Going Up Yonder: The Best of the Gospel Choirs

By Em Fergusson

Been on the lookout for good, old-fashioned gospel songs? Look no further than the newest gospel collection compiled by Time Life and BET J. Going Up Yonder: The Best of the Gospel Choirs is filled with musical masterpieces most of us listened to growing up. From the 1975 release Going Up Yonder by Walter Hawkins, to the melodious That’s When You Bless Me, by The L.A. Mass Choir, the compilation overflows with endless classics.

Known to millions of fans around the world, this pastor, songwriter, arranger, producer and recording artist has influenced the world of gospel music. A collection of traditional gospel songs would not be complete without him. Andrae Crouch burst on to the gospel music scene in the late 1960s, but it was not until the late 1970s that he released his first album. Going Up Yonder features one of Crouch's most popular songs, Soon and Very Soon. The song speaks about the day Christ will return and we will see Him face to face.

Five years ago, multi-talented preacher and recording artist Bishop Paul S. Morton and The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir released the deeply stirring album Let It Rain. The title song appears on Going Up Yonder, drawing us into an expressive form of worship. The words of this powerful song spiritually transforms, producing a deep desire to grow closer to God:

"Open the flood gates of Heaven
Let it rain
Let it rain
Open the flood gates of Heaven
Let it rain
Let it rain…!”

Born in 1938, gospel recording artist Danniebelle Harris died in 2000, leaving a legacy of timeless music. Going Up Yonder features her moving ballad, I Go To The Rock. Hall's powerful vocals are clear and strong, delivering an affirmative message that when you rely on Christ, your life becomes complete. This courageous artist shared her spiritual strength with thousands. She performed with Andrae Crouch and during her career arranged much of her music.

“Shabach – to commend or to praise something or someone with a loud voice, with a loud exuberant voice…so we come right now to 'shabach' the Lord…!” Recording artist, Walt Whitman opens declaring the definition of shabach. The high-tempo, introspective song, featuring The Soul Children of Chicago, is lively and exudes praise. The live track is infectious and will have you on your feet, clapping and repeating "Shabach!" as Whitman praises God for victory, joy, peace and much more. Other tracks include another foot-stomping' church service track by Reverend Clay Evans, I've Got A Testimony and the mid-tempo acclaimed I'd Rather Have Jesus by Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir.

As the years go by, gospel music remains timeless in worship, style and power. The life-changing message of living for Jesus Christ is delivered in a variety of musical forms. Going Up Yonder is a compilation that takes us back to those early days when gospel music was on the edge of innovation. These artists took music to new levels, paving the way for present day gospel artists. Going Up Yonder is an album with traditional and contemporary tracks that will ring for eternity.