Product Review

Led by the charismatic Joseph "Gospel Joe" Williams, Richmond, Virginia's The Harmonizing Four were one of the top gospel quartets of the postwar era still holding firm to the roots of traditional gospel music. Debuting in 1927, founding members included Thomas "Goat" Johnson and Levi Handly, with Williams enlisting in 1933 and Lonnie Smith - the father of jazz pianist Lonnie Liston Smith - joining four years later. They made their recording debut in 1943, although they frequently backed Sister Rosetta Tharpe both on record and in concert. The classic recordings presented here are from the height of their popularity, the late 1950's - by that time the group included Johnson, Williams, Smith and Jimmy Jones - who many consider the greatest bass voice in gospel history. This album features their now classic, definitive rendition of "Motherless Child." All selections newly remastered.

When sold by Amazon.com, this product will be manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.