Song: I’ve Got To Cross The River Jordan
Song By: Blind Willie McTell

Podcast vocal: Gail Nobles
Guitarist: Gail Nobles

Hi! I’m Gail Nobles, and today’s topic is Gospel Blues. What is gospel blues? Gospel Blues is a form of blues-based gospel music that has been around since the inception of blues music. It combines evangelistic lyrics with blues instrumentation, often blues guitar accompaniment.

An example of Gospel Blues music is Blind Willie McTell. He would say, I’m gonna cross the River of Jordan.

Lord I’ve got cross that for myself
Says, nobody here can cross that for me
Lord I’ve got to cross that for myself

I’m not a guitarist. My way off playing is not like McTell’s but the tune of the song went that way. Blind Willie McTell was a Piedmont Blues and Ragtime singer and guitarist. He played with a fluid, syncopated fingerstyle guitar technique. He was also an adept slide guitarist, unusual among ragtime bluesmen. His vocal style, a smooth and often laid-back tenor. McTell performed in various musical styles including religious music. He played what we call Gospel Blues. He left us a fine collection of gospel blues songs like “I’ve Got To Cross the River of Jordan.

I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Podcast and Blues.

Blues Music