Anthology of American Folk Music
Volume 2: Social Music, Track 48

HE GOT BETTER THINGS FOR YOU
Memphis Sanctified Singers

Recorded Memphis, TN: October 1, 1929
Bessie Johnson, Melinda Taylor, Sally Sumler, vocals; Will Shade, guitar
Origianally released on Victor 38559

 
This group of Pentecostal singers was variously known as the Memphis Sanctified Singers or Bessie Johnson and Her Sanctified Singers. They were based in the Mid-South and were led by Bessie Johnson, originally from Columbus, Mississippi. Little more is known about the group, though they were almost certainly associated with the Church of God in Christ, the largest Black American Pentecostal sect, which was also based in Memphis. On this specific recording, the guitar accompaniment is provided by the leader of the Memphis Jug Band and Victor talent scout, Will Shade. In addition to her own recordings, Johnson's highly emotional voice can also be heard on contemporaneous recordings by Lonnie McIntorsh, Elder Tarleton Roberts, and Rev. Johnny Blakey.

FOR ADDITIONAL RECORDINGS of Bessie Johnson or the group see: Memphis Gospel, 1927-1929 (DOC 5072c); Bessie Johnson 1928-1929 (HER 202a); Rare Blues, 1927-1935 (HIS 5829a); The Southern Sanctified Singers (Roots 328a); and Roots 'n Blues (COL 47911c).

OTHER RECORDED VERSIONS and variants include:
Gospel: The Fellowship Baptist Church (Savoy 14780c); Thy Sons and Daughters (Javco 4924a); Daniel Winans (Rejoice 8421a).

Folksong revival: The Holy Modal Rounders (PRS 7720a, PRS 7451a); Peter Lang (Waterhouse c).