Among the thousands of 45s loaned by gospel historian and collector Bob Marovich is this sweet-spirited gospel tune by the otherwise unknown Sister Stella B. Lawless on the even more obscure Greatco label of Los Angeles.

Shreveport's feisty Jewel/Paula label released dozens of songs by a number of great gospel artists - but few with the manic energy of "Oh Yes He Will" by otherwise unkown Johnson Ensemble.

Shreveport's feisty Jewel/Paula label released dozens of songs by a number of great gospel artists - but few with the manic energy of "Oh Yes He Will" by otherwise unkown Johnson Ensemble.

Gospel scholars for years have said that Ray Charles' hit "I Got a Woman" is based on the Southern tones' "It Must be Jesus."

Led by bass singer David "Boots" Bower, the King Odom Quartet and the King Odom Four recorded both gospel and secular pop hits, including the bouncy story song, "They Put John on the Island." Full song

Philadelphia's Davis Sisters recorded a host of hits for Savoy Records, including "Shine on Me," "I'm Tired," "He's My Precious King" and this rock and roll-flavor number, "Earnestly Praying."

With "Any Stars in My Crown," Jeanette Harris proved that jubilee could sound as emotional as "hard" gospel. Jeanette's rough and raspy voice was the ideal vehicle to convey the urgency and conviction of the very best of gospel music.

Clara Hudmon, better known as the Georgia Peach, was a master of the old-school singing style known as jubilee, which combined a cappella singing with the lyrics often taken directly from the spirituals.

The Jackson Southernaires have released at least 30 stellar gospel albums and had a number of hits, including the seven-minute sermon and song "Too Late," performed by the late, great Willie Banks.

R. H. Harris, co-founder of the Soul Stirrers in 1935, was one of the legends of gospel music - and all of that history can be heard in one of his recordings with the Christland Singers in "I'm Willing to Run."