The word “legend” is an often used word in the gospel quartet genre.  One of the definitions of the word “legend” is “a person or achievement worthy of inspiring anyone or anything whose fame promises to be enduring.”   There are many such persons that have been (and are) a part of this genre that fits this definition.

We hold the legends of this genre in high esteem.  Most gospel quartet music buff can tell you all of the recordings of their favorite “legend.”  We may not always agree on who should be knighted with the title “legend.”  However, there are some common characteristics that exist among those that we have so dubbed.  For instance, when speaking of a “legend” in this genre we usually are referring to someone that has been in the industry for a very longtime.  It is probably someone whose voice is unique.  It is someone that often time is identified with a particular sound or a particular group.  And more importantly it is someone that we like.  The fact that we may not know them personally has nothing to do with whether we like them.  For, it is their music that we like about them.  And we are always looking for recording of our favorite “legend.”

Well, MALACO has put together a DVD Collection that is “nothing but the truth” when it comes to gospel quartet music.  On August 24 – 25, 2004, MALACO, with the cooperation of several other gospel music labels, to many of the “legends” of this genre to Ridgeland, Mississippi, and recorded over four (4) hours of the best of the best in gospel quartet music.  This three (3) DVD Collection is simply titled – Gospel Legends.  The project was formerly released by MALACO in November 2005. 

Those taking part in this historic recording were The Caravans (Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Deloris Washington and Shirley Caesar), The Sensational Nightingales, The Williams Brothers, Joe Ligon of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Edwin Hawkins, Harvey Watkins, Jr., of The Canton Spirituals, Paul and Tyrone Porter of The Christianaires, Luther Barnes, Rev. F. C. Barnes, Spencer Taylor of The Highway QC’s, Carolyn Taylor, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Willie Rogers of The Soul Stirrers, Willie Johnson of The Mighty Brooklyn Skyways, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dr. Charles Hayes, Lillian Lilly, Rev. Benjamin Cone, Jr., Rev. Milton Biggham, Al Hobbs, Eddie Ruth Bradford, Roscoe Robinson of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Neal Robinson, Lee Williams, Sullivan Pugh of The Consolers, Mosie Burks, Charles Fold, Bishop Albert Jamison, Dottie Peoples, The Angelic Gospel Singers, Michael McKay, Rev. Howard “Slim” Hunt of The Supreme Angels, The Pilgrim Jubilees, and Mr. Ira Tucker of The Dixie Hummingbirds.

On this collection you have these great individuals singing songs that made them a house hold name, and collectively singing hymns and background vocals to anyone that happen to have the microphone during a particular song.  Some of the songs on this collection are “God Did It,” "Who Are We (The Dixie Hummingbirds)," “Oh Happy Day,” “Fix It Jesus,” “So Satisfied,” "Leave You In The Hands of The Lord," and “Heavy Load.” 

The setting (background) is outstanding.  There was great lighting.  Therefore, you really get to see the legends close-up.  All the legends together make up one of the greatest choir that will ever be put together.  

The quality of the sound is one of the best.  There are no variations (highs and lows) in the recording level for any of the songs.  The camera shots are great.  There apparently was not an audience for this recording.  In other words, it was just the singers, musicians and label representatives.  The focus was really on the music and to record this moment in time, this historic event, for all to see.    

There are great interviews with the legends on this video.  The interviews really give you a deeper appreciation for the legends.  In addition, you are bound to learn something that you just did not know. 

This is one of, if not the best, video of the gospel quartet genre.  You will certainly want to have this video in your collection.  We give this video a 10 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video visit the MALACO website.  By the way, the project (without the interviews) is also available on audio CD.