Gladys Knight and Mormon Music
I'm slowly working my way through Terryl Givens' People of Paradox: A History of Mormon Culture (OUP, 2007). Chapter 13 is on music and dance in the 20th century. There's plenty to work with, from the Choir to the Osmonds to Saturday's Warrior (the first of the Mormon pop musicals). But what really caught my attention was the paragraph on Gladys Knight's Saints Unified Voices ("SUV") choir.
While lamenting the failure of much cultural diversity to penetrate and enrich LDS musical culture, Givens positively gushes about SUV:
A rare example of a personal initiative to find a culturally expansive view of music is offered by LDS convert Gladys Knight. She has formed her own "multicultural" choir, Saints Unified Voices. The group's Web site indicates, "it is the fulfillment of Sister Knight's desire to bring a new level of passion and cultural awareness to the traditionally reserved LDS hymns." This she does with the help of a synthesizer, electric guitar, and gospel-style vocals.
The group's debut album, One Voice, won a Grammy in 2005 for Best Gospel Choir. I have not heard them perform, but it sounds like they put on quite a show. There are some sample tracks here. Check out Come, Come, Ye Saints on track 3.
It's about time! Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Susan M | Jan 12, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I saw them perform at the Oakland Temple InterStake Center in September (2007). It is spectacular! But to be candid, it is not really a concert, but more of a missionary effort to reach out to diverse races that would otherwise be turned off to the LDS church. My favorite part of the night? Gladys Knight herself saying, "I am an African-American Woman, and I am a Mormon. I am an AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN, and I am MORMON!"
It was an amazing experience.
Posted by: cheryl | Jan 12, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Thanks for the heads up Dave. Looks like a CD worth adding to the collection.
Posted by: Geoff J | Jan 12, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Thanks for the pointer, I've ordered some CDs as a result.
Posted by: Stephen M (Ethesis) | Jan 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
It seems to me that Mormon music is slowly changing for the better.
The Mormon Tabernacle now sometimes uses bells and rattles and even sways to the music now and then.
I can't wait till the day they raise their hands in praise, and let the audience
know its ok to 'experience' the love of God.
(Even President Hickley raises his cane in joy and praise once in a while!)
LDS music needs the passion of more "praise and worship".
Posted by: Bethie | Jan 14, 2008 at 11:02 AM