Can I Get a Witness!

Reviews / Votes

"Dolins has given readers a great gift-a behind-the-curtain view of the gospel music industry during its golden era. There's no better docent for the journey than Pastor Donald Gay because he and his siblings, the famous Gay Sisters of Chicago, were 'in the room where it happened.' Pastor Gay's gift for storytelling, his remarkable recall, wonderful sense of humor, and lifelong curiosity paint a very human portrait of the pioneers and legends of gospel music. His stories linger with you long after their telling." -- Robert M. Marovich, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gospel Music "The Gay family's immense contributions to gospel and Chicago have been overlooked for far too long. Mildred, Evelyn, Geraldine, and Donald Gay helped forge the music's golden age while selflessly uplifting their community on the South Side. Donald Gay's vivid memory, sharp sense of humor and unflinching honesty set the record straight as Steven B. Dolins envelops the reverend's brilliant personal narrative with crucial historical context. This vital book is a cause for celebration." -- Aaron Cohen, author of "Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power" "Dolins and Gay have crafted an extraordinary history on the sadly overlooked but hugely gifted 1950s era gospel trio, The Gay Sisters. Rev. Gay's older sisters Evelyn, Geraldine, and Mildred Gay were the Destiny's Child of their era on the gospel scene. Aside from helping The Staple Singers get their first recording contract, they provided a haven for jazz legend Sonny Rollins when he was beating a heroin addiction and they even influenced the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who covered one of their classics on her best-selling Amazing Grace album. This book is a genealogy on the Gay dynasty and the family business of music and ministry. However, it indirectly chronicles the hardships of a generation of gospel performers who also battled the isms of racism, chauvinism, sectarianism, and sexism. Off stage, there were battles between the sisters over romantic entanglements and business decisions. There were thieving record labels. There were prison sentences and even a murder trial. This book is a must-have for fans of traditional gospel music and for those who'd love a voyeuristic peek into twentieth-century Black church culture and the shady side of the early gospel music industry." -- Bill Carpenter, author of "Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia" "This book is a gem. Dolins and Gay have offered a treasure trove of rich stories about gospel music, faith, and family. At times surprising, humorous, and heartbreaking, Can I Get a Witness! honors one of the most significant musical families to come out of Chicago, and opens new avenues for the study of gospel music." -- Allie Martin, author of "Intersectional Listening: Gentrification and Black Sonic Life in Washington, DC"