Memphis Sanctified Singers

by John BushLed by Bessie Johnson and also featuring Melinda Taylor and Sally Sumler, the Memphis Sanctified Singers recorded several sides for Victor during the late 20s. Though many of their sides were released as Bessie Johnson & Her Sanctified Singers, Harry Smiths popular 1952 folksong compendium Anthology of American Folk Music listed the group as the Memphis Sanctified Singers. All six sides recorded by the group appear on the collection Memphis Gospel: Complete Works (1927-1929). They also appeared on several recordings by the Elders McIntorsh and Edwards Sanctified Singers (also featured on the same compilation).