After being affiliated with Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Megafaun – and releasing a series of his own acclaimed solo projects, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Phil Cook surprised many with the launch of his new roots gospel label, Spiritual Helpline, and producing a rousing new live roots Gospel album by North Carolina local legends, The Branchettes. Though the group was formed over a half-century ago, they never recorded a live album until now. The soul-stirring experience was captured in the documentary film, Stay Prayed Up, which is currently available on demand and is screening at film festivals around the country. Cook – who is forty years younger than the last surviving original member of the group – now says the only records he will buy are Gospel records. He has found his purpose.

We'll hear all about Phil Cook's amazing musical journey – from his youth in northern Wisconsin to his migration to North Carolina with his creative community – to pursuing his love of Gospel up close and personal. What started with a keyboard session for The Blind Boys of Alabama has commandeered his whole creative path and he could not be more thrilled.

When we crank up the Jukebox, we will dive deeper into Mother Perry's story from the film and will listen more closely to the live album she made with Cook and his insanely good band.

Full Show Notes, Music List, and a special Phil Cook and Friends Playlist are available HERE or at TrueTunes.com/StayPrayedUp.

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(And if you liked this episode, don't miss our previous Gospel explorations. Myron Butler discussed the legacy of Andrae Crouch with us (and we featured Aretha's "Amazing Grace" on the Jukebox) and DOE Jones joined us to talk about her long-anticipating contemporary Gospel debut - plus Aaron "A-Train" Smith join us to talk about Stevie Wonder in the 70s.)