- [Narrator] The gospel music of Alabama has influenced the entire world, and the "Alabama Gospel Roots" television show will give you a taste of this great music every week.

So, call a neighbor, call a friend, and get ready to sing and dance and clap your hands.

It's time for "Alabama Gospel Roots."

(gentle music) ♪ Since I heard about ♪ A better home ♪ I would leave this old world ♪ And all with all it owns ♪ Just slip away, most any day, to Heaven's shore ♪ ♪ And find sweet rest, beyond the gate, forever more ♪ ♪ Yes, I'll reach home, oh praise the Lord, some sweet day ♪ ♪ And when walk up the great Milky Way ♪ ♪ Goodbye old world, good morning there, before the throne ♪ ♪ And what a singing there will be, when I get home ♪ (gentle music continues) ♪ Oh Lord, hear my prayer before I leave ♪ ♪ And may I live so my friends will follow me ♪ ♪ This little home, You gave to me, now hear me Lord ♪ ♪ I want to meet each one of you around the throne ♪ ♪ Yes, I'll reach home, oh praise the Lord, some sweet day ♪ ♪ And when I walk up the great Milky Way ♪ ♪ Goodbye old world, good morning there, before the throne ♪ ♪ And what a singing that will be, when I get home ♪ ♪ Yes, I'll reach home, oh praise the Lord, some sweet day ♪ ♪ And when I walk up the great Milky Way ♪ ♪ Goodbye old world, good morning there, before the throne ♪ ♪ And what a singing there will be, when I get home ♪ - It's Saturday night!

Once again, it is Saturday night.

You know what time it is?

It's time for "Alabama Gospel Roots."

There you go.

So call a neighbor, call a friend, let 'em know that we are back again.

And of course you can see with River Praise, we're coming with some music that's going to inspire you, encourage you, and cause you to be a better person, because you know who's the motor behind everything you do.

Welcome to "Alabama Gospel Roots," guys.

- Thank you.

- Oh, we're just tickled to be here.

- Tickled.

I am.

- Oh, yes.

- Tickled.

Like, can I tickle you?

- Yeah, it's been a while too.

- I got it.

He says yeah.

- Yeah.

- Alright, well great.

Well, listen, we had somebody on that other end down there was making sure we didn't forget about you.

You know, you know how that works.

Right?

- You know, when she says her mind to something.

- It's done, right?

- I'm telling you.

- You can hang it up.

Okay, well now we're going to introduce everybody, but now, you guys are all from the same place.

Tell me how this works.

You wanna tell me?

- Well, basically, we're from the same county.

- He's doing all the talking.

- Yeah, we're basically from the same county.

- Basically from the same county.

- Yeah.

- Basically.

- What county is that?

- That's Bibb County.

- Bibb County, okay.

- And Sherry is from Woodstock.

- Woodstock.

Okay.

- She's from Bethlehem.

- She.

What's your name?

- Melinda.

- Melinda.

Belinda or Melinda?

- Melinda.

- Muh, Melinda.

Okay.

- And you know, last time I told you, I'm from River Bend.

- And nobody knows where that is, but you.

- Absolutely not.

We call it the- - I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, River Bend, everybody know.

We just hadn't found out again.

- We call it the suburbs of West Blocton.

- Gotcha.

Okay, then where is West Blocton?

I'm just kidding.

(all laughing) Guys, listen, we thank you for coming and representing your area well, and we'd love to hear about all the places.

Sometimes people tell us the closest city, but we wanna know the community, like River Bend.

- Right.

- Okay.

Is there a river around there?

- It is the Cahaba.

- Cahaba.

- Yes.

- Okay.

You ever go fishing down there?

- Not much.

I'm more of a hunter than a fisher.

- Okay.

All right.

When does hunting season start?

- Well, it's already started.

- Okay, great.

You going?

- Well, I hadn't yet.

- Okay.

Well, all right.

He's getting, that's kind of bad, you know, when he was a little younger, right?

- Right.

- Okay.

Huh?

- It was a lot easier climbing them trees when I was younger.

- I got you.

I got you.

Well, I never started, so I guess I better not start now.

Hey, you know what though?

If you guys could kinda get a look at these shoes these ladies got on, man.

Where yours?

Come on, you gonna have to step up now.

- Come on.

- Yeah.

- Come on.

- Look at George's.

His is good.

- I know.

- Sherry, but no, that's the color.

That's the color.

That's, look, that's what's happening.

- I was looking at him when he walked in.

- And what did you say when I walked in?

- I said my, my, my.

- What size you wear?

- Oh, I would take two of 'em.

- All right, well listen, we're fixing to get ready to go.

I see the director's doing that.

You know what that mean, right?

Let's quit all the chitchat and let's go.

All right, well listen, River Praise from River Bend and West Blocton and all them good places, we welcome you to "Alabama Gospel Roots."

- Thank you for having us.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

You guys are looking well, doing well.

We appreciate you, and we call you friends.

Okay.

- Thank you.

- All right, let's hear some more great gospel music on "Alabama Gospel Roots" with hey, River Praise.

(upbeat gospel music) ♪ Preacher man talking about the end of time ♪ ♪ Well, Lord knows I'm ready, it don't worry my mind ♪ ♪ You see, I ain't afraid of nothing because I believe ♪ ♪ I've got a sky full of angels watching over me ♪ ♪ You can take my possessions ♪ You can take all my gold ♪ Nobody but Jesus gonna take my soul ♪ (upbeat gospel music continues) ♪ Walk through darkness ♪ I don't need no light ♪ My faith in Jesus gonna be my guide ♪ ♪ You see, I ain't afraid of nothing because I believe ♪ ♪ I've got a sky full of of angels watching over me ♪ ♪ You can take me for granted ♪ You can take all my gold ♪ Nobody but Jesus gonna take my soul ♪ (upbeat gospel music continues) ♪ River's rising but I got no doubt ♪ ♪ My sweet Savior's gonna pull me out ♪ ♪ You see, I ain't afraid of nothing because I believe ♪ ♪ I've got a sky full of angels watching over me ♪ ♪ You can take my possessions ♪ You can take all my gold ♪ Nobody but Jesus gonna take my soul ♪ ♪ You see, I ain't afraid of nothing because I believe ♪ ♪ I've got a sky full of angels watching over me ♪ ♪ You see, I ain't afraid of nothing because I believe ♪ ♪ I've got a sky full of angels watching over me ♪ (inspirational music) ♪ I was standing by my window ♪ On a cold and cloudy day ♪ When I saw that hearse come rolling ♪ ♪ Oh to carry my momma away ♪ Will the circle be unbroken ♪ By and by, Lord, by and by ♪ There's a better home awaiting ♪ ♪ In the sky, Lord, in the sky ♪ Undertaker, undertaker ♪ Undertaker, please drive slow ♪ ♪ For this body, you are carrying ♪ ♪ Lord, I hate to see her go ♪ Will the circle be unbroken ♪ By and by, Lord, by and by ♪ There's a better home awaiting ♪ ♪ In the sky, Lord, in the sky ♪ Well I followed close behind them ♪ ♪ I tied to hold up and be brave ♪ ♪ But I could not hide my sorrow ♪ ♪ When they laid her in that grave ♪ ♪ Will the circle be unbroken ♪ By and by, Lord, by and by ♪ There's a better home awaiting ♪ ♪ In the sky, Lord, in the sky ♪ Will the circle be unbroken ♪ By and by, Lord, by and by ♪ There's a better home awaiting ♪ ♪ In the sky, Lord, in the sky - It's time now for the Golden Vessel city shout outs and our say hellos to all our nursing home and rehab centers.

We're gonna run through it fast.

Okay?

All the cities we wanna say hello to right now.

Let's see, Oxford, Alabama.

Hello to you.

Theodore, Alabama.

Hello to you.

Valley, Alabama.

Yes, yes, yes.

Weaver, Alabama, Vance, Alabama, and Jack, Alabama.

We are saying hello to all of you and to our nursing homes, Fairhaven Retirement Center in Birmingham.

Coleman Long-term Care Center in Coleman, and Woodhaven Manor Nursing home in Demopolis, Alabama.

Hello to you.

Cogburn Health and Rehab Center, that's in Huntsville, and Shadescrest Health Care Center and Rehab Center in Jasper.

We love all our nursing home, rehab brothers and sisters and mamas and daddies and uncles.

We love you.

And now it's time to say hello to our Golden Vessel salute.

Mrs. Mercedes S. Johnson of Birmingham, Alabama.

She's a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pratt City, yes indeed.

And she loves traveling and shopping and word sluts.

I don't know what the word sluts is, but I guess that's a good thing.

Alright, she's a mother of three girls and one boy.

Three grands, two girls and one boy, and three great grands, all boys.

Sister Mercedes S. Johnson, we salute you on "Alabama Gospel Roots," and we love you.

(peaceful music) ♪ Thank You Lord for the salvation You gave to me ♪ ♪ I was born again through Your sacrifice on Calvary ♪ ♪ I'll learn to walk by faith ♪ You'll make my pathway straight ♪ ♪ Along this journey with You ♪ Step by step, You'll lead the way ♪ ♪ I'll follow closely within Your grace ♪ ♪ That reigns forever true ♪ Draw me Lord, with Your love ♪ Help me up, give me strength ♪ Against the powers of this world ♪ ♪ Draw me Lord, through Your Word ♪ ♪ Make me wise, give me sight ♪ That I can better serve ♪ Draw me Lord ♪ Draw me Lord (peaceful music continues) ♪ Sometimes life takes me through ♪ ♪ The valley of circumstance ♪ Draw me Lord ♪ The pain, sorrow and tears are hard to understand ♪ ♪ Draw me Lord ♪ As I began to know, I feel my spirit grow ♪ ♪ Through the love You have for me ♪ ♪ By Your loving grace ♪ And through my growing faith ♪ I'll stand, yes, I'll stand in victory ♪ ♪ Draw me, Lord with Your love ♪ Help me up, give me strength ♪ Against the powers of this world ♪ ♪ Draw me, Lord ♪ Draw within ♪ Shine Your light, make me bright ♪ ♪ To be Your witness till the end ♪ ♪ Draw me, Lord, through Your church ♪ ♪ As a body we proclaim ♪ Your gospel to the world ♪ Draw me, Lord ♪ Draw me, Lord ♪ Draw me, Lord ♪ Draw within ♪ Draw me, Lord, through Your church ♪ ♪ All the souls that we will win ♪ ♪ Draw me, Lord - "Alabama Gospel Roots."

Brother Johnny, how are you?

- Hi, Brother George.

How are you, sir?

- I'm doing well.

It's good to see you tonight.

- Thank you, sir.

Well, sir, I'm honored to be here.

Thank you for having me.

- All the way from- - Huntsville, Alabama.

- Huntsville, Alabama.

And did you tell me you've been in the military before?

- Yes, sir.

I spent 30 years with the United States Army and retired.

And we currently live there in the Huntsville area with my wonderful wife of forty-five years.

- Awesome!

Traveled all around the world.

- Yes sir.

Around the world in 30 years.

- 30 years.

- Yes, sir.

- You still know how to salute?

- Yes sir, I do.

- Well, all those veterans and people, can you salute them out there?

- Well, I'll tell you what, we appreciate any time that you've contributed to the service of our country, regardless of which branch and I salute you.

- That is awesome.

So now, have you been, were you singing all the time while you were in the military?

You've been singing?

- Well, I was just a, I was a combat armed soldier, but I did, I did sing anywhere I went, just serving alongside and sharing compositions wherever we could.

And wherever I was, the guitar was there with me.

- Great, so you sing, you write a lot of your songs.

- Yes sir, we do.

In fact, the songs that I'm sharing with you today are my compositions.

- That is awesome, man.

Well, we thank you for coming and hopefully you'll come back and join us at some other time.

- I would be honored.

- Great.

Great.

Well again.

- All right, sir.

- My newfound friend, Brother Johnny Boyd.

Welcome to "Alabama Gospel Roots."

Let's hear some more singing.

- Yes, sir.

- All right- - You gonna stay with me?

What are you gonna do?

- Well, I'm gonna step over to the side.

- Okay.

All right.

- Such great singer like you, I don't wanna mess anything up.

All right.

- Okay.

Thank you.

(upbeat music) ♪ Greater is He in me than when I first believed ♪ ♪ Greater is He in me than the evil one who lied to me ♪ ♪ I know that tribulation will surely come my way ♪ ♪ But through the love within me, I have victory stay ♪ ♪ My Lord reigns within my soul ♪ ♪ Praising His eternal glory ♪ Through His Word and through His church ♪ ♪ I have the strength to tell His story ♪ ♪ And when the devil comes my way ♪ ♪ I have God's love, 'cause greater is He in me ♪ ♪ Greater is He in me for every tear He shed ♪ ♪ Greater is He in me for every ♪ ♪ Piercing thorn upon His head ♪ He carried to the cross ♪ The judgment for my sins ♪ And through our Lord's loving grace ♪ ♪ I was saved and born again ♪ My Lord reigns within my soul ♪ ♪ Praising His eternal glory ♪ Through His Word and through His church ♪ ♪ I have the strength to tell His story ♪ ♪ And when the devil comes my way ♪ ♪ I have God's love, 'cause greater is He in me ♪ ♪ My Lord reigns within my soul ♪ ♪ Praising His eternal glory ♪ Through His Word and through His church ♪ ♪ I have the strength to tell His story ♪ ♪ And when the devil comes my way ♪ ♪ I have God's love, 'cause greater is He in me ♪ ♪ And when the devil comes my way ♪ ♪ I have God's love, 'cause greater is He in me ♪ (slow gospel music) ♪ I'm getting stronger through the words of Jesus ♪ ♪ I feel His strength each time I read and pray ♪ ♪ Every word is like an angel sent from heaven ♪ ♪ I thank God for His Word ♪ I praise God, He's my Lord.

♪ To guide me and teach me each day ♪ ♪ The ruler of this world is not one from above ♪ ♪ I stand at the cross, with the full armor of God ♪ ♪ I put on the belt of truth ♪ The breastplate of righteousness ♪ ♪ The helmet of salvation ♪ Holding firm the shield of faith ♪ ♪ I'm ready at my feet with the gospel of His peace ♪ ♪ And the sword of the Spirit is God Word I shall believe ♪ ♪ And above all this I pray ♪ In Christ Jesus' name ♪ Amen ♪ Our battle here is not against flesh and blood ♪ ♪ But against powers and rulers from another realm ♪ ♪ I can feel God's heavenly strength deep within me ♪ ♪ I stand firm in His Word ♪ I have courage cause He's my Lord ♪ ♪ As I fight for His cause till the end ♪ ♪ The ruler of my heart is Almighty God from above ♪ ♪ I stand at His cross with the full armor of God ♪ ♪ I put on His belt of truth ♪ His breastplate of righteousness ♪ ♪ His helmet of salvation ♪ Holding firm His shield of faith ♪ ♪ I'm ready at my feet with the gospel of His peace ♪ ♪ And the sword of the Spirit is God's Word I shall believe ♪ ♪ And above all this, I pray ♪ In Christ Jesus' name ♪ Amen ♪ I put on His belt of truth ♪ His breastplate of righteousness ♪ ♪ His helmet of salvation ♪ Holding firm His shield of faith ♪ ♪ I'm ready in my feet with the gospel of His peace ♪ ♪ And the sword of the Spirit is God's Word I shall believe ♪ ♪ And above all this, I pray ♪ In Christ Jesus' name ♪ Amen ♪ And above all this I pray ♪ In Christ Jesus' name ♪ Amen ♪ Amen - It's time now to salute our pastor, and our pastor salute today is Dr. Schmitt Moore, Bethel Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

He's been pastor there since 1983.

Born in Green County, moved to Tuscaloosa at the age of five, educated in the Tuscaloosa County school system.

Graduated from Boteler High School.

His other schoolings include the Shelton State Community College, Birmingham Baptist College, Miles and Samford.

Dr. Moore is a leader in so many areas and we just salute him today in all the work he's doing.

He's married to the former Barbara Robertson and they have three sons, and all of them in full-time ministry.

"Alabama Gospel Roots," Dr. Schmitt Moore, proud to salute you.

We appreciate you.

Keep on doing the great work that you're doing.

(joyful music) - Here we go, everybody!

♪ This little light of mine ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ This little light of mine ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ This little light of mine ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - Hey, how about just the girls singing that again.

Go!

♪ This little light of mine - Y'all sing it!

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ This little light of mine ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ This little light of mine ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - I'm not the light, Jesus is the light.

♪ I'm not the light, Jesus is the light ♪ ♪ Shine Jesus shine ♪ I'm not the light, Jesus is the light ♪ ♪ Shine Jesus shine ♪ I'm not the light, Jesus is the light ♪ ♪ Shine Jesus shine ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - Jesus gave it to me.

I'm gonna let it shine.

♪ Jesus gave it to me ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ Jesus gave it to me ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ Jesus gave it to me ♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - Let's everybody sing, this little light of mine.

♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ Yeah ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - All right, Brans Jr, praise Him on the guitar.

(joyful guitar music) All right girls, this little light of mine.

♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - All right Branscomb, praise Him on the guitar.

(guitar strumming) Let's everybody sing, this little light of mine.

Come on!

♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine ♪ ♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - Ah, let's tag that.

Let it shine.

♪ Oh, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ - Let's do that one more time.

♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪ (joyful music ending) - It's "Alabama Gospel Roots."

It look like it's a Beaver takeover.

- Yeah buddy.

- We're so glad to have the whole family here, man.

And y'all are rocking, okay.

Hey Charlie, how are you?

- I'm great, Brother George.

How are you?

- Great man.

It's good to see you, man.

I know you gotta be feeling awfully proud here.

Come on.

- My heart soars like a hawk.

- I got you.

I don't blame you.

And I'm soaring with you, man.

I'm gonna get a little piece of that.

You got the whole, I don't know if the whole family, but you got a good bit of the family here, right?

- We're missing Clyde and Charlie and the Mamas.

- Okay, all right.

Well how's everybody down here man?

Y'all good?

You know we made a deal, right?

And I'm not gonna let your granddad here, but I told you, if you smile, whatever you want, you got it.

Okay, y'all, everybody smile.

Everybody.

Everybody, everybody's got a smile now, okay?

Everybody.

You good?

Okay, all right.

Don't tell him I told you that, okay?

Okay, Charlie.

Yeah.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.

Listen, man, musically, you know, I gotta get it, I'm not gonna interview a whole lot, 'cause I want you to call everybody's name out, okay?

- All right.

- Can you remember?

- I'll do my best.

- Okay.

Well, it's on you.

Go right ahead.

- You ready?

- I'm ready.

- All right, these are granddaughters, Mary Nelson.

They're all Beavers.

Mary Nelson.

- Mary Nelson, raise your hand down there.

Oh, okay.

Mary Nelson right here.

- Audrey.

- Audrey.

Where's Audrey?

Raise that hand up.

Okay.

- Blake.

- Blake.

Hey Blake, all right.

- And Emeline.

- Emeline.

- And Anna Lee.

- Anna Lee.

All right.

Okay.

Whew, you did good man.

All right, all right.

Now what about these old jokers back in the back?

- Yeah.

Yeah.

Some of 'em are older than others.

- I got you.

Well, let's go.

On the guitar down there.

- This is Branscomb Jr.

He's the junior Branscomb.

- All right.

Branscomb.

All right.

He's been rocking over there.

- Oh yeah.

And Senior Branscomb.

- All right, all right.

Okay.

- AJ.

- My kind guy.

My kind of guy.

Look out now.

All right.

- And grandson Jones.

- Jones.

Man, y'all rocking now.

Y'all play all gospel all the time, but when dad's not around, y'all rock a little bit.

Little behind, I know how it go.

All right.

Who's that joker over there, man.

- And my son, Spence.

- All right.

My main man.

- Father of Emeline and Anna Lee.

- Okay.

- AJ's the father of Mary Nelson.

- Okay.

- And Branscomb's the father, and Emma Jones.

And Branscomb's, the father of Audrey and Blake.

- Okay, I'm glad you can remember all that, man, 'cause I can't.

- Yeah.

- That's your due.

Well, Charlie, listen, thank you for bringing the family.

I'm so glad to be a part of just aggregation here and you guys have done.

Awesome on that first song.

And then, we might just let your granddad sit down after a while, 'cause we kind of through with him, you know?

But it's all on you guys now.

It's up to you.

No, he's the one who pays the bills.

We gotta keep him in.

Okay.

Charlie, we thank you for joining us on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

- We really appreciate you letting us come do this.

- Lovestock was awesome last year, man.

- Oh man.

- Yeah, we gotta do it.

We gonna do it again in 2024, right?

- Yes sir.

Yes sir.

- But only one condition.

- Oh yeah.

- You gotta bring the family.

- All right, we're in.

- Okay, great.

All right, once again on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

Hey, The Beavers, ladies of gentlemen.

The Beavers.

(gospel music) - Here we go!

God, You're so good.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - Let's just do that one more time.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - You took my sin.

♪ You took my sin ♪ You took my sin ♪ You took my sin ♪ You're so good to me ♪ Now I am free ♪ Now I am free ♪ Now I am free ♪ Now I am free ♪ You're so good to me - Let's everybody sing, God, You're so good.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - Everybody, You took my sin.

♪ You took my sin ♪ You took my sin ♪ You took my sin ♪ You're so good to me - All right, Junior Brans, let's praise Him.

♪ Now (fancy guitar strumming) - All right girls, sing, God, You're so good.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me ♪ Everybody singing, God ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - All right, big Brans.

♪ Now (fancy guitar strumming) - All right, ladies sing, God, You're so good.

♪ God, You're so good.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - Everybody sing it one more time.

♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ God, You're so good ♪ You're so good to me - Yeah!

(upbeat gospel music) ♪ The love of the Lord is a mighty kind of love ♪ ♪ The love of the Lord is a mighty kind of love ♪ ♪ An unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ ♪ Thank You Father, You've forgiven me of my sins ♪ ♪ Thank You Father, You've forgiven me of my sins ♪ ♪ You've forgiven me with a love that will never end ♪ ♪ Yeah, thank You Jesus ♪ You've died there on that cross ♪ ♪ Yeah, thank You Jesus ♪ You've died there on that cross ♪ ♪ Thank You God, calling me so my soul ♪ ♪ Will love the Lord ♪ The love of the Lord is a mighty kind of love ♪ ♪ The love of the Lord is a mighty kind of love ♪ ♪ An unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ - Both Brans, go!

(fancy guitar strumming) (fancy guitar strumming continues) ♪ Yeah, He's mighty in battle, mighty and ready ♪ ♪ Who is mighty to heal, yes, He's mighty to save ♪ ♪ Yeah, the love of the Lord is a mighty kind of love ♪ ♪ Unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ ♪ Thank You Spirit, for giving me so much joy ♪ ♪ Thank You Holy Spirit, for giving me so much joy ♪ ♪ Yeah, it's the Christian joy ♪ That the world can never destroy ♪ ♪ Don't you know, the love of the Lord ♪ ♪ Is a mighty kind of love ♪ Oh, the love of the Lord ♪ Is a mighty kind of love ♪ An unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ ♪ An unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ ♪ An unconditional, merciful, powerful, mighty love ♪ (gospel music ending) (upbeat music) ♪ I've had a lot of troubles and trials ♪ ♪ In my little life span ♪ But when I'm standing along and the battle gets hard ♪ ♪ Always do the best I can ♪ Well, I must have crossed a million valleys ♪ ♪ And shed a million tears ♪ But when I come to the river Jordan, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Then I'll have no fear ♪ Oh, then I'll have no fear ♪ 'Cause I got a one more river to cross ♪ ♪ One more mountain to climb ♪ One more valley that I gotta go through ♪ ♪ Leaving my trouble behind ♪ Well, I got one more battle with the devil ♪ ♪ Then I know he'll understand ♪ I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ There's been a lot of people talking about me ♪ ♪ Since I walked this narrow way ♪ ♪ Oh, that this is just another little valley ♪ ♪ I came through it when I prayed ♪ ♪ Came through it when I prayed ♪ ♪ I climbed a lot of high mountains ♪ ♪ And crossed a lot of raging streams ♪ ♪ But when I see your Jordan cold and dark ♪ ♪ That'll be the last for me ♪ Oh, that'll be the for me ♪ Yeah, well, I got one more river to cross ♪ ♪ One more mountain to climb ♪ One more valley that I gotta go through ♪ ♪ Leaving my trouble behind ♪ Well, I got one more battle with the devil ♪ ♪ And I know he'll understand ♪ Know he'll understand ♪ I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Holding, holding ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Well, I got one more river to cross ♪ ♪ One more mountain to climb ♪ One more valley that I gotta go through ♪ ♪ Leaving my trouble behind ♪ Well, I gotta one more battle with the devil ♪ ♪ Then I know he'll understand ♪ I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Listen, I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ I'm going through with Jesus, hallelujah ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand ♪ ♪ Holding to His nail scarred hand, yeah, yeah ♪ - Brother Steve.

How are you?

- Well, George.

How are you?

- Man, welcome to "Alabama Gospel Roots."

- Thank you for having me on.

- Wow, man, I tell you what, it's a great soulful ministry you got.

Where you from?

- I'm from Dayton, Ohio.

- Okay.

- But I moved in 2004 to the center Alabama area, which is Weiss Lake, the crappie capital of the world.

- Ah, you're giving me some state facts.

- Yes sir.

- All right, well welcome to "Alabama Gospel Roots."

And so, now, you attend church in that area?

- Well, I'm full-time.

We go up in Fort Payne, but I'm full-time music.

I was a member of Gold City for several years.

- That's right.

- And then I was with solo for 10 and joined a group four years ago and back solo.

So, I wanna be home more and be with my family.

- Got it.

- And so, still share my heart, but not 200 plus days a year.

- I got you.

Is it working out for you?

- Yes, sir.

- Great!

Well, we appreciate you.

And I'm sure a lot of people welcome you here and they know your face and everything.

We want to thank Brother Dennis Williams- - Yes.

- For hooking you in, man.

- He's a good friend.

- Glad you got hooked.

All right then, Steve Ladd, right?

- Yes sir.

- All right.

Well, once again on "Alabama Gospel Roots," we are thankful to have Brother Steve Ladd.

Give us another song.

- Yes sir.

(soulful music) ♪ I've lost some good friends along the way ♪ ♪ Some loved ones departed in heaven to stay ♪ ♪ But thank God I didn't lose everything ♪ ♪ I've lost faith in people who said they cared ♪ ♪ In the time of my crisis, they were never there ♪ ♪ But in my disappointments ♪ In my season of pain ♪ One thing never wavered ♪ One thing never changed ♪ I never lost my hope ♪ I never lost my joy ♪ No, no ♪ I never lost my faith ♪ But most of all, most of all ♪ I never lost my praise ♪ I've let some blessings slip away ♪ ♪ And I lost my focus and went astray ♪ ♪ But thank God I didn't lose everything ♪ ♪ Oh, I've lost possessions that were so dear ♪ ♪ And I've lost some battles by walking in fear ♪ ♪ But in the midst of my struggles ♪ ♪ In my season of pain ♪ One thing never wavered, one thing never changed ♪ ♪ I never lost my hope ♪ I never lost my hope ♪ I never lost my joy ♪ I never lost my joy ♪ I never lost my faith ♪ Never lost my faith ♪ Most of all ♪ Most of all, most of all ♪ I never lost my praise ♪ Never lost my praise ♪ Yeah, praise ♪ I kept my praise through disappointments ♪ ♪ Praise ♪ Kept my praise through every tear, every tear ♪ ♪ Thank You Jesus ♪ Praise ♪ I held on 'til I praised through persecution ♪ ♪ Praise ♪ For in my praise God was near ♪ ♪ Most of all ♪ Most of all, most of all, yeah ♪ ♪ I never lost my hope ♪ I never lost my hope ♪ I never lost my joy ♪ Never lost my joy ♪ I never lost faith ♪ But most of all, most of all, most of all ♪ ♪ Most of all ♪ Never lost my faith ♪ Never lost my joy ♪ Most of all ♪ Most of all, most of all, most of all ♪ ♪ I never lost my faith ♪ I never lost my faith - Brother Steve, Brother Steve, Brother Steve.

Time just flies when we're having a great time.

- Too much fun.

- We gonna do it again though.

- Yes, sir.

- We gonna do it again.

- Yes, sir.

- And who knows how much time you're gonna have the next time.

- I'll sing as much or as little as you want me to.

- All right, well, you've proven that and we appreciate you to everybody that's viewing.

We know that you enjoyed Brother Steve and everybody who's been on this hour.

We hope that it's been inspiration to you and we know that it has.

And we appreciate you so very, very much.

Hey, listen, we're gonna do it again next Saturday night.

So call a neighbor, call a friend and tell 'em "Alabama Gospel Roots" is back again.

Listen, we gotta go now, but as we close, Brother Steve, we always say this.

And if you could say it with me, I'd appreciate it.

We're all sisters and brothers.

Can you say that with me?

- We are all sisters and brothers.

- There's only one color.

- There's only one color.

- And that's the color of love.

- And that's the color of love.

- Now Dee usually does that part.

She sings a little bit.

I'm not gonna ask you to do all that.

But look, that little last part that say, and that's the color of love.

Can you put a little harmony to that?

A little something with that?

♪ And that's the color of love - We did it together.

That's what I'm talking about.

Everybody be well, make somebody happy this week.

Brother Steve Ladd, once again.

(peaceful music) ♪ Mm ♪ You've been walking the same old road ♪ ♪ For miles and miles ♪ If you've been hearing the same old voice ♪ ♪ Tell the same old lies ♪ If you're trying to fill the same old holes inside ♪ ♪ There's a better life ♪ There's a better life, mm ♪ If you got pain, He's a pain taker ♪ ♪ If you feel lost, He's way maker ♪ ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ ♪ He's a prison-shaking savior ♪ If you got chains, He's a chain breaker.

♪ ♪ Mm-Hmm ♪ We've all searched for the light of day ♪ ♪ In the dead of night ♪ We've all found ourselves worn out ♪ ♪ From the same old fight ♪ We've all run to the things we know just ain't right ♪ ♪ Oh, but there's a better life ♪ ♪ Yeah, there's a better life ♪ If you got pain, oh, He's a pain taker ♪ ♪ If you feel lost, He's a way maker ♪ ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ ♪ He's a prison-shaking savior ♪ If you got chains, He's a chain breaker ♪ ♪ Oh yeah ♪ Listen to me sing ♪ If you believe it, if you receive it ♪ ♪ If you can feel it, somebody testify ♪ ♪ If you believe it ♪ Oh, if you receive it ♪ If you can feel it, somebody testify, testify ♪ ♪ Oh yeah, if you believe it ♪ If you believe it ♪ Oh, if you receive it ♪ If you receive it ♪ If you can feel it, somebody testify ♪ ♪ If you got pain, oh, He's a pain taker ♪ ♪ Oh, if you feel lost, He's a way maker ♪ ♪ If you need freedom or saving ♪ ♪ He's a prison-shaking savior