10 Mar 2024 Arkansas PBS, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center present excerpts of ‘Gospel’
Arkansas PBS in Conway collaborated with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock to offer a special event on Feb. 8 featuring excerpts from the film “GOSPEL.” The event, which included live music and inspiring speakers, was a joyful celebration of gospel music.
About 250 people attended the event, which began with singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” led by Henry Parker III with Arkansas Baptist College. Then the Shorter College Choir performed, led by Henry Parker, Jr. His father, Henry Parker Sr., wrote the well-known gospel song “This Morning When I Rose.”
The Little Rock Citywide Gospel Ensemble came together for the evening. It was made up of singers from many churches in Central Arkansas and was led by W. Ricardo Richardson. Bishop Kenneth Robinson and Chosen closed out the night with their very exuberant brand of gospel music.
Another highlight of the evening was the appearance of Friendly Womack, Jr., of the Womack Brothers, which also included Friendly, Cecil, Curtis and Bobby. The group broke ground as a gospel singing act in the 1950s before crossing over into R&B music as The Valentinos.
Renowned gospel radio programmer and announcer Billy Saint James moderated the event. In addition to the multiple musical performances, the program included selected clips from “GOSPEL” and a compelling discussion highlighting the profound history of gospel music in Arkansas, including its creation, performance, significance, and more.
“Gospel music is a vital part of Arkansas’s rich African American history,” said Quantia “Key” M. Fletcher, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Director. “The state has produced many artists who have achieved national acclaim, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Nakitta Clegg-Foxx, and Grammy Award winner Smokie Norful. We were proud to partner with Arkansas PBS and celebrate gospel music in Arkansas.”
ABOUT THE FILM “Gospel”
From the blues to hip-hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. While musical styles may come and go, there is one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday: the gospel.
In “GOSPEL,” viewers hear from dozens of clergymen, singers and scholars about their connection to the music that has transcended its origins and now spreads “the good word” all around the world. The series features interviews with notable names including Dionne Warwick, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Rev. Otis Moss III and Professor Michael Eric Dyson, as well as awe-inspiring musical performances of gospel favorites “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” “Total Praise” and others from talents including The Belle Singers, Cory Henry, Celisse and more.
Throughout its four hours, “GOSPEL” gives a look at the history of Black religious music and preaching, showcasing the symbiotic relationship of words and song present in any Black church. The series examines the origin of Black gospel music, which blended the sacred spirituals with the blues tradition and soared to new heights during the Great Migration.
