"Director: George Nierenberg"

• Say Amen, Somebody | DVD | (12/02/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Originally released in 1982 Say Amen Somebody is a heart-warming and uplifting film that captures the lives and careers of some of gospel music's most luminous artists including Thomas A. Dorsey Willie Mae Ford Smith and her long-time rival Sallie Martin the Barrett Sisters and Zella Jackson Price. Roger Ebert said of the film 'Say Amen Somebody is one of the most joyful movies I've ever seen. It is also one of the best musicals and one of the most interesting documentaries. And it's a terrific good time.' And The New York Times raved 'The beauty of gospel music comes shining through in 'Say Amen Somebody a rousing documentary...' Directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker George T. Nierenberg (No Maps on My Taps and That Rhythm...Those Blues) the film focuses on two of gospel music's pioneers 'Mother' Willie Mae Ford Smith one of gospel's first soloists and 'Professor' Thomas A. Dorsey hailed as the Father of Gospel Music. In scenes leading up to a St. Louis tribute to Mother Smith and to an annual Gospel Convention in Houston we learn firsthand about the early days of Gospel its development the real challenges that faced its founders - particularly the women - and the humanity of those who felt compelled to answer a calling to spread the gospel through this powerful soul-grabbing transcendent and utterly joyful musical form. The Barrett Sisters the O'Neal Twins and others deliver absolutely luminous performances in this film that can't help but leave the viewer moved and downright uplifted. CD Track List: 1. Highway To Heaven - The O'Neal Twins and The Interfaith Choir 2. Singing In My Soul - Willie Mae Ford Smith 3. What Manner Of Man - Willie Mae Ford Smith 4. When I've Done My Best - Thomas A. Dorsey 5. Take My Hand Precious Lord - Mahalia Jackson 6. I'm His Child - Zella Jackson Price 7. He Chose Me - The O'Neal Twins 8. No Ways Tired - Delois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters 9. Jesus Dropped The Charges - The O'Neal Twins and The Interfaith Choir 10. I'll Never Turn Back - Willie Mae Ford Smith and family 11. The Storm Is Passing Over - Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters 12. It's Gonna Rain - The O'Neal Twins 13. He Brought Us - Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters 14. Take My Hand Precious Lord - Thomas A. Dorsey 15. Canaan - Willie Mae Ford Smith