Memphis Gospel (1927-1929)

Memphis Gospel 1927–1929 (DOCD-5072)

The Complete Recorded Works of Sister Mary Nelson, Lonnie McIntorsh, and Bessie Johnson

“Memphis Gospel 1927–1929 brings together the complete recordings of Sister Mary Nelson, Lonnie McIntorsh, and Bessie Johnson—three pioneers of early gospel music in Memphis.” It  captures the raw spiritual power of Memphis’s early gospel scene. Between 1927 and 1929, these artists brought the sanctified sounds of the holiness churches into the recording studio — creating some of the most moving gospel performances ever preserved on disc.

🔊 Memphis Gospel 1927–1929

Artists and Performances:

• Rev. Sister Mary M. Nelson – unaccompanied vocal; with John Davis & Clarence Nelson

• Lonnie McIntorsh – vocal and guitar; solo and with Elder Edwards

• Bessie Johnson – featured with her Sanctified Singers and The Memphis Sanctified Singers

• Rev. Johnny Blakey – sermons with the Sanctified Singers, likely accompanied by McIntorsh

• Guitar accompaniment – possibly by Will Shade of the Memphis Jug Band

These tracks showcase a wide range of performance styles — from powerful unaccompanied vocals to handclaps, tambourine, and driving gospel guitar.

📍 Memphis: A Gospel Capital

Before Sun Records or Elvis, Memphis stood at the heart of Black gospel innovation. The Church of God in Christ, founded in Memphis in 1895 by Bishop Charles Mason, became a spiritual home for countless gospel artists. The music recorded here reflects the church’s passionate, participatory style — shouts, claps, spirit-filled testifying.

From early pioneers like Lucie B. Campbell and Rev. W.H. Brewster to the explosive live energy of holiness services, this collection captures the beginnings of a gospel tradition that still resonates.

🎧 Track Highlights:

• Unaccompanied gospel from Sister Mary Nelson

• Expressive sanctified duets from Elders McIntorsh & Edwards

• Clap-along spirit songs with Bessie Johnson and The Sanctified Singers

• Historic sermons by Rev. Johnny Blakey