Heavenly Gospel Singers – Complete Recorded Works 1935 – 1941 Vol 2 (1936-1937)

The Heavenly Gospel Singers – Complete Recorded Works Vol. 2 (1936–1937)

DOCD-5453 | Document Records

🔹 The Heavenly Gospel Singers Volume 2- About This Album

This second volume traces The Heavenly Gospel Singers through a transformative time in their career. With 24 tracks recorded in Charlotte between June 1936 and August 1937, the group moves deeper into the rhythm and resonance of gospel’s emerging quartet sound.

The highlight? The first-ever recording of Thomas A. Dorsey’s Precious Lord, Take My Hand — a haunting, reverent performance that helped propel the hymn into gospel history.

🔹 The Heavenly Gospel Singers Volume 2- Highlights

• Precious Lord, Take My Hand – A historic debut of a gospel anthem

• Leak in the Building – Raw, rhythmic, and powerfully sung

• Rough and Rocky Road – A tale of struggle and faith

• Heavenly Gospel Train – Spiritual uplift in perfect harmony

• I Open My Mouth – A stark, soul-stirring finale

🔹 Context

By this time, the group had built a strong base in the Virginia coalfields and set up a Spartanburg office. Despite the loss of Fred Whitmore in 1937, their professionalism continued with Arthur Lee “Bob” Beatty joining the line-up.

They recorded regularly for Victor’s Bluebird label, becoming one of the most recorded gospel quartets of their era.

🔹 The Line-Up

• Roosevelt Fennoy – Lead

• Arthur “Bob” Beatty or Fred Whitmore – Tenor

• Henson Massey – Baritone

• Jimmy Bryant – Bass
  Recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina
  Unaccompanied vocals