For gospel music fans on the west coast, and other parts of the world, this month's CD review needs no introduction.  For quartet gospel fans on the east coast who may have somehow not heard about The Starlights of Compton, California, we present to you one of the most dynamic groups in gospel music today.

Because they are on the west coast, The Starlights are not on the major gospel music concerts weekly up and down the east coast. That, however, does not diminish the stature of this group.

From their bio we learn that “their premiere album, “If There Ever Was a Time,” reached the top of the charts nationally, crossing the shores to Europe.  Their second album “Do U Got It”, gave The Starlights their closing signature song for concerts, inducing audiences to a rousing, foot-stompin, standing ovation finale. Preparing for the next plateau, The Starlights are presently enhancing their talents to take gospel music far beyond human imagination.

The Starlights have set records at the West Hollywood, Chicago, New Orleans, and Myrtle Beach House of Blues, with over 400 performances.  The Starlights were awarded the “Best Male Gospel Group” that has performed at the House of Blues.

Their versatility has allowed The Starlights to perform throughout the United States, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and Switzerland. A command performance before the sequestered jury of the infamous O. J. Simpson trail, and benefit concerts for the American Diabetes Association, the Boys & Girls Club of America, Polly Klaas Foundation, Woman of Color Breast Cancer Survivors, among many others.” The group was “recently honored by President Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Diane Watson, and The State of California.”

And, if there were any doubt about the connection this group has to the history of gospel music, just look at their members. The Starlights are comprised of Greg Botts (tenor), and his three nephews, Ronnie “Deon” Palm (baritone), Rodney Thompkins (first and second tenor), and Albert Thompson (second tenor).

Remember the legendary Pilgrim Travelers? If you do, then you have heard of Henry Botts, Sr. Brother Botts was a member of The Pilgrim Travelers.  The members of The Starlights are the sons and grandsons of Brother Botts.  Therefore, it is no surprise that The Starlights are awesome quartet gospel singers.

Their new CD is titled Did U Stop 2 Pray? The title song is a remake of "Did You Stop To Pray This Morning" by The Pilgrim Travelers.  The Starlights’ version of the song is over 7 minutes long and it still seems too short.

The subtitle to the new CD is Live In Compton. There are twelve (12) songs on this live concert recording. If you have The Starlights’ 2004 recording T. S. L. Live At West Angeles' project, then you know the guys pull out all the stops for their live recordings.  Now, with the release of the new CD, they have taken their performance to another level.

The other songs on this CD are "Live In That Land ( Let's Live up )," "He's A Friend of Mine," "Here We Go Again," "Hold To His Hand (Intro)," "Hold To His Hand," "Stand By Me (Intro)," "Stand By Me," "Changed Man," "Nobody But Jesus Can," "I Shall Never Walk Alone (Part 1)," and "I Shall Never Walk Alone (Part 2)."  There is even a ‘sampling’ of The Temptations’ "Just My Imagination" on "Here We Go Again."

The new CD is outstanding. It will (if necessary for some) further solidify The Starlights as one of the best quartet gospel groups in gospel music.
 

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