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I had the  pleasure of meeting Lanny Wolfe a few weeks ago.  Although I had grown up in California, and even taken piano lessons from one of Lanny's former students, I had never met the man who has written so many wonderful songs that have stood the test of time.  

Lanny has not been actively involved in Southern Gospel music for many years, but his songs still are being recorded today and hold that special something that every writer looks for.

Some of his best known songs are Greater Is He, Surely the Presence of The Lord Is In This Place, and More Than Wonderful, and I Keep Falling In Love With Him.  These songs have been recorded and re-recorded for the past 30 years.  Over the years his songs have been recorded by the Cathedrals, the Martins, Legacy Five, Lulu Roman, the Talleys, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, Brookllyn Tabernacle Choir, and many others.   But Lanny has so many songs that I believe could ride the top of the charts today, if an established artist would introduce it to the air waves once again as a single.  

Here is a brief list of tunes I feel that some of today's artist and producers should consider recording on an upcoming

1.   Jesus Made A Believer Out of Me
This song was introduce in 1974 on the Lanny Wolfe Trio's  REJOICING LIVE album, on Heart Warming Records. The up tempo song is infectious and will have the audience singing along before they realize they've even learned the words to it.

2.    Whatever It Takes
This ballad was a huge song in 1975 when Lanny's group first recorded it on their  SHOUT IT, JESUS IS COMING album.   This is simply one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard.  I consider it to be a masterpiece of song writing that every christian songwriter should look at and study.

3.    Jesus Will Be What Makes It Heaven For Me
Heaven songs are a staple in southern gospel music, and this is one of the best ever written.  Not only does it talk
about heaven, but it keeps the focus on Jesus.

4.     God's Wonderful People
This is one of the best songs ever written for opening a concert.  Back in 1974 the Downings recorded what I believe was the best version of this song.  But it is certainly time to introduce it to a new generation of gospel music fans.

5.      Someone Is Praying For You
The message in this song still needs to be heard, even though it is over 30 years old.   It is one of the most encouraging songs that you can sing to someone who is hurting.

6.       I'm Gonna Be Gone
This is a true southern gospel hand clapper.  Any Quartet should be able to knock a home run with this one.

7.      In Everything Give Him Thanks
Southern Gospel artist need to reach out and to the younger generation who has grown up on Praise and Worship music.  This song is a perfect vehicle for doing just that, but with a melody and chord progression that will still appeal to the fans of more traditional styles.  This one is more for the ministry minded artist than the entertainment based group.  If leading people in worship is not your thing, you may want to leave this one alone.  

8.       The Beauty Of His Name
This song first came to us in 1980 on Lanny Wolfe Trio's album CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC.  It's a strong ballad and one of the most beautiful songs about the name of Jesus that you will ever hear or sing.

9.        More Than Ever Before
Also from the 1980 album CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC, the simplicity of this song will reach out to those who love praise and worship songs.  But the chorus, verse, chorus format will appeal to those who enjoy southern gospel and traditional
hymns.  

10.       One Day Closer
This is another southern gospel hand clappin' song about going to heaven.  It ts better each time you sing it, because each time you do, you are just a little closer home than you were the last time you sang it. An updated arrangement of this early '70's  song could be a chart topper next year.

As I said above, this is only a brief list.   Lanny Wolfe has hundreds of great songs just waiting to be rediscovered.   Almost all of his recordings have been rereleased on CD.  If you would like to learn more about his amazing catalog of material, you can visit his website at http://www.paradigmmusic.net   

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net

Reader Comments

Daryl:

I couldn't agree more. Fabulous songs. "Precious Blood" is another wonderful Wolfe song. But "Heaven for Me" is probably the best!

Brian Hanson

I have long advocated Lanny's writings. What a tremendous writer. One song I have longed to see re-cut is "I Feel Good."

I agree Daryl, "Whatever it Takes" is a true masterpiece. A couple of other masterpieces are "My House is Full" and "Stirred, But Not Changed."

Back in the 70s, as a teenage bass singer in a group called the Singing Redeemed,I had the chance to open for the Lanny Wolfe Trio several times. Lanny is my favorite gospel songwriter of all time. Other songs I would suggest that groups cover: "Jesus Be the Lord of All (The Kingdoms of My Heart)" "The Party"
"Let Everything That Has Breath (Praise the Lord)"
and the incomparable "Something in The Air."

Chris J. Becker
Cedar Rapids, IA

Recently I found Lanny Wolfe's web site and found that one could still order cds!!! I got a double cd of "Favorites". They range for 1971 - about 1985. Great stuff! Made me "homesick" for more of that music!!!

God is good - all the time
All the time - God is good

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