DESCRIPTION:
Gospel classics are songs that are special, they've been around for a long time. We all know them word for word; love them, they have a special meaning in our lives, and they will never be forgotten.

The song-Jacob's Ladder, is a familiar old spiritual also known as "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" or sometimes "Climbing Jacob's Ladder." Probably written in the mid 1800s, its exact origin is uncertain, as is its author.

The choir-The Angelic Choir was organized in 1959 by Rev. Lawrence Roberts (1936 - 2008,) for the First Baptist Church in Nutley, NJ where he had started pastoring. At the time when he took the leadership at First Baptist, he was the youngest Baptist Pastor in the state of New Jersey. They originally had only fifteen members, Tommy Johnson was the organist, Robert Logan, Connie Pitts and Gertrude Hicks were the pianist. In a few months the choir added more members, and arrangements were also made for the choir to record with Savoy records. Savoy was in the process of starting in the gospel arena; and didn't have any choirs recording, only groups, and at that time there was only two other black choirs recording on a national basis. The choir and Savoy saw the opportunity of getting in on something that was fairly new. In December 1960 the choir recorded their first album for Savoy, simply titled The Angelic Gospel Choir, Savoy MG-14049. A few years later Rev. Roberts and the Angelic Choir would team up with James Cleveland to make recording history, the first live recording in a church, not a studio. This team worked together for eight years recording and releasing albums. While working with James Cleveland, they also release their own albums, this gave the public multiple choices. Their popularity grew and soon they were getting invitations to sing at various venues including the Apollo Theatre in New York. They also made appearances on the Mahalia Jackson gospel show in the mid 60's.

On their own, The Angelic Choir has been responsible for many of the techniques and innovations that so many other choirs have tried to emulate, but have rarely duplicated. The Angelic Choir is an institution; their soul searing sounds are individual and meaningful. This choir sings from their hearts and along with outstanding soloists, meticulous musicianship and arrangements, they are a credit to their labors, and a source of joy to the First Baptist Church of Nutley, NJ; and representing the great state of New Jersey. The Angelic Choir over the years became America's favorite recording choir because they always endeavored to provide excitement along with their unusual talent. They feel what they sing very deeply and it's easy for them to transfer their feelings to the audience.

This rendering is by the Angelic Choir from a 1991 album titled "The Preacher And The Indian." Opening narration by Rev. Lawrence Roberts, on lead Rev. Charles Bowman.


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