Stars Of Virginia "Soul Religion" (MRC)

The aptly named Stars Of Virginia were among the elite groups from the gospel hotbed of Richmond, VA. In a career spanning decades, this highly regarded outfit recorded for several labels, local and national, including Atlantic and King Records.
The quintet cut at least four LP's and a handful of singles for John Major's Major Recording Company (MRC). Located in Waynesboro, the prolific MRC was responsible for a wide variety of recordings from Virginia artists. The bulk of these releases seemed to be Country or Bluegrass, but there were also quite a few interesting exceptions, including some pop, garage, light psych and black gospel records.

Led by Mr. Clyde Wilson, The Stars of Virginia were responsible for countless hard hitting gospel tracks, but this is the only one we know of that could be classified as a true "funk" record. Recorded in the early 70's, "Soul Religion" stands as a great example of a record that not only delivers but actually exceeds everything its title might promise. From the opening chords of wah wah guitar to the booming bass to the tight echoing horns to the rock solid back beat and tambourine, this song has all the right elements. Top it all off with the awe inspiring vocals of a world class gospel group and this one sails into the stratosphere.

Stars Of Virginia "Soul Religion"

Preacherman Isidore Womack "I've Got Power In My Mind / Every Time I Think Of You"

Perhaps not gospel in the most traditional sense, but no less moving. Isidore Womack testifies in his own unique way. Real talk for grown ups about struggle in life and love. The music and the message are stripped down with nothing to hide. Funky, Bluesy, Powerful. You can feel the anguish in Womack's voice as he confesses "She don't give a damn about me" or states point blank "Every time I think of you, baby / You come around telling me that same old lie / You is not my everything in my life".
But Brother Womack keeps his head up: "I've got power in my mind / I've got loving in my heart...All love goes to my God." Preach on...

These two sides were recorded in 1978 at Alpha Audio on Broad Street in Richmond. The story goes that the Preacherman would routinely pop into local record shops peddling his self-released 45. Apparently, he had some lofty expectations as to where his career was headed. In a perfect world, maybe this single would have gone places, but some 30 years later we can at least give Mr. Womack his due for creating these wonderful songs and wish him peace wherever he may be.

Preacherman Isidore Womack "Ive Got Power In My Mind"

Preacherman Isidore Womack "Every Time I think Of You"

Church Of God In Christ Youth Choir "Strive!" (Redeem)

The angelic voices of a youth choir soaring over raw pounding funk, a match made in heaven. Recorded at Alpha Audio in 1976, the impassioned female lead on this track is one C. Maroney. Precious little information besides that is revealed on this uplifting 45's label, but the message contained in the grooves tells you what it's really all about. "You Better Strive!"

Church Of God In Christ Youth Choir "Strive!"