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Mr. Lopate mentions it but the playlist does not: "Without the Lord I Gave Up Everything," performed by the Davis Sisters with Jackie Verdell.
Amazing!
While the historical/circumstantial comparisons between Jackie Verdell and Aretha Franklin are inevitable and tempting, the two are really very different and amazing singers.
Rather, I think the piano playing on the above mentioned Davis Sisters recording actually says more about the development of Miss Franklin's fabulous, gospel drenched piano playing.
But I guess with a one in a billion voice like Aretha Franklin's, many don't know about her piano playing!

I loved todays show it was very moving! Where can I find that song from Jackie Rudell?

I see 19 songs on the playlist, but Lenny played 23. Can you add the last 4?

The Lopate Show responds: The updated list should appear shortly.

Does anyone know who sang "Without the Lord" - the person sounded a lot like Aretha Franklin?

Also, what was the song that sounded very old but Leonard mentioned that one of the women was Ray Charles' wife?

Thank you so much for this show--I listen every year and am taken back to the early days of the civil rights movement. My family was in the movement, friends were risking their lives, some dying. There was a marital battle going on in my home, too. The music gave a frightened little girl courage and a sense of purpose and connection to something stronger and more enduring than us all. Still does.
And in this music I always hear something essential about the soul of America--rich, courageous, deeply spiritual . . . You help get that message out to the world with your broadcast. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I'm listening now, and loving it!
Gorgeous.

I appreciate the presentation of gospel music on this show since the music was so much a part of the Civil Rights Movement which Martin Luther King, Jr. led. I would like to make a small point of clarification. In commenting on the program, Leonard Lopate indicated that MLK was pastor of a "gospel church" in which gospel music was played. More accurately, King pastored Baptist churches in which gospel music was played. King first pastored Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery and then Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Gospel music takes its name from the term gospel- or good news which Christians believe was the core of the message of Jesus Christ. In all likelihood in addition to singing gospel music King's churches also sang spirituals, jubilees, anthems, and even some classical music. I mention this because while gospel music is now quite popular it is not and was not the only music sung in Black churches.

LOVE this gospel show. Never miss it every year on MLK Day. Sincere thanks!