Atlanta, GA: This has proven to be a landmark year for Pastor Jasper Williams Jr. in many ways. The legendary pastor and disciple of C.L. Franklin’s hooping style of preaching, celebrated 60 years of sermonizing this year (47 of them at Salem Bible Church in Atlanta) and he also celebrated the success of his first musical album in two decades, Landmark (Church Door Records). Fueled by the initial radio single, “Down Through the Years,” the live CD debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums sales chart – Williams’ first chart entry since 1985’s Good Soldier album.
Now, the second single, “I Am The Way,” is on its way to gospel radio stations around the country. The spirited, hand-clapper features a raw lead vocal by Danetta Moore who tours as one of R&B star Angie Stone’s background vocalists. She makes her national recording debut on this up-tempo track that features The Salem Bible Church Mass Choir. The tune was written by noted songwriter Derrick Starks who has composed smash hits such as Rance Allen’s “Choose Ye This Day,” Vanessa Armstrong’s “Never Let A Day Go By” and “Take It Back” and “So Many Times” by Dorinda Clark Cole.
From the `60s through the `80s, Williams recorded two-dozen best-selling sermon LPs like 1986‘s I Fell In Love With A Prostitute and a handful of memorable gospel music albums. Williams is a preaching heir to Aretha’s father, Rev. C.L. Franklin (The Man With the Million Dollar Voice), and he discovered songbird, Dottie “On Time God” Peoples. After a 20-year sabbatical where he focused on the growth of his church, Williams is back in the musical groove. The album is a celebration of William’s musical heritage. It features gospel standards such as “Born Again,” “Calvary,” and other tunes arranged by Salem’s Minister of Music/Producer, Kelvin A. Manson. “If I leave this world now,” he says. “I feel that God has given me a fullness of life for which I’m proud and pleased and this would be a great exit for this album to hit and make it.”
