Stories Behind 50 Southern Gospel Favorites

A genre of music born out of suffering, Southern Gospel music is characterized by its love for the Cross and longing for heaven. Culled from hundreds of personal interviews with Southern Gospel songwriters, this collection of the stories behind the songs is sometimes comical, sometimes sad, sometimes heartwarming, but always true--true stories of God's people who are willing to be used of Him to bless the hearts of others. Songs include:
Mansion Over the Hilltop We Shall Behold Him Canaanland Is Just in Sight He's Still Working on Me We've Come This Far by Faith Sweet Beulah Land

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I have interviewed songwriters for more than forty years, beginning with Mosie Lister. I have the stories behind some 200 songs, received directly from the songwriters. I have developed the music programs for some of the leading churches in America, one of which has more than 20,000 in attendance on Sundays.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  It all started with the study of hymnology at Tennessee Temple University. I then went on to researching the backgrounds of famous Christian songs, and that led to interviewing the authors themselves. They are an honest, humble, sincere group of Christians who believe mightily in what they are doing.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  Everyone loves a good story! These stories behind Southern Gospel Favorites will captivate your attention. I let the authors tell the stories behind their songs in their own words. The songs will be much more meaningful to you after you read the stories.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  I owe a debt of gratitude to the late George Younce for writing the Foreword for the book. He was one of the greatest influences on Southern Gospel Music who ever lived.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  This book can be used as a daily devotional aid. The stories are written in devotional form, with a Scripture, the story, devotional thoughts, and a closing "refllection."

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