Richard Jon Smith - Bring It To The Lord

Sunday 1st August 1999
Richard Jon Smith - Bring It To The Lord
Richard Jon Smith - Bring It To The Lord

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 990-1322
LABEL: Word SPND022
FORMAT: CD Album
RRP: £4.09

Reviewed by Brian Carr

Any serious research into the origins of popular music ultimately has to trace its roots back to Africa, the homeland of pulsating rhythms and a people who incorporate music into every fibre of their daily lives. Richard Jon Smith originates from South Africa's Capetown and has attained considerable success with his singles and a number one album in Africa before crossing the seas to England in 1980. A change of country brought a switch of musical priorities with Richard channeling his creativity into writing and producing, working with such luminaries as Ruby Turner, Billy Ocean, Precious Wilson and also contributing to the Jewel Of The Nile film soundtrack. Today he has the role of worship leader at his church Cornerstone, Esher, Surrey. Richard possesses a rich resource of cultures, genres and music industry experience from which he skillfully draws for this album. The title track along with 'Warriors', 'Jesus Is Always There For You' and 'If We Didn't Know Jesus' are the perfect antidote for any British summer weather blues as they possess an element of sunshine that radiate from the jaunty joyous beats. Richard and his wife Glenda blend simplicity of lyric with catchy hooks to produce songs that effortlessly imprint themselves on your mind. Throughout the diversity of style, the authentic African tones of early tracks or black gospel elements of 'Thank You Lord' and 'He'll Set You Free' touches of American style inspirational 'I Can Feel It','He Gave Life', 'Mighty, Mighty Power' or 'He'll Be There', they all manifest transparent worship. Richard's voice has the range to cope with the powerhouse songs and to handle the slow ballads such as the wistful cry of desire to 'Wanna Be There' when Jesus comes or the meditative closer 'A Greater Love'. I detected an uncanny similarity in Richard's voice to American Denny Correll, a blue eyed soulman perhaps only remembered by Christian music anoraks. I am not into the elevation of star figures in Christian music but I feel Richard Jon Smith, given the exposure, could have a wide impact on the British church.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by June. Louis Peters in South Africa @ 14:11 on Jan 23 2022

I used to listen to RJS many many years after he left our country, and how did I do this?
I'd play around with my phone and downloaded "tubemate" from Google Search, not Play Store. It's on this side I got through to RJS songs, and they also show videos, but not of him. All MP3 format.
I hope this was of help.
Thankyou.



Posted by Derrick Jacobs in Eersterust, Pretoria @ 19:15 on May 2 2021

Good evening. Richard I remember the 70's in Eersterust when you performed with the Eersterust Band "The Miracles" It was fun. I was at the time playing with a local band "The Inviters" We were not well know but we kept Eersterust alive whiles The Miracle went on tour with yourselves. Please visit Eersterust. Your blessings will be appreciated.



Posted by Valentine in Johannesburg South Africa @ 14:48 on Nov 13 2019

In 1974 I saw you perform in Durban at the city hall with Jonathan Butler, Lionel Petersen and the late Ronnie Joyce. That show was forever etched in my mind . My brothers and I formed a band a year later and I played the bass guitar for a couple of years before the band broke up . I often wondered what would have happened if my elder brothers pursued with music.



Posted by A de Goede in Cape Town South Africa @ 08:31 on Oct 17 2018

Dear Cross Rhythms

What I really don't understand is that some newspapers in SA did refer to the sudden/shocking passed away of RJS already in2011, whereas this Christian Media still refers to him as alive in 2018 !!
So please somebody .......would you please explain to me what is going currently on with RJS and if he is still alive now at the moment ?? Somewhere something is not right and therefore I am looking for a correct answer !! Your column are doing great work and are much appreciated !!

Thanking you so much for assisting. Anybody out there?



Posted by DANNY SAAL in Windhoek,Namibia @ 04:06 on Jul 23 2018

Hi Brother Richard
I met you at Walter Briwn's funeral in Cape Town and would like to know when are you coming again to South Africa because we would like to invite you to Namibia Windhoek for a gospel breakfast and an evening Gospel Show.

Regards
DANNY
Pastor and acapella singer ( Solid Foundation Male Choir)



Posted by Granville Pillar in Hungary @ 13:53 on May 29 2018

Hi Richard,

You may not remember me from back in 1973, but we did Le Matelot night club in Salisbury together. I was singer/compere. We also did a few other gigs together for Bob Bardolia, the Indian millionaire who owned Le Matelot and Queens hotel in Salisbury. I have fond memories of my time hanging out with you.

After many years as teacher, preacher and academic, I am able to get back to my musical roots of the 60s and 70s, which is now my hobby. I do about 4 concerts a year, which I use as an outreach in non-Christian venues. I also sing traditional and contemporary gospel in my concerts. Just recorded my second Christian CD: Songs for the Heart and Soul.

I left South Africa in 1979, and have travelled a lot over the years. I became a Christian in 1977 in Johannesburg. I now live in Hungary. I am a semi-retired English university professor. I am also an ordained minister of the Presbyterian church and am very much involved in missionary work among university students here in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine. I am a grandfather of 5, and next month I will turn 70. I was 25 when we sang together in Rhodesia. Thank God I am in good shape, physically, mentally and spiritually, and my voice is still strong. I can send you a few YouTube links of audio clips of some of my concerts if you like.

I visit my brother in Cape Town every now and then, and I always talk about you when I go there. He and I played in bands together in Ireland back in the 60s. My wife and I will go back to Cape town again early next year. Not sure where you are living now, but perhaps one day we can meet up again. I would really love that.

I hope you are well.

God's rich blessings to you and your family

Granville



Posted by Annalise in Johannesburg South Africa @ 11:38 on Oct 3 2017

I'm looking for da hymn "Psalm121-My help comes from the Lord. if anyone can email it to me pls



Posted by Bongani in South Africa @ 08:49 on Dec 10 2014

Richard hi,

Im have been looking for your Vinyl or CD You and Me 1984 album,please advise me on where to buy it,

many thanks
Bongani



Posted by kelvin in dwight @ 11:59 on Oct 28 2012

hello there,i live in london..when i was a little kid i use to listen to richard jon smith...but i lost da CD....i really want to get new one ,but the problem is -that i cant find a place
please help me to another Richard Jon Smith DC ,THANK U



Posted by Setona Mpopo in Aliwal North, South Africa @ 19:28 on Nov 25 2011

Hi Richard
Your earlier recordings were masterpieces. Where can l get them? I can't find them anywhere in the country.
I also want to buy your gospel album. Is it selling in South Africa?
Good luck with your music career.



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