Throughout the history of Gospel music, one specific controversy was ever present – how far can an artist go before they cross the line from Gospel to popular music?

Ray Charles set the pace by simply altering lyrics (“This Little Light of Mine” to “This Little Girl of Mine”, for instance). Every Gospel performer realized that there was a lot more money to be had if they embraced popular (i.e., non-religious) song material, and many Gospel performers stirred up controversy by pushing their music (and their lifestyle) toward that edge.

This show focuses on two of the most influential artists in the history of gospel, each of whom stands at completely opposite sides of the spectrum. Mahalia Jackson was a gospel purist, dedicated to “live the life she sang about”, while Sister Rosetta Tharpe brought Gospel’s message to heathens. They were polar opposites, with radically different styles and temperaments, but they both shared the same message.

Featured tracks include:

Didn’t It Rain – Mahalia Jackson

Didn’t It Rain – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

God’s Gonna Separate the Wheat from the Tares – Mahalia Jackson

I Shall Wear a Crown – Arizona Dranes

Down By the Riverside – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Keep Me Every Day- Mahalia Jackson

This Train – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Rock Me – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

God Don’t Like It – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

That’s All – Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Move On Up a Little Higher- Mahalia Jackson

I’m Going to Live the Life I Sing About – Mahalia Jackson