When the "Queen of Country Music" emerged with this gorgeous gospel album in 1959, her ticket was already written. "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," her breakthrough 1952 single, remains one of the most significa... more »nt recordings in country-music history. Wells followed that No. 1 smash with a string of top 10 hits throughout the 1950s, and Decca rewarded her with a lifetime contract in 1959. Why this Wells gem was reissued by MCA (at a super-budget price, no less) while the rest of her catalog languishes is anyone's guess, but who's complaining? Wells's austere and poised delivery is a godsend when compared to the pretentious, overwrought singing that too often dominates modern gospel music. The pure-as-snow arrangements range from fiddle-and-steel to organ-and-chorus, but attention is always focused on Wells's pristine voice. --Marc Greilsamer« less
When the "Queen of Country Music" emerged with this gorgeous gospel album in 1959, her ticket was already written. "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," her breakthrough 1952 single, remains one of the most significant recordings in country-music history. Wells followed that No. 1 smash with a string of top 10 hits throughout the 1950s, and Decca rewarded her with a lifetime contract in 1959. Why this Wells gem was reissued by MCA (at a super-budget price, no less) while the rest of her catalog languishes is anyone's guess, but who's complaining? Wells's austere and poised delivery is a godsend when compared to the pretentious, overwrought singing that too often dominates modern gospel music. The pure-as-snow arrangements range from fiddle-and-steel to organ-and-chorus, but attention is always focused on Wells's pristine voice. --Marc Greilsamer
Pure Gosel, Pure Country, by a pure singing voice.
srusk@aol.com | California | 08/21/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kitty brings a clean sound uncluttered by the "gimmicks" that characterize so many of the male and female gospel singers these days. If you want to hear pure, clean, country gospel singing, this is a must. She is a straightforward singer accompanied by a solid band. The accoustic guitar player must have a clock in his head, for his timing is flawless. No tricks, no surprises unless it is pure enjoyment that you are looking for. And, if you happen to be a Christian, the music will minister to you."
Gut-wrenching Country and Bluegrass Gospel
Jeanette Pryor | Littleton, Colorado | 09/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Two years ago, I purchased this as a casette from a truck stop on a drive from Denver, Colorado to Paducah, Kentucky. I played it in the jeep so much that I wore it out and have been unable to find a new copy, so get the CD version. I love blue grass gospel and this is great to sing with or to on the way to choir practice or anywhere. My best friend and I listened to the cut, "We buried Her Beneath The Willows" together and ended up in tears of collected grief for our beloved mothers and a sister taken by breast cancer. Singing and crying has helped me through a lot of life's losses. Every song is a classic. A must-have for bluegrass gospel fans."
One of the quintessential country and gospel albums ever
Bradley Olson | Bemidji, MN United States | 02/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of classic country gospel music is full of the classic sounds that made Kitty famous and inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame yet none of these tracks went into the Top 40: the voice, the instrumentation and the Nashville Sound production. The CD is priced right and is a must have for fans of pure country and pure gospel music, even if you are only looking for the title track. Another thing that makes it great, as described in another Amazon.com review, is that it is straightforward. Every song on this collection, 12 in all, are as great as any of your favorite hymns. The melody and the chorus of "Lonesome Valley" (which is on this album) were also used in the Kingston Trio's hit "Reverend Mr. Black" which is one of their best songs.
This CD is out of print, but you can get this album in its entirety plus a lot more on the Queen of Country Music Bear Family boxed set."
REPENT! (and listen)
Mcgivern Owen L | NY, NY USA | 12/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The more I listen to Kitty, the more I'm convinced that she really is the "Queen of Country". Each track here is beautiful music, not just the well-known title track. This reviewer favored "I Dreamed I Searched Heaven for You" and the oft-recorded "Lonesome Valley" which the Kingston Trio converted to "The Reverend Mister Black". Other listeners will have their own choices. What truly struck me is that Kitty must truely believe in what she recorded here. I can visualize other country folks doing a few Gospel tracks and then tearing up the town. Kitty probably went home to her husband and kids. It's a shame that this collection is out of print. Let's be grateful that amazon has provided a marketplace for used CDs to circulate. Let's hope that either MCA or Decca, with whom Kitty has a lifetime contract, reissues "Dust on the Bible" soon."