Meditation Singers

The Meditation Singers were formed in Detroit n 1947 by Earnestine Rundless whose husband was a pastor and former singer with the immortal Soul Stirrers. While their first recording was produced by Joe Von Battle in 1953, they are better known as one of the hardest singing female gospel groups of the 1960s. Their roster at various times included Della Reese, the Caravans' Cassietta George and the incomparable James Cleveland. The Meditations were also blessed with the vocal talents of Laura Lee Rundless, Earnestine's daughter, who later gained popularity singing secular material under the name Laura Lee.

Created in response to calls from other churches seeking the Moments of Meditation to perform, the group was originally an octet, but their size made crosstown travel prohibitive; upon trimming down to a quartet, the Meditation Singers' original lineup comprised Rundless, Reese (who often assumed lead duties as well), alto Marie Waters (Reese's sister), and soprano Lillian Mitchell. As the Meditations' notoriety quickly spread, they began performing throughout the Midwest, and in early 1953 cut their first session at a local record store. Reese left the group to pursue pop success soon after, and was replaced by Lee, Rundless' teenage daughter;

Discography

Good News

My Soul Looks Back And Wonders Ain't That Good News You Don't Know How Blessed You Are He's All Right With Me Remember Me One River To Cross Now The Day Is Over Make A step In The Right Direction The Day Is Past And Gone I'm Still Saying Yes I'm Determined To Run This Race Do You Know Jesus? Promise To Meet Me There Until I Reach My Heavenly Home He Made It All Right Jesus Is Always There Too Close To Heaven God Is Good To Me WDIA Radio Station Make A Step In The Right Direction You Don't Know How Blessed You Are Ain't That Good News My Soul Looks Back And Wonders

A 1992 re-release on the Specialty label, which was founded by Art Rupe in 1946. The Meditation Singers, led by Earnestine Rundless, began their performing career in 1947, at the New Liberty Baptist Church in Detroit. This four member group initially started with four women, including Della Reese, who eventually left for a career in pop. Later members included tenor and composer James Cleveland, and soul chanteuse Laura Lee. It's Earnestine's sandpaper and gravel shout, however, that delivers the goods, as heard on 'God Is Good To Me' and most of the tunes on this recording. The Meditation Singers continued touring through the 1980's, and they are the genuine article of the golden era of gospel.

2052 CD $14.98

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