Dr. Velma Willis - Lead Me, Guide Me

[Alanspirit1]

truly this hymn resonates within my soul!!!

[mygrommi]

Did Doris Akers sing a song during this video session? At the end of one of the songs there are random photos from the session. One is of Doris with a microphone in her hand. If she sang a song, will you please post it? Do you have a list of all the songs on the video you could post so I can search for other songs that have been posted? Thank you so much for sharing these songs which are outstanding and so anointed.

[inquiz08]

where can we find more videos of these great songs?

[whyspeaktou]

I really mis the old gospel days. I am just 27 years of age but i grew up on this stuff. My grandmother made sure of it. This new stuff just does not get it for me. Lord let me walk each day with thee. Thats enough just to shout right there.

[Bluzey30]

Oh Lord. I needed this today. I wish I could get these videos. THIS is true gospel.

[jddrew1000]

She sounds like Delois Barrett

[HottestChick10]

Years ago as a young adult I belonged to Tabernacle Baptist Church. I believe her son was the pianist for the newly formed young adult choir. That was part of my introduction to gospel music. I remember hearing her sing. This is great!!!

[dphmichigan]

Does anyone know the name of the lady-composer sitting next to Ms. Doris Akers?

[MrProfessor1984]

Dr. Willis was like 59 or 60 in this video...She looked awesome!!! God her rest her singing soul.

[georgiapeach42]

Who is ihe in agreen top3;00?

[vocalvessel]

I have both days of the filming! CLASSIC!

Ron Barrett

[direfranchement]

The compositions of Roberta Martin and Doris Akers dominated this gospel gathering. Beautiful.

[RAWSRLFD]

Where was this taped?

[Wvrsandiego]

@RAWSRLFD Bill Gaither has a farm in Alexandria, Indiana where this studio is based. it's where most of his Southern Gospel recordings are done, you've seen some of his "Bill Gaither Gospel Homecoming hours" on TV ? This is the place where most are recorded exvept when they are on the road.

[hemnjc]

...bless the spirit of the great vocal ability of Velma Willis...

[BenniiTonna]

SING GRANDMA!!!! What i would do to hear her sing in person and see her face again. (-_-)

[beejonesy84]

Does any one know why these weren't released to the general public?

[Wvrsandiego]

from what I was told, it was a contract dispute with D. Vails and Savoy/Malaco Records.( they later produced Legends). This video was produced by Bill Gaither. Seems like there would be some time limit and it could still be released.

[Monk3597]

The great Doris Akers a dynamic all around musician. Would have loved to hear her play that selection.

[penst21]

God Bless You.  I used to have this video and What A BLESSING to view it here. This is one of my favorites from the video. I hope someone posts Rev Clay Evans singing "I know the Lord Will Make A Way" soon. This was surely a legendary moment, getting these greats together for many of them have passed on. May they rest in peace and know their labor is not in vain for their music lives on in us who grew up with ane continue to tell the Gospel story in song.

[KMHemsleyJr]

I am blessed tohave a copy of this video. What a blessing it is. In fact, I was watching it this morning before coming to work. Needless to say I was a little late. It was while watching this video I was able to put a face to the voice that I had heard and been blessed by many years ago. I would love to have met Dr. Willis.

[jerhen1]

I love this song its my one and only

[wepopalot]

Marcell77 could you tell me what video this is from?

And thank you for posting.

[Marcell77]

you're welcome!! the title of this video is "On My Way To Heaven". it was done in 1994.

Be Blessed.

[Tujones72]

How can I get a copy of this video?

[Marcell77]

it was never released to the general public. a friend of mine somehow was able to obtain a copy and was gracious enough to make one for me.

Be Blessed.

[muziq08]

@Marcell77 they sold it at GMWA ... i just bought it

[amepastor]

I need this video... every clip you have posted has blessed me tremendously.

[ivanberry19]

me to.but i was told that it is not available.

[BabyGirlTee407]

AMEN! AMEN!

[keke142000]

Wow, i'm glad i found this on here, I love this hymn...i just heard it a few months ago...i know it's old, i'm only 22 yrs old.

[karma342]

Wow! This is an AMAZING performance of this MAGNIFICENT song by Doris Akers! And it is sooo cool that Ms Akers was there!! She appears at 0:30 and again at 2:35 !! Thanks so much for posting this!! And please visit my channel... it is a tribute to this phenomenal composer, pianist, singer and choir director! God bless you!

[keke142000]

Wow...is her name is in the hymn book. Is she still alive???

[karma342]

Yes, her name and songs appear in the hymn books of many denominations. She was one of the most prolific composers of Gospel's Golden Age and wrote many songs we still sing in church today: "Lead Me, Guide Me", "Sweet, Sweet Spirit", "You Can't Beat God Giving", "Grow Closer" just to name a few.This one in particular she wrote and recorded in 1953. She passed away in 1995, but please visit my channel and click on the wiki article link if you would like to learn more about this anointed composer!

[Tujones72]

Thank you for pointing Ms Akers out to me, I love all of her selections! This is one of my favorites! I really need this video.

[KMHemsleyJr]

I have been blessed to see this. This hymn is one of my favorite. It's also a favorite of my Daddy. I would love to have known Dr. Willis and look forward to any other posting of her blessing the children of God.

There is such a story behind the recording of this video. It's my prayer that eventually it will be produced and released for the general public. Many of those who participated are now gone to their rest, but there are still many who are among us - continuing to serve and bless.

[eyesawit2]

This was A True Woman of God!!

And a REAL LADY!!!

Bless The memory and family of Dr.Willis.

[MrsCyn]

This is great; seeing & hearing my mother-in-law again. Do you happen to have Just when I need Him most?

[charlyn7]

GRANDMA!!!

[goodstiff]

Just fantastic, simply fantastic. I love to hear Velma Willis sing. Dr. Willis is a blessing to St. James.

[kbolden07]

I wish Doris Akers could have played it on the piano. Not knocking Mr. Vails I just love Ms. Akers' playing

[ivanberry19]

she has a wonderful voice one of the best sopranos i have ever heard.

[matthew5and9]

Is that Donald Vails on piano?

[Marcell77]

yes sir!!

[hemnjc]

@matthew5and9

Yes, Donald Vails was on piano for, "Lead Me, Guide Me!"

[PrinceLolow]

Look have mercy. Where this this come from? Its great to see Detroit in the house on something like this. Many of Detroit's great had had the opportunity to be featurein a presentation such as this.

[linuscarlo]

OMG! You are right...absolutely love it!!!

[BrothaRollins]

her sanging make ya shake your head, Sang Dr. Willis! Lord have mercy

[ivanberry19]

i agree with you so much.