Davis Sisters/Blog-20070611002352/Blog-20070612220951/Blog-20070621193346/Blog-20070622183239

Bernd
Hallo Minister Viale,

of course you’re right about Baby Sis’ Ruth and the Davis Sisters. Here on this German encyclopaedia about African American gospel singers the very most commentaries are about the Davis Sisters. They never travelled Europe. Somewhere in the nineties Jackie Verdell had been over in Switzerland but I didn’t have the chance to see her. There are a few videos on Youtube I really enjoyed. Also, Curtis Dublin still has a great reputation being on of the best pianists in gospel music ever.

I also mentioned you in this German encyclopaedia and I knew that you’ve been with the James Cleveland Singers. I’ve the Hayes & Laughton discography of all Black gospel recordings between 1943 and 1969. When did you sing with the Cleveland Singers and did you record with them? I know Eugene Bryant, Diane Dickens, Odessa McCastle and Billy Preston recorded with him in 1963, Burma Floyed in 1964, probably Roger Roberts in 1965 and 1967 but I don’t have any further information.

I’ve only one single song you recorded. It’s “Don’t Look Down” from your 1968 Checker album. I copied it in those times from the American Forces Network over here. Was the only chance to get gospel music in those daays. It's a great song and I’m just listening to it while replying to you.

Thank you very much and God bless you.

Bernd Grimmel