Big up to Brendan from Folk Arts Rare Records in San Diego for the tip on this one! Checker, a subsidiary of Chess Records in Chicago, presents A Christmas Dedication from gospel artists Ernest Franklin, The Violinaires, The Salem Travelers, The Soul Stirrers, and Martha Bass. Not your usual Christmas compilation, this collection features all original compositions and really showcases the musicality and soul that the holiday season can bring beyond the classics. Unfortunately, most of these tracks are unavailable to stream online so we highly recommend seeking out a copy of this one physically! Visit Brendan at Folk Arts Rare Records and I’m sure he’ll point you in the right direction!
Recommended – Full Listen
A1 The Meditation Singers– The Spirit Of Christmas
A2 The Violinaires– Remember What Day This Is
A3 The Soul Stirrers– Christmas Means Love
A4 The Salem Travelers– Every Year We Say Merry Christmas
A5 The Meditation Singers– Blue Christmas
A6 Ernest Franklin (2)– I’m Going To Have A Merry Christmas
B1 The Meditation Singers– What The World Needs For Christmas
B2 The Violinaires– The Sound Of Christmas
B3 The Soul Stirrers– Christmas Bells Are Ringing
B4 The Salem Travelers– Merry Christmas To You
B5 Martha Bass– Christmas Love
B6 Ernest Franklin (2)– There’s No Other Day Like Christmas
B7 The Salem Travelers– A Letter For Christmas