Tribute To Willie Mae Ford Smith- "The Lifeboat Is Coming"

Gospel icon from out of St. Louis, Missouri, Willie Mae Ford Smith. She was a source of inspiration for several artists including Mahalia Jackson, Brother Joe May, The Barrett Sisters, The Late O'Neal Twins, and many others.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Willie
• Mae
• Ford
• Smith
• Lifeboat
• Is
• Coming
• Black
• Gospel
• Church
• God
• Jesus
• religious
• soul
• St
• Louis

[windofthespirit]

nobody like mother smith!!! (I love to hear bertha play - Gwen too!!! I actually got to meet Gwen Lightner Cooper - and yes u have to say all 3 names! LOL)

[Rowoches]

Gwen seemed like she was just a very sweet lady! I wish I would've had an opportunity to meet her!

[1joker88]

what year is this recording?

[Rowoches]

I don't know the exact year, but it's from the 1950's....if I find the year, I'll definitely let you know.

[Darneloh]

You do a really good job with these vids,but I think you know that huh? 5stars man!!!

[Rowoches]

LOL! Thanks!

[JudahCub1981]

@calvin51100 Mahalia learned some of her phrasing from Mother Smith. A lot of folks think Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey were her main influences but she learned a bit of technique from Mother Smith and a lady named Mary Johnson Davis.

[wcta0608]

She was a great teacher and mentor. Really gave weight to the Convention of Gospel Choruses under Dr. Dorsey. What a great great soul

[ivanberry19]

i would love to see her homegoing service.

[calvin51100]

i close my eyes and think imlistening tomahalia

[Cynthiano2009]

Wonderful song, beautiful vocals, soulful arrangement, meaningful lyrics. Even though I grew up strictly on Gospel (James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, and them ; ) I had never heard of Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith before I saw the "Say Amen, Somebody!" documentary. I was immediately fascinated by her powerful, positive spirit. And the sister could still blow--even well into her seventies and eighties! I hope more of us young Christians learn more about our precious gospel heritage.

[reneedaughter]

Yes Sir !!! Beautiful song by Mother Willie Mae Ford.

[jonardennes]

The storms is raging upon the deep, the wild winds howl the mad waves leap, the clouds are hiding the sun from sight, but the life boat is coming from the beacon bright, the life boat is coming this way, this way, the pilot shouts through the storm and calls, the life boat, can you hear Jesus say, take host, take host, take host

[blackloveincense]

BLESS GOD.

[V334432]

Oh my Lord, Glory. I feel like running. Oh my Lord help me please. Jesus, sweet Jesus