Whoops! I almost forgot, January 22, 2011 also would have been Rev. C.L. Franklin's 96th birthday!

I neglected to mention that January 22nd would also have been the birthday of another Golden Era Gospel figure, the Rev. C.L. Franklin. Rev. Franklin was one of the most popular preachers of his day. He was pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, and the father of Aretha Franklin. Rev. Franklin would tour the country and preach in different cities, having groups such as the Roberta Martin Singers or the Clara Ward Singers to minister through song while he would deliver the sermon.

For more about the life of Rev. Franklin, I personally recommend Singing in a Strange Land: C. L. Franklin, the Black Church, and the Transformation of America by Nick Salvatore, which can be found at Amazon.com. Don't forget to check your local library, too.