Search - Roy Acuff :: Hand Clapping Gospel Songs

Terrific 1963 volume of classic and modern gospel

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 05/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Songs of faith were central to the King of Country's recording career from the start, but it wasn't until this 1963 release on Hickory (the recording arm of his own Acuff-Rose publishing company) that he purpose-built a themed album of gospel songs. All twelve of the album's titles were taken at mid-tempo and full throat, which gives the album a toe-tapping, hand-clapping energy. The album's songs mixed classic gospel titles ("Turn Your Radio on" and "I'll Fly Away") with contemporary tunes (Hank Williams' "Jesus Dies For Me" and "I Saw the Light") and several credited to Acuff's partner Fred Rose ("Wait for the Light to Shine" and "Thank God"). The sole original was "That Glory Bound Train." Acuff is supported by a string band (guitar, bass and fiddle). light honky-tonk piano and drums, and backed by ardent group harmonies. Varese's CD reissue adds six bonus tracks, including the previously unreleased pair "Hallelujah Square" (from 1977) and "From Cradle to Cross to Crown" (from 1978). Also included is Acuff's 1962 waxing of the song most closely associated with his career, "The Great Speckled Bird." The original album was previously reissued as a two-fer with Acuff's "Sings American Folk Songs," on the UK Ace label, but for those seeking a straight shot of gospel, this is the edition to get. [©2008 hyperbolium dot com]"