheeks. Honored in 1989 by the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as one of ‘Rock’s Early Influences’, The Soul Stirrers are justifiably remembered as one of gospel music’s premier vocal quartets. The good news for their many longtime admirers and fans is that The Soul Stirrers are back with a brand new album.

Appropriately titled, ‘A Soul Stirring Reunion’, the Malaco Records project focuses on many of the great classics along with a few new future classics that have kept The Soul Stirrers at the forefront of traditional gospel since their 1926 formation by Silas Roy Crain. The line-up for ‘A Soul Stirring Reunion’ consists of longtime member LeRoy Crume who first joined the Stirrers in 1955, brother Arthur Crume who began playing guitar with the group in 1965, Eddie Huffman, a Soul Stirrer off and on since 1973, Willie Rogers, a member at different times since 1965, and Rev. Luther Gamble, who first joined the group in 1974.

‘A Soul Stirring Reunion’ brings new life to such gospel music benchmarks with the first single, the much-loved Soul Stirrers perennial, “The Love Of God.” The song is a standout, featuring the lead vocals of special guest Floyd Taylor, son of the late Johnnie Taylor, a member of The Soul Stirrers from 1957 until 1961. Other music benchmarks include “Be With Me Jesus,” “Nearer To Thee,” “Wade In The Water” and “Lord Remember Me,” all staples in The Soul Stirrers’ vast repertoire. Other highlights include “Oh What A Meeting,” “Restin’ Easy” and two songs originally arranged by Sam Cooke—“Stand By Me Father” and “The Last Mile of the Way.” A true jewel is the wonderful, heartfelt rendition by Reverend Luther Gamble of the memorable, “Peace Be Still.” Johnnie Taylor was featured on the original of “When The Gates Swing Open,” revived on this new album with a blues-tinged rendition by Eddie Huffman. The famous Soul Stirrers harmonies that set the trend for so many others in the gospel world are also reflected in the stirring new upbeat original tracks—“Going To A Meeting,” and “I’m Still Here”—both written by project producer and guest vocalist, Darrell Luster of The Sensational Nightingales.

‘A Soul Stirring Reunion’ is far is another milestone in a career that has truly helped shape both traditional and contemporary Gospel as well as Rock & Roll for decades. It is a timely reminder of The Soul Stirrers’ stature in the genre, a welcome return for longtime fans, and a wonderful introduction of the timeless group to a whole new generation.

Peace & Truth!

D.A. Johnson

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