World's Greatest Gospel Songs contains some of the most uplifting, powerful and emotionally charged songs of all time. Each piece has been carefully arranged with a very accessible approach and features: a vocal line for solo or group singing; an appropriately selected key to accommodate a comfortable vocal range; up to three verses of lyrics; first and second endings with a "turnaround" plus a final ending; guitar chords; dynamics; a piano accompaniment that is complete in itself for solo performance.

Drawing on new research and sources, The Mahalia Jackson Reader brings a fresh perspective to the remarkable life of one of America's most notable gospel singers. The volume also shows, through the lens of Jackson's work, a uniquely illuminating view of the black gospel field.

Preceded by three introductory essays and a chronology of major events in black religious history from 1618 to 1991, this A-Z encyclopedia includes three types of entries: * Biographical sketches of 773 African American religious leaders * 341 entries on African American denominations and religious organizations (including white churches with significant black memberships and educational institutions) * Topical articles on important aspects of African American religious life (e.g., African American Christians during the Colonial Era, Music in the African American Church)