All Time Southern Gospel Hits Collection - 2003

I had read the first review written by Timb prior to ordering my own copy so I was curious to know if the cuts attributed to The Statesman were instead those of The Masters Five.

After receiving, listening, very much enjoying my own copy, I fully agree with Timb1 from OH -- it is indeed J. D. Sumner on both cuts that are attributed to The Statesman. Furthermore, on "Happy Rhythm," the last cut on the disk, it's quite obviously J.D. Sumner AND James Blackwood, so I would assume that it has to be The Masters Five. That's not a problem for me since I am a tremendous fan of The Masters Five. But, where are the cuts from The Statesman?

While I also agree that "Learning To Lean" was not the biggest hit for The Blackwoods, it has always been a personal favorite of mine so I'm happy that it's included. We need much more of this wonderful music to be digitally remastered and re-released.

It's a wonderful album and worth every cent. If you love Southern Gospel, buy this album and ENJOY!

Classic Southern Gospel

This is a fine recording with some classic cuts of older southern gospel groups. The late great granddaddy of all bass singers J.D. Sumner is on many of the cuts. I think the songs labelled as Statesman recordings are actually Master's V recordings because the bass singer is clearly J.D. Sumner and not Big Chief Wetherington. J.D. never sang with the Statesman Quartet as a group member as far as I know. Oddly enough there is only one Blackwood Brothers song on this CD, so Amazon's titling is somewhat misleading. I wouldn't call Learning to Lean one of their greatest hits either. I also would have chosen different cuts from the Kingsmen. They have produced much better material than what is represented here. The sound quality is excellent, but the lack of detailed liner notes about the personnel of the groups at the time of the recordings is very disappointing. Overall, however, a great experience. Not to be missed is the Master's V inspired rendition of Little is Much. If you haven't listened to the sound clip do so now. Buy and enjoy.