Greg Belson

400 essential gospel soul records, selected and annotated by Greg Belson, DJ, compiler, and host of The Divine Chord Gospel Show on dublab and Divine Discotheque on Soho Radio. Seven chapters move through boogie, disco, choir, funk, modern soul, soul and vocal harmony, with rarity scores, collector's checkboxes and full-color original artwork throughout.

As a distinct genre, gospel music took shape in the early twentieth century. Guided by songwriter and pianist Thomas A. Dorsey, the combination of sacred hymnal lyrics with the emotional power and rhythmic drive of blues and jazz created a new sound. Throughout the century, gospel soul was increasingly influenced by secular sounds, dividing conservative audiences but creating legends like Sam Cooke, the Staple Singers, and later, Al Green.

All US releases from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s, on labels such as Savoy, Nashboro, Peacock, Jewel and Malaco, with 12 essential compilations, 23 guest selector lists (among them Gilles Peterson, Rich Medina and Luke Howard of Horse Meat Disco) and an extended interview with the author. Cover by Bráulio Amado.

Written by Greg Belson. Edited by Anna Blumenthal. Third volume of Vinyl Digest, the series of collector's field guides published by Dust & Grooves Editions.