Every now and then it is good to go back and take a look at earlier videos by legends of gospel music.   Well, this month we did and decided to review the video Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes' The Country Boy Goes Home. . .II.

One of the true legends and gentlemen of Gospel Music was Willie Neal Johnson.  Yes, Willie had Paul Beasley, Charles McLean and Robert Williams to call on.  He even had the great bass singer Jeffery Newberry.  And, there were Minister Teddy Cross, the Talley brothers, brand new, and baby.  But the heart of The Gospel Keynotes was Willie Neal Johnson.  What is why a video of this giant of gospel music is one to treasure.

The group went back to their home base of Tyler, Texas to record this video.  In addition, this video showcases the return of Paul Beasley to the group.  So, you have Jeff, Paul, Gino and Willie, all from the original group, on this video.  Maybe that is why the group's name on this project is Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes.  Whereas, on the Country Boy Goes Home, which was released in 1992, the name of the group is Willie Neal Johnson & The NEW Gospel Keynotes.  For the diehard Keynotes' fan, we recognize that Paul is actually on the 1996 CD, Help Me To Be Strong.  However, The Country Boy Goes Home. . . II is the first video that Paul appears on after his return to the group.   

The CD recording of this project has eleven songs.  Whereas, on the video there are twelve (tracks) songs - ”Do All We Can For the Lord,” “Hold Me,” “No Turning Back,” “Farther Along,” “Help Me To Be Strong,” “This Heart of Mine,” “Little Boys and Girls,” “Jesus Will Save You,” “What a Friend (Take It To Jesus),” “He'll Make a Way,” “Medley: Just For Me, Jesus You've Been Good To Me, Little Wooden Church, I'm Yours Lord, Lord I Thank You, That's My Son,” and ”Take Me Back.”  The “Medley” is not on the CD. 

The group is at their best on each song. But, there is something about the song "Little Boys and Girls" that really makes it stand out. This song has probably gotten very little airplay.  But, it is one of the best songs ever recorded by this group.  In addition, there is a powerful message in the song that parents should, and are encouraged to, share with their children. To see Willie and Paul interacting with the children at the stage while singing this song is, in and of itself, worth the price of this video.  

The quality of the sound on this video is outstanding. There are no highs or lows in the sound quality.  The recording level is consistent throughout the video.  The lighting is also great. You can clearly see the entire group, with no blind spots. In addition, the close-ups of the group’s members are one of the best.  And also, you can actually see the audience.  They are an integral part of this recording. The stage is large.  So, the guys have plenty of room to move around.  And, move around they did.  Everyone, the group and the audience seemed to have had a great time at this recording.   

If you like good hard hitting gospel quartet music than you must add this video from The Legendary Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes to your collection.  You will really be disappointed in years to come when this video is no longer available.  As with so many of the older gospel music videos, the history lesson alone is worth the price of the video.  We give this video a 10 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of this video click Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes.
 

Top 5 Gospel Quartet Videos

2. Racy Brothers

There's Not A Friend

3. Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's

Tell The Angels