Yesterday Once More

13 Jun 2017

Religious Hits

Hi Listeners

When Sister Janet Mead burst onto the pop music charts in 1973 with her funky version of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ modern Christian music was born. The song sold one million copies around the world for the publicity-shy nun. But, it continued the tradition of religious hits which occasionally pop up on the charts – especially in the USA. It seems every now and then we need an injection of faith.

Religious hits given the gospel treatment always stir emotions such as the phenomenally successful ‘Oh Happy Day’ by the Edwin Hawkin Singers or later, George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’ and earlier, Christian, Pat Boone’s huge gospel-inspired hit ‘A Wonderful Time Up There’. Christmas favourite ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ from the Harry Simeone Chorale added a cuteness to the genre. Direct communication with the Lord was captured in our own Jimmy Little’s big hit ‘Royal Telephone’.

Biblical stories also provided content for some songs. ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ (Normie Rowe) questions some of these biblical stories while soul singer Brook Benton, draws on the old testament story of ‘Shadrack’ to produce a stirring gospel track. From the book and film about the modern return of Jews to the homeland (Exodus) was a big hit for duo-pianists Ferrante and Teicher.

The Doobie Brothers (Jesus Is Just All Right) and John Lennon (God) introduce some scepticism and controversy into the Christain message.

Playlist