Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

American DJ Gary Byrd hosted a BBC Radio 1 show called Sweet Inspirations which played gospel and inspirational music in the mid '80s. He was a knowledgeable and eclectic host and it's amazing to think that the artists on this compilation got airplay on Radio 1 on a Sunday evening in a way that gospel music has seldom achieved since. Byrd who had a hit single of his own in the same period with a Stevie Wonder collaboration "The Crown", compiled the 14 tracks here and they serve as an excellent introduction to classic gospel music. From groups like The Caravans, Pilgrim Jubilees and The Dixie Hummingbirds to solo acts like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Shirley Caesar, Jessy Dixon and Albertina Walker. I have happy memories of listening to the show and Byrd's mellifluous tones and his theme tune, the opening cut here from Mighty Clouds Of Joy always makes me think of the show. All in all, it was a fantastic introduction to gospel music for the British public to discover.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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