August 24, 2023 - Good Morning! It's Thursday, August 24.
What makes a great singing voice? Well, the answer depends on the context. If we're talking about a great choral voice, it's the ability to add to the choir's sound without "sticking out". But, if we're talking about a soloist - especially in popular or gospel music - it's the ability to "stand out", to be distinctive, to be unique, to be... one of a kind.
If I played you a song by Frank Sinatra no one would have to tell you who was singing because no one else sounds like that - never has, never will. The same could be said for Nat King Cole or Billie Holiday or Bing Crosby. As you can tell, I am really keeping up with the latest sounds in popular music!
When it comes to gospel music there was no more distinctive voice than Ethel Waters. If you heard her sing for the Billy Graham Crusades in the 50's or 60's or 70's you never forgot the sound of that voice. I imagine you're hearing it in your head right now as you read this. She was my mother's favorite singer. And she was one of a kind.
Ethel Waters was known for a simple song called "To Me, It's So Wonderful." This little song was written by an African American church musician from Chicago with the wonderful name Ralph Good Pasteur. She sang this "heart song" many times for Billy Graham. Let the lyrics speak to you again this morning or, better yet, look it up on the internet and let her God given voice bless your heart.
When I should feel lonely or I should feel sad
I'm so contented and my heart is glad
Joy bells are ringing, in my heart I'm singing
It's wonderful to know He is mine
To me it's so wonderful, to me it's so wonderful
To me it's so wonderful, to know that Jesus is mine.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
Bro. David
dmathis@fbccenter.org
