Top 15 Gospel/Christian Music Artists Of All-time And Their Songs
The Gospel/Christian music scene boasts some of the best vocalists in music history. Many of the world’s most respected Gospel vocalists have inspired contemporary artists to sing. Also, some of the world’s biggest popstars released Gospel projects at certain times in their careers.
The beauty of the Gospel music industry is that artists are never forgotten, and songs never fade out. Several artists have taken the world by storm from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even today and sold millions of records worldwide. Our list contains the top 15 greatest Gospel music artists of all time regarding their influence, impact, etc. See the complete list below.
15. Aretha Franklin
The iconic Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was also a force in the Gospel music scene. She started out singing in her church choir, where her father was a pastor. Franklin started her career at 14, releasing “Songs of Faith.” In 1972, she recorded and released the Award-winning Gospel album “Amazing Grace” which became a significant success. It is believed to have pushed Gospel music to new heights. Franklin won several awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Aretha Franklin Videos
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Aretha Franklin - Let It Be (Official Lyric Video)
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Aretha Franklin - Aretha Now (Full Album) [Official Video]
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Aretha Franklin - Amazing Grace (Full Album) [Official Video]
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Aretha Franklin - Young, Gifted and Black (Full Album)
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Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Walk On By (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Ain't No Way (Official Audio)
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RESPECT the Genius of Aretha Franklin
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Aretha Franklin - Runnin' Out of Fools (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Think (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss) (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Respect (Official Lyric Video)
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Aretha Franklin - Maybe I'm a Fool (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin – You Light Up My Life (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Official Lyric Video)
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Aretha Franklin - A Rose Is Still a Rose (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady (Official Lyric Video)
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Aretha Franklin - Freeway Of Love (Official Audio)
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Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (Official Lyric Video)
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Aretha Franklin - Who's Zoomin' Who? (Official Lyric Video)
14. Donnie McClurkin
Donnie McClurkin has always been honest about his journey. With a turbulent childhood, McClurkin found peace in the church and began recording Gospel music. He formed his first singing group with his four sisters as a teenager. That did not last, leading to another group that was not successful. He launched his solo career in 1996 and released the hit song “Stand.” He is among the best-selling Gospel singers of all time and has won numerous awards.
Donnie McClurkin Videos
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MAJOR. - What lead him to the gospel road
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Jordan Armstrong on the making of single CALL with Erica Campbell
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Great and simple marital advice by Isabel Davis
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Travis Greene interview on gospel music being in good hands
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Earnest Pugh with a strong encouraging word that you will survive it
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Donnie & Erica Campbell talking about the video "Feel Alright (Blessed)"
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Evvie McKinney and the powerful story behind "Just Like God"
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JJ Hairston shares how he came back together with his wife after being separated
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DMS tribute to the gift of Kevin Lemons
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Todd Dulney - Path To Success
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Jokia - Being obedient to God and trusting Him
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Kelontae Gavin - Why are most churches not having testimonies anymore
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Otis Kemp - How did you get to where you are right now?
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Jor'Dan Armstrong long journey to where he is now
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Kelontae Gavin shares Mom & Dad struggles...listen to the end as it is very beautiful
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How can we pray for The Group Fire?
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Martha Munizzi's heart felt prayer request
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Lena Byrd Miles shares how she relates to W.O.W (Walk On Water) single now
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JERARD & JOVAUN share how new artist get radio attention
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Erica Campbell on the making of her great creative music videos
13. Sam Cooke
Legendary singer, Samuel Cooke, known professionally as Sam Cooke, is regarded as the King Of Soul. He is credited with having transformed Gospel music, R&B, and Soul. As a young singer, Cooke performed with the Gospel group Highway QCs. Later on, he became the lead singer of The Soul Stirrers. He crossed over to pop music in the 1950s and charted 29 songs in the top 40. Cooke is known for the hits “Good News,” “You Send Me,” and more.
Sam Cooke Videos
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Sam Cooke - Meet Me At Mary’s Place (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - That’s Where It’s At (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Falling In Love (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Basin Street Blues (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Rome (Wasn't Built In A Day) (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Just For You (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Shake (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - (Somebody) Ease My Troublin' Mind (Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Good Times (Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Frankie And Johnny (Official Live Audio)
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Sam Cooke - This Little Light Of Mine (Live Audio)
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Sam Cooke - Twistin' The Night Away (Official Live Audio)
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Sam Cooke - Keep Movin' On (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - (Ain’t That) Good News (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - Sam Cooke – You Send Me (Official Lyric Video)
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SamCookeVEVO Live Stream
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Sam Cooke - Bring It On Home to Me (Official Audio)
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Sam Cooke - Another Saturday Night (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come (Official Lyric Video)
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Sam Cooke - What A Wonderful World (Official Lyric Video)
12. James Cleveland
Called the “Crown Prince Of Gospel” music, James Cleveland influenced the Gospel scene with his booming baritone. Throughout his career, Cleveland wrote and arranged over 400 songs. He is also famous for teaching the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, how to sing Gospel. He also collaborated with her on the Award-winning Amazing Grace album. He became the first Gospel singer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cleveland founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America in Detroit.
James Cleveland Videos
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James Cleveland - Where Is Your Faith In God
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James Cleveland Greatest Hits 2022 - Best Of James Cleveland
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"God Is" (1979)- Rev. James Cleveland
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Rev. James Cleveland-I Don't Feel No Ways Tired
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Rev. James Cleveland - Peace Be Still (Lyric Video)
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Rev. James Cleveland - Only A Look
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Lord Help Me to Hold Out
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Rev. James Cleveland-Lord Help Me To Hold Out.
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James Cleveland Greatest Hits - James Cleveland Best Of 2021
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Rev. James Cleveland-Peace Be Still
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Rev. James Cleveland-Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus
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Rev. James Cleveland - Lord Do It
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James Cleveland - God Is (Lyric Video)
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You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened
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James Cleveland Greatest Hits 2021 - Best Of James Cleveland
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Rev. James Cleveland - Only A Look
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Rev. James Cleveland - Jesus Is the Best Thing (Lyric Video)
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James Cleveland - Breathe On Me
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I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan
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Rev. James Cleveland - This Too, Will Pass (Lyric Video)
11. Yolanda Adams
Indeed, one of the most respected singers in the Gospel music scene, Yolanda Adams, hit many milestones throughout her fantastic career. She was crowned the #1 Gospel Artist of the decade by Billboard. She also became the first Gospel artist honored with an American Music Award. Adams opened to Superbowl LIV singing “America The Beautiful.” Yolanda Adams has sold millions of records, performed worldwide, and even had a hit radio show.
Yolanda Adams Videos
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Fragile Heart
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Be Blessed (Radio Edit)
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Be Blessed (Radio Edit)
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Time to Change
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Little Drummer Boy
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Be Blessed (Radio Edit)
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Open My Heart
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Silent Night
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Silent Night
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Little Drummer Boy
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Better Than Gold
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Better Than Gold
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Open My Heart
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Step Aside
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Better Than Gold
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Time to Change
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Rejoice
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Bestill
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I'm Gonna Be Ready
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Better Than Gold
10. Mary Mary
Sisters Erica Monique Campbell and Trecina Evette Atkins-Campbell, also known as Mary Mary, are credited as one of the most prominent and most influential Gospel musicians of all time. They were catapulted to worldwide prominence following the release of their debut album “Thankful” in 1998. Before their split, the duo released several albums and won multiple awards, including Grammys, Stellar Awards, and more. Their song “Shackles” was a massive global hit.
Mary Mary Videos
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MARYMARYVEVO Live Stream
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Mary Mary on Facebook Live - 7/22/2016
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Back To You - Mary Mary (Inspired By Ben-Hur, The Movie)
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Mary Mary - Survive (Performance Video)
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It's Mary Mary!
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Join Mary Mary as we support Choice Group
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Mary Mary - Sunday Morning (Pseudo Video)
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Fan Video: Happy Birthday Tina of Mary Mary!
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Fan Video: Happy Birthday Erica of Mary Mary!
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Fan Video: Happy Birthday From Team Mary Mary 2012
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Mary Mary - Go Get It (Official Video)
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Mary Mary update new vlog
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Mary Mary - Go Get It (Cover Image Version)
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FAN VIDEO: Congratulations Erica & Warryn! =)
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Mary Mary Video Log December 2011
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From The Mary Mary Nation
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SOMETHING BIG WINNER - TRUE HOLY CHURCH
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SOMETHING BIG ENTRY - EMBASSIES OF CHRIST
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SOMETHING BIG ENTRY - FAME
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Mary Mary Fan Video Montage by Nichelle
09. Sallie Martin
Sallie Martin is called the “Mother of Gospel.” At the start of her career, she caught the attention of Thomas Dorsey, but that did not do much. After auditioning three times, Dorsey reluctantly (mostly because she could not read sheet music and had a harsh way of singing) hired her to organize his trio of singers. She exceeded his expectations and formed a partnership with Dorsey.
Sallie Martin Videos
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God Put A Rainbow In The Sky
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That Wooden Church On The Hill
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God Put A Rainbow In The Sky
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God Is a Battle Axe
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It Don't Cost Me Very Much
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I Heard The Voice
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Amazing Grace
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Let Us Give Our Best In Service
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Wonderful Is His Name
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Lead Me To Calvary
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They Found No Fault In Him
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God Put A Rainbow in the Clouds
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Yes, God Is Real
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Nobody Knows
08. Thomas A. Dorsey
Thomas A. Dorsey is reputable for being the “Father of Gospel Music.” Thomas A. Dorsey was a famous evangelist who co-founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. With roots in Jazz music, Dorsey is credited for developing the original Gospel chorus. His Blues influence birthed modern Gospel music, often associated with Black Churches and American gospel scenes. Dorsey wrote over 3000 songs and millions of copies.
Thomas A. Dorsey
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If You See My Saviour
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Take My Hand, Precious Lord
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When I've Done My Best
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How Can You Have the Blues If You See My Savior
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I Don't Know Why
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Precious Lord, Take My Hand
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Singing in My Soul
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Precious Lord, Take My Hand
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Take My Hand Precious Lord
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
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If You See My Saviour
07. Bebe & Cece Winans
Legendary Gospel singers Bebe & Cece Winans are credited with taking Gospel music mainstream and pushing it beyond boundaries. The duo made up of siblings Benjamin and Priscilla Marie Winans are the younger siblings of the famous Winans Gospel singers. They gained prominence during the heyday of televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Baker’s Christian TV program in the 80s. They recorded and released several hits and won 3 Grammys. They have also had legendary solo careers.
Bebe & Cece Winans Videos
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Lost Without You
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Addictive Love
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Heaven
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Addictive Love
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Lost Without You
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Lost Without You
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Addictive Love
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I.O.U. Me
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Addictive Love
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Lost Without You
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Up Where We Belong
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I Really Love You
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Up Where We Belong (Outro)
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We Are Not Ashamed
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Worth the While
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Nevertheless
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The Giver of Life
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Nevertheless (Instrumental)
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Up Where We Belong (Intro)
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I'm Gonna Miss You (Cece's Wedding Song)
06. Gary Davis
Gary Davis is regarded as one of the first artists who anchored the beginning of Gospel music. He started out performing as a street busker. He sang songs that were termed spiritual. He has often been called “Blind Gary Davis” by most because of his blindness from infancy. However, it did not deter his rise in music. He played the banjo and guitar with a handpicking style that caught the ears of Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead.
Gary Davis Videos
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Reverend Blind Gary Davis - Glory Halleloo (Live)
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Rev. Gary Davis performance - 25mins
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Death Don't Have No Mercy
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Rev. Gary Davis - Hesitation Blues
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Rev. Gary Davis playing "Candyman"
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Blind Gary Davis - Death Don't Have No Mercy
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Reverend Blind Gary Davis - I Feel Like Children Of Zion (Live)
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Rev. Gary Davis plays "Slow Drag / Cincinnati Flow Rag"
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Rev. Gary Davis - "Death Don't Have No Mercy"
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Blind Gary Davis (1964)
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Goin' To Sit Down On The Banks Of The River
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Blind Gary Davis - I Heard the Angels Singing live
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Reverend Gary Davis - Cocaine Blues
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Rev. Gary Davis playing "Sally Where'd You Get . . . "
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Blues Guitar Lesson: How To Play Like Reverend Gary Davis
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Gary Davis - High Flying Bird
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"Samson and Delilah" - Rev. Gary Davis
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Reverend Gary Davis - Cocaine Blues
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Reverend Gary Davis - Death Don't Have No Mercy (RARE VIDEO)
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Rev Davis, Paris, May 1964 the Blues & Gospel Caravan
05. AndraƩ Crouch
The 8-time Grammy Award winner is regarded as the “Father of Modern Gospel Music.” He is the pioneer of Urban Contemporary Gospel music. Andraé has worked on and released over 1000 songs. He was known to produce, write and arrange songs by himself. Crouch also worked on projects with the world’s biggest stars, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, Elton John, and more.
AndraƩ Crouch Videos
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It Won’t Be Long
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Jesus Is The Answer
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I Didn’t Think That It Could Be
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Jesus, Every Hour He’ll Give You Power
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I’ve Got Confidence
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If Heaven Was Never Promised To Me
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I’m Coming Home
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Bless His Holy Name
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It’s Gonna Rain
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I’m Gonna Keep On Singing
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Just Like He Said He Would
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I’ll Be Thinking Of You
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I Surrender All
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I Just Want To Know You
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Take Me Back
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Well Done
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Take A Little Time
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This Is Another Day
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Power In The Blood
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They Shall Be Mine
04. Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin is the “Reigning King of Urban Gospel,” a reputation he earned by releasing revolutionary Gospel music. Kirk is a jack-of-all-trades and a Master of all, a singer, songwriter, musician, Choi director, and producer. Kirk Franklin has collaborated with the most prominent Gospel musicians in the world, from Shirley Caesar to Cece Winans. He has also won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, and sold millions of records.
Kirk Franklin Videos
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Don’t miss the new season of Kingdom business on BET Plus
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Kirk Franklin - You Still Love Us (Live Performance) | Vevo
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Tune in to the premiere of @officialkingdombusiness, Season 2, November 2nd on @BETplus
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Washington D.C | 10/22/23 @reuniontourofficial š¤
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•You have no idea the gratefulness that consumes me… for thirty years now, thank you. FATHERS DAY.
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What a night Newark New Jersey
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Atlanta was crazy thank you all for coming out
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Charlotte last night was Amazing šš¾ #reuniontour @reuniontourofficial
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October 13, 2023
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šš¾
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Miami Thank you for Rocking with us @reuniontourofficial @davidandtamela
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Kirk Franklin - Somebody's Son (Official Visualizer) | Father's Day
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Kirk Franklin - Unconditional (feat. Le'Andria Johnson) [Official Visualizer] | Father's Day
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Kirk Franklin - Welcome Home (Official Visualizer) | Father's Day
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Kirk Franklin - You Still Love Us (Official Visualizer) | Father's Day
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Kirk Franklin - Listen (Official Visualizer) | Father's Day
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OUT NOW!!!!
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Thank you šš¾
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Kirk Franklin - Again (Official Visualizer) | Father's Day
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“I need you to Win Wounded”
03. Elvis Presley
Known as the reigning “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, the world’s Best-selling Artist Of All Time, had a love for Gospel music. A few of his albums were inspired by Gospel. The most being “He Touched Me,” which was released in 1972. The album won him his second Grammy Award. The “How Great Thou Art” album also won him a Grammy Award.
Elvis Presley Videos
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Elvis Presley - It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) (Take 13 - Official Audio)
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Elvis Presley - I Feel so Bad (Golden Records, Vol. 3 - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Anything That's Part of You (Golden Records, Vol. 3 - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Fame and Fortune (Golden Records, Vol. 3 - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Aloha Oe (From "Blue Hawaii") (Take 1 - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Almost Almost True (From "Blue Hawaii") (Take 3 - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Proud Mary (Live from Madison Square Garden - Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Girl Happy (Bossa Nova Baby - Official Audio)
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Elvis Presley - What a Wonderful Life (Bossa Nova Baby - Official Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Patch It Up (Bossa Nova Baby - Official Audio)
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Elvis Presley - Blue Hawaii (From Aloha From Hawaii Edit - Official Lyric Video)
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Long Tall Sally / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (Live at The Honolulu International Cent...
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Johnny B. Goode (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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I'll Remember You (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite Q&A and Listening Session
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Blue Suede Shoes (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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Welcome to My World (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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Burning Love (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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Suspicious Minds (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official Audio)
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I Can't Stop Loving You (Live at The Honolulu International Center, Hawaii - Official A...
02. Shirley Caesar
Called the “First Lady of Gospel,” Shirley Caesar’s influence touched many people in America and worldwide. She began singing at the age of 12. Inspired by her father (who was also a Gospel singer before he passed), Caesar started her career singing for family and friends and later joined the Caravans. She spent eight years with the group and later went solo. She won 11 Grammy Awards, performed at the White House, and released many hits.
Shirley Caesar Videos
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - September 10th, 2023
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Rebroadcast: One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar
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Rebroadcast: Bouncing Back, God's Way!
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Rebroadcast - One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - 8/13/2023
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Rebroadcast - One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - 8/6/2023
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Rebroadcast - One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - July 2nd, 2023
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Rebroadcast - One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - June 18th, 2023
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - June 4th, 2023
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - 4/23/23
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Rebroadcast: One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - Good News From The Graveyard
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If God holds my hand, I’ll be alright!
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar feat. Evangelist Dorothy Norwood
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - January 8th, 2023
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He Had To Come
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Rebroadcast: Scattered but together
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - December 4th, 2022
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - November 27th, 2022
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One Hour w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar - November 20th, 2022
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Let It Go
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Prayer Time w/ Pastor Shirley Caesar
01. Mahalia Jackson
In the 20th century, Mahalia Jackson was regarded as the “Queen of Gospel.” With a career spanning 40 decades, Jackson dominated the world in an era where racial segregation was prevalent. Her music traveled all over the world and touched many souls.
While she was tempted to record secular music, Jackson opted to remain in the Gospel scene. She became the first Gospel singer in history to sell over 1 million copies. She has since sold over 22 million records.
Mahalia Jackson Videos
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Silent Night, Holy Night
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Silent Night, Holy Night
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What Child Is This
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Take My Hand Precious Lord (Remastered)
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Move on up a Little Higher, Pt. 1 (Remastered)
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Down by the Riverside (Remastered)
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Summertime (Remastered)
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Go Tell It on the Mountain
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I Will Move On Up a Little Higher
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Walk Over God's Heaven
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He's Got the Whole World In His Hands
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Introduction
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I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About In My Song
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The Lord's Prayer
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His Eye Is On the Sparrow
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Keep Your Hand On the Plow
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Jesus Met the Woman At the Well
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Didn't It Rain
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Oh Lord Is It?
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Down By the Riverside