And because of the holyday season we’re in this week’s Rainy days and Songdays today celebrates Holyday favourites.
Happy clappy California
Oh Happy Day (Oakland/San Francisco)
Oh happy day, oh happy day, when Jesus washed, oh when He washed, When Jesus washed, He washed my sins away – The Edwin Hawkins Singers/Sister Act
They don’t need much invitation to unleash a Gospel Choir on you in California.
And Hallelujah there was one waiting for us on the first day in Anaheim for our American Travel Fair, IPW.
Elvis sings Gospel
How Great Thou Art (Memphis)
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation. And take me home what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration. And then proclaim, my God how great thou art – Elvis Presley
And it is worth remembering that Elvis first learned to sing in church.
And during his residencies in Las Vegas he would invite his friends up to his room for impromptu Gospel singalongs
It’s better to imagine Elvis’s heart being joyful at the moment God came to take him home that day in Graceland.
All God’s Children
Whenever God Shines His Light (Belfast)
Whenever God shines his light on me. Opens up my eyes so I can see. When I look up in the darkest night. And I know that everything is going to be all right – Van Morrison/Cliff Richard
And aren’t we all God’s children anyway even Van the Man, the grumpiest man in rock?
Religion is all around you in Belfast where Van is known to put on occasional jazz cabaret shows at the Europa Hotel.
It’s always best though with a Celtic soul twist.
Welsh worship
Bread of Heaven (Cardiff)
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak but thou art mighty. Hold me with thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven. Feed me till I want no more. – Bryn Terfel, Cardiff
And Cwm Rhondda (The Rhondda) is the unofficial anthem of Wales.
And is a favourite of Welsh rugby fans.
It scores too as it celebrates God rather than the popular policy of God celebrating said country.
Mississippi music
This Little Light of Mine (Mississippi)
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, all the time, let it shine – Sister Rosetta Tharpe
And you’ll find a lot more about Sister Rosetta and all the wonderful Gospel and early Rock singers at the Grammy Museum Mississippi in Cleveland.
And the significance of This Little Light in a room of reflection on your Civil Rights visit to the Two Museums in Jackson.
