Retro Spotlight – 1996 – Part 1

Let’s get back to the music.  The retro spotlight feature this week shines on the year 1996.  There was plenty of great Southern Gospel music released 15 years ago.  Here is a sample.

The Bishops were riding high during this time period.  The release of You Can’t Ask Too Much Of My God gave the group another #1 hit with the title track.  ”It Takes The Blood” is the clip provided here.

No year would be complete without mentioning the music of the Cathedrals.  The group’s 1996 release, Radio Days, was a collection of classic Southern Gospel standards.  Listen to the group turn in a fine performance of the classic, “Hard Trials Will Soon Be Over”.

As the Dixie Melody Boys celebrate 50 years in Southern Gospel music, taking a look back at the group’s 1996 recording Old Time Religion and a clip of the song “A Mansion Being Built”.  The song features bass singer Ed O’Neal.

Charles Johnson & Revivers found success in Southern Gospel music during the period of about 1986 to 1997.  The group performed on all the major concert stages at this time and also had radio success.  Charles released a Hymns album in 1996 that featured one new song; “Holy City, New Jerusalem”.

Tony Gore & Majesty were also among Southern Gospel’s top trios during this time period.  Bursting on the scene in 1994, the group continued until the early 2000′s.  The group released a live recording in 1996 titled All Access Live!  This would probably go on to be the group’s biggest recording and it also contained the group’s biggest song; “Meanwhile In The Garden”.

The Martins released what I consider to be one of the best albums of 1996, Wherever You Are.  With hit songs such as “Only God Knows” and “Grace”, the Martins were at the top of their game.  I have provided a clip of the song “Fly Away With You”.

Karen Peck & New River were still traveling with their band during this time period and easily one of the best groups in the live concert setting.  Right On Time was the group’s album release that year and featured is the song “Glory To Glory”.

Closing out part 1 of our look at 1996 is Paid In Full.  This group was just hitting the scene 15 years ago with the release of their debut album A New Start.  While this recording was a collection of all previously released music, it still allowed the listener a glimpse of what this group could do.  Listen to a nice arrangement of the song “The Land Of Living”.