Rev C.L Franklin- "The Old Ship Of Zion"

[brianshaw474]

Let all go back to the old way im 21 yr old but I have a old sprit but thats alright

[MrDjkillahbee]

This is what I remember about church as a child growing up in Mississippi in the '70s

[kattmansidle]

Ain't nothing like the Good Ole Gospel to take you on that journey

[floydrobert6]

No one makes or signs Gospel this way anymore. What a shame!!

[ilililhy1]

mama taught me about the Bible,but I lived my life my way,down a dark and lonely hiway,Jesus met me on my way. IT WAS DOWN AT THE RIVER, MUDDY WATER WASHED MY SINS AWAY.

[jdean4412]

I face so many bad situations each day, Every time I try to do some good, evil is present. It's good to be able have something as good as this to make you feel so much better. You forget about the evil and remember the goodness and the glory of Jesus. I can' stop listening.

[jdean4412]

God Bless Him!!

[jdean4412]

God Bless Him!!!

[tracybaby1969]

aman... praise god!!!

[mskdj2]

Aretha's mother was from my hometown....Shelby, Mississippi....

[soniaww312]

old gospel is the best gospel. These days the church let a lot of things go on that couldn't be done back in the days.

[bbranc52]

i agree

[gmuch37]

yes suh!!!!

[meatlman99]

I just thank Him for His Grace! Mercy and Protection. I've studied other religions and I'll take Jesus. What he represents and an awesome Gift from God. With all the meteors and space materials seen unseen manmade and God provides us order for existence...how can the heavens and earth be wholely organized for the existence of life without Him.

[wfsweinthere234]

WE NEED TO GO BACK TO TRADITIONAL..CONTEMPORARY IS NOT DOING IT IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD!!!!

[TheDefjams]

aretha looks just like her mom

[kerrykerrybell]

The best

The door is open come on borad you all

[kerrykerrybell]

The best

[djoutrage18]

alrite, so i'm not overly religious, but that just blew me away... wow

puts my church choir to shame!

[tommiexander]

Aretha looks like her mother. I love me some good ol fashioned Baptist preaching and singing. It stirs up my soul and makes me cry with joy. It is getting harder to find that anymore.

[MzSurvivor13]

This is one of those deep down to the bone marrow songs; this song reminds me of revival (when it was held for two weeks straight. Those hymns of yesteryear, all for some change, and keeping up, but in some instances we need to get back to basics, we need to step back and remember. To God be the Glory!

[nmania3]

I don't believe in God but songs like these just brings back so many memories For me, I doesn't have to do with religion, but the context and symbols behind the song... it's truley amazing

[Buckeyecat2002]

@nmania3 -The next time the sun goes down, look up into the sky at the sixty billion stars and the infinite planets surrounding them. Do you know how they got there? I believe in God, even though I have never seen God, nor have any idea what God looks like. God is much more awsome and omnipotent than any impotent, fake preacher begging for money on tv or elsewhere.

[nmania3]

@Buckeyecat2002 Beautiful nature or scenery doesn't prove the existence of god or that the Bible is truth. If I can' t prove the awesomeness or omnipotentness of god, he doesn't exist... it sucks knowing there is not god but I'm just trying to be real with myself.

[ONLYthroughTHECROSS]

@nmania3 Only a FOOL says there is No God

Give your brain a shake!

[nmania3]

@ONLYthroughTHECROSS

I am definitely no fool. Do you think it was easy for me to part with my belief in god or that I like the fact there is nor god.. No, i"m not going to pretend and believe that a god exist with no proof but a man made bible...

[alexalot23]

aretha looks like her mother.

[TheOfficialDivo28]

I know thats right! My mom used to lead this at church! He better sing it!

[BeBlessed52]

This is what we need back in our churches! Good ole testifying and soul to the bone singing!

[marce35164]

@BeBlessed52 Amen. I miss those old meters and old songs today also. Change is good, but sometimes we take away the things that were the very foundation of the church. You can feel the spirit of God in that song.

[loveisjoynpain]

This was real gospel singing...takes me back home...thanks for sharing

[eaglefishingtoo]

What a powerful song that takes me back to my roots in the kingdom of God. Glory to God!

[preachalaya]

YES! My BROTHER, LOVE THIS SONG!

[cryingeyes100]

Church in 2010 is commercial, theatrical, entertainment, competition,and a masquerade. The people dress as if its a fashion show. There's nothing wrong with looking nice but its their main focus. In C.L Franklin's time the people worshipped God from the heart and soul. The Word of God was ingraved in their heart and mind that help them to be transformed.

[shartiez1]

This reminds me of Rev. B.L. Blade, Sr. at Zion B.C., Shreveport, La. We really had church when I was growing up in Zion. He could really sing this.

[MzSurvivor13]

@shartiez1 Pastor Blade can still give it a good run even today at his age. The memories of yesteryear are so precious, continue to hold on to them.

[mizchei1]

Oh yessir this is church right here!!! Takes me back home; thanks for sharing.

[BeBlessed52]

@mizchei1 yes yes! This is church!

[krimsonangel]

This is the kind of church that we still have in Mississippi! You can feel the spirit move!

[ckuckie12]

this is truely one of the greatest preacher of all time there will never be another one that can speak like this man glory be to god

[tallbaby40]

Is that Aretha Franklins Mother in the picture?

[DaSourcespr06]

Yep, thats her, Barbara Franklin

[dorindaclarkcole]

Barbara practically spit Aretha out of her. Aretha looks exactly like her mom. Spitting Image.

[bholyway]

I like the concept of living up to ones name. I know the idea of doing so is in the Bible with good reason .hmmmm?

[Anto18nio]

u need to go some where and mind your own business. i do believe the Bible says Judge not, ye be not judged. The same manner ye judged it will be measured to you again. The Bible also says before you try to cast the plank out of someone elses eye, cast it out of your own first. The also says, for we all fall short of the glory of God. You need to read up on your word before you start stirring up trash.I don't care if you mark this as a bad comment. I know the bible is right and you're wrong.

[bholyway]

The Bible says all of that. God is serious about the sin of judging another person sort of like you just did me.(lol) God even said to the crowd "you without sin cast the first stone"

Now Tell me ONE scripture that says it is ok for a 40+ married preacher to have sex and a baby with a little 13yr old girl. It's not a judgement it's a question. Why does the ? anger you? What does the Bible say about THAT? Speak the Word, or defend the man. I'm done with it.

[tallbaby40]

I think God Forgives everyone that Repents.

[bholyway]

I know He does. I thank God He does.And everyone means everyone.For anything.

[smoothiota4]

...so why throw stones at Rev. Franklin. He will be judged by the same person who will judge us all. We all need to learn from our mistakes and wrongs and the wrongs and mistakes of others.

[bholyway]

Email me. The blood of Jesus works. The Holy Spirit is faithful. The call to the ministry is a sacred mission. I believe anyone can be a Christian. But can anyone be a minister. How do we know who should lead us as a pastor? What do we look for in the man/woman? What no longer qualifies them to lead? Is there anything that would cause a pastor to step down? Should follow anyone who says I am a preacher, I can heal you, send me money, I can sing, and I'm cute?

[TheFirecogicuk]

He who is without sin let him cast the first stone.

[bholyway]

Did Aretha have any children. Where is the child her dad had with the thirteen year old?

[Echerokee]

@bholyway He was a man. Why keep bring up things that are none of your concern. God does as he wills. Instead of stirring up trash live up to you name. We have all fallen short in some way. We all have some type of weakness.

[bholyway]

I can understand why you excuse his ungodly behavior,as a "weakness, and dismiss his reprehensible acts as a response to him being "a man". But what did God have to do with that madness. Not everyone is called to be a pastor. You will know them by their fruit. Not all 40 yr. old men have sex with children. Its not right. U can;t justify that. No WAY. Like him or not. Unsaved folks know that "ain't right".

[khalil4ulove]

I use to think the way you do until recently...... Judge not so you will not be judged!!!!!!

[bholyway]

You're right what he did was trash.

[Buckeyecat2002]

Master of the sermonette. Only Dr Sherley Ceaser comes close with "Never Turn Your Mother Away."

[xaviercoombs]

I wish I could hear mother Franklin! I hear she was an awesome singer!

[TheQueenAretha]

They say their are some recordings of Barbra Franklin singing.

[bjay59]

Reverend C. L. Franklin was not only the pinnacle of Black Reverends during his time but the man was blessed with a talented voice that was delivered in a thunder like fashion whenever he preached and sang. Is it any wonder that Aretha has such a talent for singing and music ? (Don't forget she plays organ and piano too). Reverend Franklin lives on today in his recordings and in his Daughter's voice. If you listen closely whenever Aretha sings you can hear her Father in the background.

[locnetic]

The woman in the picture is Aretha's mother. If she was one of the best singers MAHALIA JACKSON heard, you know where Aretha got a lot of her talent from, besides her daddy.

[TheQueenAretha]

Like Father, like Daughter.

[geecarrs]

I came up in ole school,We didn,t have t.v, many radio stations,so we depended on record players.Rev. Franklin was #1 on our player.peopl would stop just to hare the eagle stirreth her nest,and many more we had on hand.\

muc love.keep it going. where is our history, someone need to knnow.

[LoveMusicBad]

Wish I were around in those days and in those places....I love the old time thing....I am still in ma 30's. Anyone have any clips of Rev. Cleophus Robinson? I used to love listening to his records....songs and sermons.

[1joker88]

If that's his late wife next to him, Mahalia Jackson said that she was one of the best singers she'd ever heard!

[TheRealDarthCosby]

damn.. if church had been like this when i was growing up... damn.. i might be christian today...

[ccczar]

TheRealDarthCosby,

It is not to late to give your life to Christ! The Lord is patiently waiting for you to say yes. The Lord has already said "yes" to you. God bless you.

[Just9909]

That's so true, it's never too late for the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ! Sometimes though we need not get involved with how much entertainment that is in the Church. Jus long as they they teach Jesus Christ dieing and raising for our many sins!

[deaner1519]

To TheRealDarthCosby ... look and you will still find churches like this. Not all Christians are Ned Flanders.

[grhaney]

It's not too late.

[Goldie624]

The first time I heard this was on The Color Purple at Celie's father's funeral.

I love Reverend Franklin's voice and his sermons and hymns.

He was shot in his home by a burglar and layed in a coma for FIVE YEARS! That's somethin else!

He was a good-looking and a singin man!

[asimmonsjr]

this ol ship of Zion

[bigbuck75]

we need to go back to this......this is CHURCH!!!!

[powwowlls]

THIS IS WHEN THEY REALLY HAD CHURCH

[SoulPowerful]

My grandmother, an AWESOME singer in her own right, had the opportunity of hearing Aretha's Mother sing a few times. From my grandmother's description the woman COULD HOLLA, meaning she could SANG up a storm.

[derrickheard]

preach man i am getting happy he was a legendary in his time dr.c.l.franklin the GODFATHER OF WHOOPING

[bobobekker]

as a young boy i was in the church and I saw Aretha and here father and it seems to rain but I cried so loud just like a baby.

Wonderful,thanks

[revhcrayton]

I am finding myself at 59 yrs weeping when thrust back through songs like these.Not a time They knew how to make a little go a long way.I was poor but mt mom and dad made me feel rich.Gadsden Alabama by way of Goodwater!

[Banyboy43]

I live in Gadsden,AL and pastor in Attalla. Friendship Bapt Church - Rev. E. Tramaine Solomon, my good friend Cameron Thomas is from Goodwater,AL

[derrickheard]

hey doc how are you my father also lives in Goodwater Al Rev. Jimmy Heard

[Eddieontv]

Please give Rev. Tim Meriweather my regards, we attended college together at Bishop, in Dallas, TX! Great fellow and salt of the earth!

[QYSORrambleON]

WOW!!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!

[rmbb10]

Powerful indeed.

[temptsfan2]

Is this Aretha's mom?

[chaitov52]

If I understand Rev. Franklin's biography, this is indeed Aretha's mother and isn't she beautiful, G-d bless her soul.

[DaSourcespr06]

Yes that is Aretha'a mother, I believe her name is Barbara. Mahalia Jackson said she was the greatest singer she ever herself heard..

[temptsfan2]

Thanks for the verification. She looks like she would be her mom. This is probably the only picture I have seen of her.

[BashaaniN]

Auntie Ree looks like both her parents. But listen closely to her daddy moaning and you'll hear Aretha's biggest vocal influence. Aretha moans just like Rev. C.L. Franklin.

[Eddieontv]

My father was a pastor in Kansas and used to tell us about times when he would go to crusades to hear Rev. Franklin preach and a very young Aretha sing.  I have studied much about Dr. Franklin with amazement from many who knew him personally! There is a book of history which centers on his life and the city of Detroit and the great Black migration there. I'd love to check it out.

[San47di]

I lived in Detroit during the times of Rev. Franklin. As a young child/teen during the summer early 60's, on specific Thursday nights thru Saturday nights, you could walk to the open leased parking lot close to Rev. Franklin's Church and attend the tented Revivals that he conducted for the community. Baptist Churches were truly "Opened" to ALL back then and None shyed away from proclaiming the Lord in public. He was one of the most popular preachers in the City until his downfall.

[videeojunke]

@DaSourcespr06 A M E N!!!! Mahalia Jackson was and is the greatest singer,even Gospel for all time!!! I grew up on her,my grndma loved her and played her music.

[CoverGirl084]

@DaSourcespr06 mom was beautiful..wonder what the story was

[letmespeak2u]

@temptsfan2 she looks like Coretta King

[chaitov52]

I've heard just about every version of this spiritual and can't stop coming back to Rev. Franklin's. I'm a Jew but there's something in this song that transcends things that we just don't understand. But one thing I can say for sure; people better get on board soon, because that ole ship of Zion; she's getting ready to change course as the prophets foretold! Many a saint came before us all and to your merit, these Christian saints shall never be forgotten! Bless you. Bless you all.

[DaSourcespr06]

I know what you mean..Gospel goes beyond religious background, it has a power all of it own! God bless you bruh!!

[QuintNesha]

He is from Cleveland,Mississippi @the St.Peter Rock MB cHURCH.He left and was called to Memphis and then Detroit.He was a man before his time.

[appetancy]

Masterpiece! "If the typhoons don't get you, then the trade winds will." I don't know what's more impressive, his singing voice or his preaching voice. But simply as a singer he's one of the greatest men in gospel history.

Apropos James Cleveland's arrangement of 'I've Been in the Storm." If Edwin Hawkins' version of "O Happy Day" was distinctive enough to be called a new song, then James' qualifies too. Like Dorothy Love and Inez Andrews, James excelled at turning old songs into new.

[Darneloh]

Yes Lawd!!! That man know he was a warrior if he was to come back from the grave and was to be preaching on a 7night revival, I would be there with bells on lol!You know you get 5stars forthis one.Shane if you have him singing I've been in the strom too long pls post.Because most people think that was written for Joe Ligon but really C.L was the first one to sing it. James Cleveland wrote it he used to live in their home.Thanks for this man!

[DaSourcespr06]

I don't know if I have that one, I think i do, but I will have to check and see. However, I do know that that song has been around for a long time, since back during slavery! And I don't think Joe Ligon nor James Cleveland were alive back then, lololololol!

[Darneloh]

I know that I have gretatest hits of MCJ and on the inside it said James cleveland composer.You know sometimes things are recorded wrong.

[DaSourcespr06]

oh no, u right, in roder for alot of these recording to be put out, the artist have to lay claim to them as they are public domain songs, like "Get Away Jordan", "Mary Don't You Wee", and "Go Down Moses", so yeah, James Cleveland had to put himself there lest he wanted someone else to lay claim to his song, and i dont think he would want that, he looks like he could beat a brutha down..lololol!