Divine Chord Gospel Show: LIFE IN HEAVEN IS FREE
02.22.25
A series of monthly radio shows on dublab.com, dedicated to gospel soul, funk and spirituals from the 1960s thru to the 1980s. The Divine Chord Gospel Show branches out into gospel influenced cuts and artists that crossed over to performing secular cuts too; so plenty of rarities all played from original vinyl, either on 45 or LP format.
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The second DCGS of 2025 is here, with pt. 2 of a 2 part feature. We’re focusing on the brand new compilation drop by Honest John’s;
LIFE IN HEAVEN IS FREE
Checker Gospel 1961-1973
Compiled by Greg Belson & David Hill, with sleeve notes written by Grammy Award nominated Robert Marovich, it’s the first legally licensed examination of this amazing label.
Pt. 2 features tracks for The Later Years – 1967 thru 19673, with music provided by mainstays of the Chicago Gospel scene and beyond.
The comp is available on limited double LP gatefold vinyl only – no CD, no digital or promo 45’s, so grab a copy whilst stock lasts.
“A shoo-in for soul compilation of the year.”?? Judge for yourself and tune in for a deeper dive into the catalog.
Essential Digs Gettin’ Dug!
Tracklist:
East St. Louis Gospelettes – Soon I Will Be Done (Checker)
Power & Light Choral Ensemble – America (Checker)
The Soul Stirrers – Peter, Don’t Be Afraid (Checker)
Salem Travelers – I Love My Jesus (Checker)
Ben Branch & the Operation Breadbasket Orchestra & Choir – Motherless Child (Checker)
Gospel Six – Have You Ever Wondered (Checker)
The Salem Travelers – Wade In The Water (Checker)
The Soul Stirrers – If I Were A Bird (Checker)
Soulful Salem Travelers – Walk In The Sunshine (Checker)
The Violinaires – The Whole World Is Watching (Checker)
The Salem Travelers – Ain’t That Moving (Checker)
The Williams Singers – I’m Sorry (Checker)
The Jordan Singers – All My Sins Been Taken Away (Checker)
Harmonizing Four of Richmond, Virginia – The Harvest Is Past (Checker)
Jordan Singers – Each Day Brings About A Change (Checker)
The Williams Singers – In And Out Of Trouble (Checker)
William Singers – Don’t Give Up (Checker)
The Violinaires – Groovin’ With Jesus (Checker)
Drinkard Ensemble – Wade In The Water (Checker)
Soul Stirrers – Striving (Checker)
East St. Louis Gospelettes – God And Me (Checker)
The East St. Louis Gospelettes – Sunshine In My Heart (Checker)
Meditation Singers – What The World Needs For Christmas (Checker)
Gene Viale – How Sweet It Is (Checker)
Soul Stirrers – Must Jesus Have The Cross (Checker)
The Jordan Singers – Must Jesus Have The Cross (Checker)
The William Singers – So Good To Be Alive (Checker)
The Soulful Salem Travelers – Samson And Delilah (Checker)
The Soul Stirrers – Don’t You Worry (Checker)
The Salem Travelers – Tell It Like It Is (Checker)
Gospel Six – Blow Wind Blow (Checker)
Soul Stirrers – Jesus Is The One (Checker)
The Harmonizing Four – There’s Room At The Cross (Checker)
Martha Bass – How I Got Over (Checker)
Harold Smith Majestic Singers – Put A Little Love In Your Heart (Checker)
Gospel Six – I Don’t Mind (Checker)
Martha Bass – Move Up A Little Higher (Checker)
Aretha Franklin – While The Blood Runs Warm (Checker)
