There are great voices, and then there's Marion Williams. Continuing our series of gospel greats, for sheer raw passion and power, few can match the soaring sensation from Miami. Williams was born to parents of strong religious faith, and this stayed with her. Born in 1927 career included spells with the Famous Ward Singers and Stars of Faith before turning solo in 1965 and having her own Marion Singers backing group, who also feature here. Surely God Is Able, written by the great jazz composer and pianists Mary Lou Williams as the soprano with the Ward Singers, but this later version from 1964, on the album Let The Words Of My Mouth, she really lets rip. I Believe, meanwhile, written by Jerome Van Jones sees just as astonishing a performance. A later, "fast" funky version is also available on a 1978 compilation but this earlier one, with the Stars of Faith shows her in full throttle. Lyrics and religious beliefs are of course part of the inspiration, but from a musical perspective alone, she was a remarkable performer.
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