Tag: National Recording Registry

Recordings by C.L. Franklin, Blind Willie Johnson to be preserved by Library of Congress

I recently posted that Rev. Al Green’s 1970’s R&B hit, “Let’s Stay Together” was chosen this year to be included in the National Recording Registry for preservation in the Library of Congress (see “Happy birthday, Rev. Al Green!”).

Well, I am thrilled to learn that Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” (1927) and Rev. C.L. Franklin’s sermon, “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest” (1953) are among gospel recordings selected for the National Recording Registry.  These recordings–which meet registry requirements of being at least 10 years old and culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant–will be digitized in formats that are conducive to long-term preservation.
A complete list of the latest additions to the registry can be viewed here: 2010 Registry.
___________________________
In news related to Blind Willie Johnson, I learned from The Black Gospel Blog that efforts are under way to fund a documentary called The Search for “Blind” Willie Johnson and the Texas Gospel.  According to the Kickstarter campaign site, the film will also examine the musical contributions of Washington Phillips, Arizona Dranes and The Soul Stirrers.  More information about the documentary and fundraising campaign is available at this site: The Search for “Blind” Willie Johnson and the Texas Gospel.
(Photos: top left, Rev. C.L. Franklin; bottom right, Blind Willie Johnson)

“Happy birthday, Rev. Al Green!”

GMF wishes a very happy birthday to The Reverend Al Green, who turns 65 today.

Green serves his Full Gospel Tabernacle congregation in Memphis as pastor while continuing to travel as both a gospel and R&B performer. Among his accolades are multiple Grammys, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the distinction of being one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”  He is also a Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee.

Green’s most recent achievement is that his chart-topping 70’s hit, “Let’s Stay Together” has been selected this year for inclusion in the National Recording Registry for preservation in the Library of Congress.  On that note, happy birthday and congratulations, Rev. Green.