Frémeaux & Associés, the French firm that in 2019 released a comprehensive collection by Pioneering gospel group the Roberta Martin Singers, now offers a two-CD retrospective on the early work of one of the Martin Singers' most ardent fans, the Reverend James Cleveland.
[…] The collection concludes with 1962 to stay within Europe's public domain guide- lines, but the year also represents an artistic breaking point between Cleveland the striver and Cleveland the star. With the1963 smash hit Peace Be Still, Cleveland embarked on a nearly 30-year run that solidified his place as King of Gospel Music. The King of Gospel: The Early Years enables listeners to experience the musical evolution of one of gospel's true giants.
Robert M. Marovich – Living Blues
