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Wade In The Water Ep. 14: Lucie Campbell, Gospel's 1st African American Woman Composer

Mahalia Jackson performs at the American Jazz Festival (later renamed the Newport Jazz Festival) in July 1958.
Michael Ochs Archives
/
Getty Images
Mahalia Jackson performs at the American Jazz Festival (later renamed the Newport Jazz Festival) in July 1958.

Wade in the Water is a 26-part series, originally released in 1994, that celebrates African American sacred music and traditions. To learn more about the series, click here. For more episodes click here or listen on the go with the NPR One app.


The prolific composer and teacher who encouraged new talent, created the repertoire and expanded gospel's audience through the largest African American organization: the National Baptist Convention.

Song List

  • Sweet Honey in the Rock, "Wade in the Water"
  • Soul Stirrers, "Jesus Gave Me Water"
  • Mahalia Jackson, "Just to Behold His Face"
  • Rev. Eugene Smallwood, "Something Within" (NPR Recording)
  • Take 6, "Something Within"
  • Stars of Faith, "Walk This Road to Glory"
  • J. Robert Bradley, "Heavenly Sunshine"
  • J. Robert Bradley, "Is He Yours"
  • Donald Vails and the Celebration Delegation, "He'll Understand and Say Well Done"
  • Davis Sisters, "He'll Understand and Say Well Done"
  • Mahalia Jackson, "In the Upper Room"
  • Angelic Gospel Singers, "Touch Me Lord Jesus"
  • Gwendolyn Cooper Lightner, "Touch Me Lord Jesus" (Piano) (NPR Recording)

Wade in the Water was produced by Judi Moore Latta and Sonja Williams.


Stream A Selection Of Songs From The Series

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