(dramatic music) - [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 (dramatic music crescendos) to sing and dance and clap your hands.

It's time for "Alabama Gospel Roots."

(upbeat country guitar music) (Tate humming) ♪ Danger's been getting to me ♪ Jesus set me free ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ ♪ Now life is getting hard ♪ Harder by the day ♪ Lord have mercy ♪ What do I do ♪ Gonna get on my knees and pray ♪ ♪ Some danger's been getting to me ♪ ♪ I need Jesus to set me free ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ ♪ Now Satan he's alive ♪ Roaming to and fro ♪ You know he's come to steal and kill ♪ ♪ God guard my blood borne soul ♪ ♪ Danger's been getting to me ♪ I need Jesus set me free ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ ♪ That devil he throws fire ♪ He throws fire ♪ He wants to burn me down ♪ Burn me down ♪ But God He makes a way to escape ♪ ♪ When the flames are all around ♪ ♪ Some danger's been getting to me ♪ ♪ I need Jesus set me free ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creeping up on me ♪ (upbeat country music continues) (upbeat country music continues) ♪ That devil he throws fire ♪ He throws fire ♪ He wants to burn me down ♪ Burn me down ♪ But God He makes a way to escape ♪ ♪ When the flames are all around ♪ ♪ Some danger's been getting to me ♪ ♪ I need Jesus set me free ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ (upbeat country music continues) ♪ Oh the danger's been getting to me ♪ (hands clapping) ♪ I need Jesus to set me free (hands clapping) ♪ Living in sin and jealousy (hands clapping) ♪ That old devil's creepin' up me ♪ ♪ Living in sin and jealousy ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ ♪ Living in sin and jealousy (hands clapping) ♪ That old devil's creepin' up on me ♪ ♪ Creepin' up on me ♪ That old devil ♪ That old devil (hands clapping) ♪ That old devil (hands clapping) ♪ That old devil (hands clapping) ♪ Ooh ooh ooh (upbeat country music softens) - It is "Alabama Gospel Roots."

It's another Saturday night, eight o'clock, and guess what?

We want you to call a neighbor, call a friend, and let 'em know that we are back again.

You've waited long enough and we want to know that you know that you're gonna have a great time tonight.

Tate, uh?

- Emmons.

- Emmons.

Yeah, you told me that.

I'm gonna have to remember stuff, you know?

(Tate giggling) But I remember you.

Man, what a great presentation of that first song you did.

- Thank you so much.

Thank you.

- Oh man, you singing like you've been around this world before.

(host laughing) Say, where are you from?

- I'm from Mississippi.

- Mississippi.

What part of Mississippi?

- If you threw a dart right in the middle, that's where we'd be.

- Threw a dart right in the middle.

What if I can't throw it straight?

- Well, just try to aim for the middle.

- Try, gotcha.

And what's it called?

What's the name of the place where you- - Lake Mississippi.

- Lake Mississippi.

And what grade are you?

You're still in school, right?

- I'm in the ninth grade.

- Wow, okay.

And you already decided, you are in your career right now, right?

You're ministering?

- Yes, Sir.

- Great.

So what are some of the places you've been to since you've been singing?

- Man, I've been- - Everywhere.

- Not everywhere just yet, but I've been a lot of places.

I've been up in Tennessee, I mean, down to Florida, - Alabama?

- Alabama, Mississippi, you know, closer to the southern states at the bottom.

- Okay.

So you enjoy doing what you're doing?

- Yes, Sir, I love it.

- Well, that's awesome then.

What would you say to the other young people out there who may have a gift like you, and don't know how to come forth with it?

What would you say to them?

- Well, listen to the voice of God.

And if that's what you feel, if you feel like God's calling you, just chase after it.

Be ambitious and go after it.

- That's awesome.

Well, I think you brought some more songs, and your Mom's gonna play for you on one of the songs.

Is that right?

- Yes, Sir.

- Great.

So she travels with you, your Mom and your Dad, I understand?

Make sure you stay in line, right?

- That's right.

- I got you.

All right then.

(host chuckling) Well, once again on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

let's hear some more from Tate- - Emmons.

- Emmons.

(host laughing) I wanna get it right.

All right.

(soft music) ♪ I can still hear that old choir singing ♪ ♪ Oh how sweet ♪ Blessed sound ♪ It gives me peace like a river ♪ ♪ For the promised land I'm bound ♪ ♪ And I'm singing ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me ♪ And it moves me way down deep ♪ ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me ♪ And it makes me wanna sing (soft music continues) ♪ I could never live my life without you Lord ♪ ♪ And these hills I've loved for so long ♪ ♪ Thank you God ♪ There's a fountain ♪ It still flows ♪ And the old ♪ Is still standing on and I'm singing ♪ ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me ♪ And it moves me way down deep ♪ ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me ♪ And it makes me wanna sing (soft music continues) ♪ Tears so sweet ♪ Trust in Jesus ♪ Great is thy faithfulness ♪ It is well because He lives ♪ Oh what a friend we have in Jesus ♪ ♪ A mighty fortresses is our God ♪ ♪ I wanna shout how great Thou art ♪ ♪ Oh how great Thou art ♪ Great Thou art ♪ God You're so great ♪ God You're so good ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me yeah ♪ ♪ And it moves me way down deep ♪ ♪ Oh how marvelous ♪ Oh how wonderful ♪ It means something to me yeah ♪ ♪ And it makes me wanna sing ♪ Yeah ♪ Oh yeah ♪ And it means so much ♪ Means so much ♪ Means so much to me (soft music softens) (soft piano music) ♪ I have decided ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ I have decided ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ I have decided ♪ To follow Jesus ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back ♪ Though none go with me ♪ I still will follow ♪ Though none go with me ♪ I still will follow ♪ Though none go with me ♪ I still will follow ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back ♪ The cross before me ♪ The world behind ♪ The cross before me ♪ The world behind me ♪ The cross before me ♪ The world behind me ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back ♪ The cross I'll carry ♪ 'Til I see Jesus ♪ Oh the cross I'll carry ♪ 'Til I see Jesus ♪ The cross I'll carry ♪ 'Til I see Jesus ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back ♪ No turning back (piano music softens) - Well, it's a very special time for me.

You know I love this spot right here where we get a chance to shout out to some cities, some wonderful cities across the state of Alabama, from Huntsville to Mobile.

And we get a chance to say hello to our friends in the nursing homes and the rehab centers, and we culminate it with a wonderful salute to a golden vessel.

So let's get right into it right now on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

We wanna say hello to Brighton, Alabama.

Hello to everybody in Brighton.

It's 2,337 people in Jefferson County's Brighton City.

Carolina, 286 people in Covington County, and Chatom, 1,104 people there in Washington County.

In DeKalb County, we've got Crossville.

Hello to all of you 1,800 or so.

And then in Daleville, that's in Dale County, we've got about 4,866 people there all, and we love all of you, and I'm glad I called your name tonight.

Now let's say hello to our friends in the nursing home.

Now I want to tell you, we really love you.

You are not forgotten.

And we going to give you a big, old hug.

Give me a hug back.

There you go, all right.

At Woodhaven Manor Nursing Home in Demopolis, hello.

And Wesley Manor Retirement Center in Dothan.

We saying hello to you.

And then Hendrix Health and Rehab Center in Double Springs.

That's the first time calling your name, I know, but hello to you.

And Northside Healthcare Center in Gadsden, Alabama.

Now we're going to turn to our golden vessel.

I'm gonna come right here and look right at you because you're very special.

I mentioned Chatom, Alabama.

Well, we've got the mayor that's a golden vessel and was inducted into the 2023 Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

His name is Mayor Harold Crouch, and he's been mayor down there for about 24, 25 years.

And he's a retired school teacher, decided he'd get to be mayor so he can teach you guys in Chatom how to do all you need to do to be great citizens.

No, I know you already that, but congratulations to Mayor Harold Couch.

Crouch, C-R-O-U-C-H. We love you, we appreciate you, and we wanna say to you we are in dedicating the entire show to you and your great people.

(upbeat music) - Ah, yeah.

Got something to encourage you.

Let's go!

♪ He turned water into wine ♪ Gave sight to the blind ♪ He gave sight to the blind ♪ Yes He did ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ That's Jesus y'all ♪ He made the lame to walk and made the dumb to talk ♪ ♪ He made the lame to walk ♪ He made the dumb to talk ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ That's Jesus y'all ♪ He turned water into wine ♪ Say it ♪ Say it ♪ He turned water into wine ♪ Gave sight to the blind ♪ He gave sight to the blind ♪ Yes He did ♪ Miracle worker ♪ That's Jesus y'all ♪ He made the lame to walk ♪ He made the dumb to talk ♪ He made the lame to walk ♪ He made the dumb to talk yeah ♪ ♪ He made the dumb to talk ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ That's Jesus y'all ♪ Guess what ♪ Jesus can do it ♪ Yes He can ♪ I know He can ♪ He has the power ♪ Yes he does ♪ He's a man ♪ Son of God ♪ Son of man ♪ That's Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ I know He is ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Yes Sir ♪ Yes Sir ♪ Yes Sir ♪ Lick time ♪ Chorus time let's go ♪ Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker yes ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Oh Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ Hit the lick (upbeat music continues) ♪ Verse two let's go ♪ Multitudes were there ♪ And He raised the dead ♪ And He raised the dead yes He did ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Oh yeah ♪ That's Jesus y'all come on ♪ He walked on the sea ♪ Set the captives free ♪ And set the captives free ♪ Yes He did ♪ He's a miracle worker oh yeah ♪ ♪ Let's say it again ♪ Multitudes were there come on ♪ ♪ Multitudes were there ♪ And He raised the dead ♪ And he raised the dead ♪ Yes He did y'all ♪ He's a miracle worker oh yeah ♪ ♪ That's Jesus y'all ♪ He walked on the sea and set the captives free ♪ ♪ He walked on the sea ♪ Yes He did yes He did ♪ And set the captives free ♪ Jesus did ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ How many know this ♪ Jesus can do it yeah ♪ Jesus can do it ♪ Well ♪ I know He can ♪ He has our power yes He does ♪ He's the man ♪ He's the man ♪ Son of God ♪ The Son of man ♪ That's Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ How many know He is ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ How many know He is ♪ All right hit the chorus one time ♪ ♪ Let's go ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ Jesus ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ Oh Jesus ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Oh Jesus ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker yeah ♪ ♪ Hit the lick now (upbeat music continues) ♪ Verse three let's go ♪ He's still the same ♪ You can call His name ♪ You can call His name ♪ Yes Sir ♪ He's a miracle worker oh yeah ♪ ♪ No matter what you face ♪ All you need to do is use your faith ♪ ♪ No matter what you face ♪ All you need is faith ♪ All you need is faith yes Sir ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Oh let's do it again ♪ Hallelujah ♪ He's still the same ♪ He's still the same ♪ You can call His name ♪ You can call His name it's Jesus ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus oh yeah ♪ No matter what you face ♪ All you need to do is use your faith ♪ ♪ No matter what you face ♪ All you need is faith ♪ All you need is faith yes Sir ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ How many know this ♪ Jesus can do it ♪ Jesus can do ♪ He can do all things ♪ What no one can 'cause He has the power ♪ ♪ He has the power yes He does y'all ♪ ♪ He's the man ♪ Son of God ♪ The Son of man ♪ That's Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ I know He is ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ I really know He is ♪ Here we go ♪ Oh yeah let's take it on home ♪ ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker oh yeah ♪ ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker ♪ Oh Jesus is a miracle worker ♪ Oh Jesus ♪ Jesus is a miracle worker ♪ Take it up take it up ♪ Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker yeah ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker yeah ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker yeah ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Jesus ♪ He's a miracle worker yeah ♪ Come on come on (upbeat music continues) ♪ That's it ♪ He's a miracle worker ♪ Yes Sir - Oh my goodness, the sharp dressed man, Reverend Michael Walker.

How you doing?

- I am doing great.

- Great.

Well, we are so glad to have you on the first time on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

- Yes, Sir.

It's a blessing to be here.

- I can see you now, watch your television saying, "You know what?

I gotta find out how to get on that."

- Yeah.

- "Because I got some songs I want to sing."

- That's right.

- You've been enjoying everybody else, right?

- Absolutely.

- Great.

So where- - Thoroughly enjoying it.

- I got you.

So where are you from?

- I am originally from Cottage Grove, Alabama.

I live in Anniston, Alabama now, and I pastor a church in Sylacauga, Alabama.

- Man, you got it going on.

You in all these different places.

- All these.

- Now where's Cottage Grove?

I know everybody else know but me.

But where's Cottage Grove?

- Since this is "Alabama Gospel Roots," it's in Coosa County.

- Coosa?

- Eight miles from Rockford, Alabama.

- Okay.

- 10 miles from Alexander City, Alabama.

- Gotcha.

And you grew up, went to school there and everything?

- Yes.

- What high school?

- Coosa County High School in Rockford.

- Coosa County.

What was the mascot?

- Tigers.

- Roar!

All right.

- That's it, roar.

- I got you, I got you.

Well, man, thank you.

You write your songs?

Do you write your songs?

- Yes, I do.

I write songs, absolutely.

- Okay.

Do you play any instruments?

- Play?

I play piano, keyboard.

- Keyboard, I got you.

Married?

- Yes, I am, to my beautiful wife, Angela, Dr. Walker.

- Angela, Dr. Walker.

(Revered Walker laughing) Great.

And she's the only lady.

- That's it.

- She says, "She's not the first lady."

- Right.

- She's the only lady.

- She's the only lady.

- Got you.

Got children?

- No, we don't.

- Okay.

Well, you got a lot of 'em that you have to father, I'm sure.

- That's exactly right.

- All right, well, listen, man, I'm going to touch and agree with you, all the things that you got going on.

- Yes.

- They are so.

- Absolutely.

- All right.

Once again on "Alabama Gospel Roots," welcome Reverend Michael Walker.

(soft piano music) - Hallelujah.

Jesus.

I'm so glad He came into my life.

Listen.

(soft piano music intensifies) ♪ Since Jesus came ♪ Into my life ♪ There's been a wonderful change ♪ ♪ How many been changed Hallelujah by Jesus ♪ ♪ Listen ♪ He changed the way I used to be ♪ ♪ And the thing I used to do ♪ Do y'all know what He did ♪ He took my stony heart ♪ And made it all brand new ♪ And I'll ♪ I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ Since Jesus came into my life ♪ ♪ There's been a wonderful change in me ♪ ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ He took away my sins ♪ He washed me clean and now I'm born again ♪ ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ Since Jesus came into my life ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ Since Jesus came into my life ♪ ♪ If He's come into your life ♪ Come on give Him a praise ♪ Clap your hands ♪ Listen at this second verse ♪ Since Jesus came ♪ Into my life ♪ See there's so much joy and peace ♪ ♪ How many got joy and peace today ♪ ♪ So much joy ♪ Hallelujah ♪ And peace ♪ Woo ♪ Listen ♪ He bought me with a price ♪ And I am not my own ♪ And this is what else I like about God ♪ ♪ See now I can go to God ♪ And boldly approach His throne ♪ ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ Jesus came and He made me new ♪ ♪ He took away the old ♪ Gave me a fresh breakthrough ♪ I'll never ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ The same ♪ He taught me how to pray ♪ Now I worship Him and seek Him every day ♪ ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ Since Jesus came into my life ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ Go give Him some praise ♪ Worship His holy name ♪ Into my life ♪ Now Lord I want to sing this little part to You ♪ ♪ Because You changed me ♪ Listen ♪ Lord You changed me ♪ You made my life brand new ♪ You made my life brand new ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ It's all because of You ♪ It's all because of You Lord Jesus ♪ ♪ One Thursday night ♪ You came and made my life brand new ♪ ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ It's all because of You ♪ All because you You Lord ♪ You changed me ♪ You made my life brand new ♪ You made my life brand new ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ It's all because of you ♪ All because of You ♪ And I'll never be ♪ I'll never be the same ♪ Woo ♪ See Jesus came into my life ♪ Come on rock with me ♪ Jesus came ♪ Since He came ♪ Since He came ♪ Since He came ♪ Woo ♪ Since Jesus came ♪ See I will never be the same no ♪ ♪ Since Jesus came ♪ Listen ♪ Jesus came and He made me new ♪ ♪ But I got news for you Gospel ♪ ♪ He would do the same for you and you and you ♪ ♪ Since Jesus came yeah ♪ Into my life (upbeat piano music) - Oh yeah.

I bet y'all know that little tune right there.

Check this.

♪ Mary had a little lamb ♪ A little lamb ♪ A little lamb ♪ Mary had a little lamb ♪ But He is the Lamb of God ♪ Hey (hands clapping) ♪ Where my jumpers at ♪ Ha ♪ Where my praisers at (hands clapping) ♪ Where my worshipers ♪ Come on ♪ How many of you ♪ How many know that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God ♪ ♪ John the Baptist proclaimed ♪ Behold the Lamb of God who takes away sin of the world ♪ ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is woo the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is oh yeah the Lamb of God ♪ ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Come on rock with me ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Woo hoo hoo ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ He was born in Bethlehem ♪ Laid in a manger ♪ But guess what ♪ He is the perfect sacrifice ♪ To take away our sins yeah ♪ To take away the sins of the world ♪ ♪ Where's my jumpers at come on ♪ ♪ Jesus is ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ Woo ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God yes ♪ He was born in Bethlehem ♪ Laid in manager filled with hay ♪ ♪ But guess what ♪ He's the perfect sacrifice ♪ Take away our sins ♪ To take away the sins of the world ♪ ♪ Jump jump with me ♪ Jump jump woo come on ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ Hey He is the Lamb of God ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ Ah yeah ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ He's the Lamb of God ♪ Now put your hands together ♪ Jump me with me come on ♪ Let's rock with me come on ♪ Aw yeah ♪ Now we gonna break it down into parts ♪ ♪ Altos sopranos and tenor ♪ I want you to catch on your part all right ♪ ♪ Here we go ♪ Altos ♪ Listen ♪ He is the perfect sacrifice ♪ Jesus is ♪ Jesus is ♪ That's it ♪ Say it again altos ♪ He is the perfect sacrifice ♪ Jesus is ♪ Jesus is ♪ Aw yeah ♪ Sopranos sing it ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ What ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ What ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Yeah ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ I need you to say it again ♪ Jesus is the Lamb yeah ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ That's it that's it ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ Now tenors ♪ Here we go tenors ♪ He took away my sins ♪ Jesus is (hands clapping) ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He took away my sins ♪ Yes Sir ♪ Jesus is ♪ Everybody sing your part now hey ♪ ♪ He took the ♪ Yeah that's it ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He took away my sins ♪ Come on sing and dance with me ♪ ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Stop the music ♪ Let me hear the voices ♪ Say it ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ He is the perfect sacrifice ♪ Jesus is the Lamb ♪ Jesus is Jesus is ♪ Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He took ♪ Aw yeah I hear ya ♪ I hear ya Alabama Gospel ♪ Back to the top ♪ Let's take it home ♪ Come on ♪ Hey Jesus is the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Jesus is the Lamb woo ♪ The Lamb of God ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ That's it ♪ He is the Lamb of God ♪ Come on give Him praise - "Alabama Gospel Roots."

Hello, hello, hello.

Hello to all of you out there.

You're very beautiful people and we love you dearly.

We appreciate your support, the phone calls, all the things that you do, like the texts and all those things, and even the contributions that you make to Alabama Public Television.

All right, here we go.

Our community leader spotlight tonight is on Mr. Levert Hedgemon of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

He's a board member of the Murphy African American Museum, and he's a graduate of these schools: 20th Street Elementary.

That's right.

(host chuckling) He did real well there, and then Druid High School.

Congratulations on that.

Stillman College, University of West Alabama, and roll tide, University of Alabama.

From 1979 until his retirement in 2022, Mr. Hedgemon taught at Westlawn Middle School and he taught language arts, humanities, and what he's real famous for is the music.

My goodness, the choirs that he put out.

And they traveled all over the world.

That's right, students performed in Birmingham and Mississippi, Georgia, New York.

Yes, indeed, in 1998, brother Hedgemon was inducted into the Jacksonville State Teachers Hall of Fame.

He's somebody.

Also wrote a book entitled, "A Ministry Is Not a Job: Memoirs of a Middle School Teacher."

Served 55 years as minister of music at his church, Windemere Baptist Church, and he's now emeritus.

They've elevated him so he can just look over and tell people what to do.

Married to Catherine Hedgemon, two children, Mary Catherine and Levert III.

Woo, that was a lot of reading there.

But congratulations to Professor Lavert Hedgemon, a friend of mine as well.

We wish you well.

(soft guitar music) ♪ When I think about my past mistakes ♪ ♪ It's like my mind goes back to a different place ♪ ♪ Back when life had me down in defeat ♪ ♪ And thinking no one could ever save me ♪ ♪ Well I was lost and so confused ♪ ♪ I'm glad You said You can make all things new ♪ (soft guitar music continues) ♪ So I'll praise You ♪ Lord I'll praise You ♪ When I'm down here on my knees ♪ ♪ Thinking what else is left to do ♪ ♪ Lord I will praise You (soft guitar music continues) (soft guitar music continues) ♪ To this day I can still feel You near ♪ ♪ As that small still voice whispers in my ear ♪ ♪ Keep your head up child ♪ I made you a promise ♪ That nothing could ever separate us ♪ ♪ So until the day You call me home ♪ ♪ Lord there's one thing to do 'til my time's all gone ♪ ♪ I'll praise You ♪ Lord I'll praise You ♪ When I'm down here on my knees ♪ ♪ Thinking what else is left to do ♪ ♪ Lord I will praise You ♪ I'll praise You in the morning ♪ ♪ I will praise You in the noon ♪ ♪ So from now on when I need You Lord ♪ ♪ I'll know just what to do ♪ I'll praise You ♪ Lord I'll praise You ♪ When I'm down here on my knees ♪ ♪ Thinking what else is left to do ♪ ♪ Lord I will praise You ♪ Lord I will praise You (soft guitar music continues) - Oh, we thank you for joining us, and that's why we have great people like Danielle Hargrove with us.

How you doing?

- Doing well.

How are you?

- Great.

It's good to see you.

- Good to be here.

- Last time I think you had an injury.

- I did have an injury.

- Wow.

- Yeah.

- Don't do that again.

- I'm not planning on it.

(Danielle and host laughing) - Well, it's good to see you all back, healed up and everything.

- Thank you.

- Okay.

And so we got some people watching you up in Trinity, right?

- Yes.

Yes, Sir.

- Okay.

And what church are you a member of?

- Oak Grove.

- Oak Grove.

- Mm-hmm.

- Oak Grove.

Hello to everybody at Oak Grove.

And we've got Danielle with us, and you brought your sister along.

- I did.

I did.

- Kinda let her see what's going on, right?

- Yeah.

- Mm-hmm.

- Yeah.

- I understand she sings a little bit too, right?

- Mm, just a little.

- Just a little.

- Just a little.

- Uh oh, just a little?

All right, well, you gotta keep working with her.

- Absolutely.

- Great, great.

So listen, what have you done?

I understand you wrote a song, did I see?

- Yes.

Actually, all three that I'm singing today are originals.

- What?

- Yeah.

- Come on, girl!

- Yeah.

- I hear you, I hear you.

- Yeah.

Released a CD and everything, so we're- - You got me all behind.

- I know, I know.

- Come on.

You gonna have to do better.

- I will.

- Okay.

All right.

(Danielle giggling) Well, listen, we're glad to have you, as we always say, and we mean that, okay?

So to all the people in Trinity, I'm going to get through there and I'm gonna say hello to you.

Where should I stop to get a bite to eat when I get to Trinity?

- Let's go to, I don't know, let's go to Caddo Cafeteria.

- Caddo?

- Cafeteria.

- Cafeteria.

I'm coming.

Caddo Cafeteria, (Danielle laughing) here comes Brother George.

All right, in the meantime, your very own Ms. Danielle right here on "Alabama Gospel Roots."

(soft guitar music) ♪ Standing in a room full of people ♪ ♪ My mind just tends to block them out ♪ ♪ And with my eyes set on the steeple ♪ ♪ I'm reminded what your love is all about ♪ ♪ That you came to this world to save me ♪ ♪ For the sins I didn't even know I had ♪ ♪ So when the music fades ♪ And I'm left standing here ♪ With my eyes filled full of tears ♪ ♪ Lord I give you my heart ♪ All the good and bad parts ♪ Even every little lie that tells me I'm not good enough ♪ ♪ 'Cause You hold my tomorrow ♪ My sadness and my sorrow ♪ You want me just as I am ♪ Even though my heart is broke ♪ ♪ You put the pieces back together ♪ ♪ So I'm gonna worship You forever ♪ (soft guitar music continues) ♪ While the worship still continues ♪ ♪ I got this feeling in my heart ♪ ♪ There's so much that I have to give You ♪ ♪ But I'm just not sure where do I even start ♪ ♪ So when the music fades and I'm left standing here ♪ ♪ With my eyes filled full of tears ♪ ♪ Lord I'll give You my heart ♪ All the good and bad parts ♪ Even every little lie that tells me I'm not good enough ♪ ♪ 'Cause You hold my tomorrows ♪ My sadness and my sorrow ♪ You want me just as I am ♪ Even though my heart is broke ♪ ♪ You put the pieces back together ♪ ♪ So I'm gonna worship You forever ♪ (soft guitar music continues) ♪ Said Lord I give You my heart ♪ ♪ All the good and bad parts ♪ Even every little lie that tells me I'm not good enough ♪ ♪ 'Cause You hold my tomorrows ♪ My sadness and my sorrow ♪ You want me just as I am ♪ Even though my heart is broke ♪ ♪ You put the pieces back together ♪ ♪ So I'm gonna worship You forever ♪ (soft guitar music softens) (soft guitar music) ♪ Many say they are proud ♪ But will never talk in a crowd ♪ ♪ So Lord help me keep my mind on the ones that count ♪ ♪ 'Cause the enemy knows what will make fold ♪ ♪ But You are my maker ♪ You know what my future holds ♪ ♪ So when the lies of sin ♪ Try to pull me in ♪ I know that with You I will make it to the end ♪ ♪ For You are the Alpha ♪ Omega ♪ You're my dearest friend ♪ Redeemer ♪ Messiah ♪ The beginning and end ♪ You are the way ♪ The truth and the life ♪ And You'll be right by my side ♪ ♪ Yes You'll be by my side (soft guitar music continues) ♪ You've been there from the start ♪ ♪ When my world fell apart ♪ And the only thing left to give you was my heart ♪ ♪ My knees hit the ground ♪ And I swear I found ♪ A love like Yours unique and so profound ♪ ♪ When the lies of sin ♪ Try to pull me in ♪ I know that with You I will make it to the end ♪ ♪ For You are the Alpha ♪ Omega ♪ And You're my dearest friend ♪ Redeemer ♪ Messiah ♪ The beginning and end ♪ You are the way ♪ The truth and the life ♪ And You'll be right by my side ♪ ♪ Yes You'll be by my side ♪ So when the storms of life keep raging on ♪ ♪ No I won't shed a tear ♪ 'Cause I know You're in control ♪ ♪ For You are Alpha ♪ Omega ♪ You're my dearest friend ♪ Redeemer ♪ Messiah ♪ The beginning and end ♪ You are the way ♪ The truth and the life ♪ And You'll be right by my side ♪ ♪ Yes You'll be by my side ♪ Jesus You'll be right by my side ♪ (soft guitar music continues) (soft guitar music softens) (soft country guitar music) ♪ A little boy's out in the driveway ♪ ♪ His basketball in hand ♪ Saying daddy can we play a little one on one ♪ ♪ You pat him on the back and say not now son ♪ ♪ I'm a busy man ♪ His sister's out on the sidewalk ♪ ♪ Setting up a lemonade stand ♪ Saying daddy don't you want to buy a glass from me ♪ ♪ You say maybe later ♪ Can't you see I'm a busy man ♪ I gotta go ♪ Gotta run ♪ Hit it hard and get it done ♪ Everyone can see you're going far ♪ ♪ You got responsibilities ♪ A crazy schedule that you keep ♪ ♪ And when you see that times-a-wasting ♪ ♪ You don't know how right you are ♪ ♪ Busy man (soft country guitar music continues) ♪ There's a woman in the bedroom crying ♪ ♪ Saying I thought we had plans ♪ ♪ You say honey I'm sorry ♪ I'll make it up when the job slows down ♪ ♪ And I'm not such a busy man ♪ You gotta go ♪ Gotta run ♪ Hit it hard and get it done ♪ Everyone can see you're going far ♪ ♪ You've got responsibilities ♪ A crazy schedule that you keep ♪ ♪ And when you say that time's-a-wasting ♪ ♪ You don't know how right you are ♪ ♪ Busy man ♪ Have you ever seen a head stone with these words ♪ ♪ If only I had spent more time at work ♪ ♪ There's a call one day from the office ♪ ♪ They need you down in Birmingham ♪ ♪ You say no way ♪ The weekend's mine ♪ I got plans with the kids and a date with my wife ♪ ♪ I'm a busy man ♪ You gotta go ♪ You gotta run ♪ Take a break and have some fun ♪ ♪ Those that love you most say you've come far ♪ ♪ You've got some new priorities ♪ ♪ In that schedule that you keep ♪ ♪ And when you say that time's-a-wasting ♪ ♪ Now you know how right you are ♪ ♪ Busy man ♪ Busy man (soft country guitar music softens) - Right here at Horizon Church in Vestavia, Alabama with Pastor Joe Comer, and it's Jimmy Reno.

How are you doing?

- Doing good.

- Well, you're sounding great.

- Thank you.

- Great.

Now Jimmy, where are you from?

- I'm from Birmingham.

- You're from Birmingham- - Yes.

- But you travel all over the place?

- I have, yeah.

- Okay.

Come up, look at that audience and square it all around so we can let them see you, in case you owe somebody, and then they'll know how to find you.

(Jimmy and host laughing) - They'll know exactly where to find me.

- All right.

You've been singing a long time, haven't you?

- I have, yes.

Since I was like four, in church.

- Mm-hmm.

Okay, so do you play an instrument?

- Not an instrument that's really relevant to what I do, unfortunately.

(Jimmy chuckling) - Okay, so how do you pick your songs out when you're writing them?

- I start with the lyrics and then I usually get the tune in my head and I'll do it acapella.

- Mm-hmm.

- And then I'll record that and send it to my cousin who will play the guitar part for me.

And then we send that into the producer.

- So that's the process, in case some people might want to know.

You start with words- - Yeah.

- And then you make a tape.

- Yeah.

It's probably easier for those who do play guitar- - Mm-hmm.

- I would imagine, to write.

I'm sure it's helpful, - Whatever the process is.

- Yeah.

- But get it done, 'cause you're definitely getting it done.

- I just have to skip that step.

- All right.

Well, listen, we wanna hear you sing some more right here on "Alabama Gospel Roots," 'cause the people love what you're singing, how you're singing, your style and everything.

- Okay.

- So can we get another song to do?

- Oh, absolutely.

- All right, well, once again on "Alabama Gospel Roots," it's Jimmy Reno.

(soft music) ♪ In the morning when I rise ♪ In the morning when I rise ♪ In the morning when I rise ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ You can have all this world ♪ Give me Jesus (soft music continues) ♪ And when I am alone ♪ When I am alone ♪ When I am alone ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ You can have all this world ♪ Give me Jesus (soft music continues) (soft music continues) ♪ And when I come to die ♪ When I come to die ♪ And when I come to die ♪ Gimme Jesus ♪ Gimme Jesus ♪ Gimme Jesus ♪ You can have all this world ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ Give me Jesus ♪ You can have all this world ♪ You can have all this world ♪ You can have all this world ♪ Give me Jesus (soft music softens) - Well, the hour has gone right on by.

- It has, it flies.

- But it's been a wonderful hour.

- Yes, Sir.

- And on "Alabama Gospel Roots," we love wonderful things and we wanna say to all our people who are listening and those who have listening parties, you tell me about it when I see you everywhere I go that you call a neighbor and you call a friend and let 'em know that "Alabama Gospel Roots" is on again.

So we appreciate you very much and we want to encourage each and every one of you to keep reaching for the stars because you got somebody on your side that's going to help you make it.

Jimmy Reno- - Thank you.

- It's gone, but it's not all gone, 'cause you got one more song.

- Right, I got one more.

- Okay.

Well, as we close, if you don't mind saying this with me, we are all sisters and brothers.

- We're all sisters and brothers.

- There's only one color.

- There's only one color.

- And that's the color of love.

- That's the color of love.

- Everybody, be well.

Once again, Jimmy Reno.

(soft music) ♪ Some glad morn ♪ When this life is over ♪ I'll fly away ♪ To that home on God's celestial shore ♪ ♪ I'll fly away ♪ I'll fly away oh glory ♪ I'll fly away ♪ When I die ♪ Hallelujah by and by ♪ I'll fly away (soft music continues) ♪ When the shadows of this life have gone ♪ ♪ I'll fly away ♪ Like a bird from these prison walls have flown ♪ ♪ I'll fly away ♪ Oh I'll fly away oh glory ♪ I'll fly away (soft music continues) ♪ When I die Hallelujah by and by ♪ ♪ I'll fly away (soft music continues) (soft music continues) ♪ Oh how glad and happy when we meet ♪ ♪ I'll fly away