AL GREEN

“People Get Ready”

JOHNNY CASH & THE CARTER FAMILY

“Were You There?”

1960s

CARL SAUCEMAN & THE GREEN VALLEY BOYS

“We’ll Be Rewarded”

1960s

THE HAPPY GOODMAN FAMILY

“The Lighthouse”

1970s

Rusty Goodman was the Brian Wilson of country gospel. This is a rare public appearance after he’d retreated to the studio. This sounds like just another rewrite of “Funny How Time Slips Away” until the harmony kicks in around 2:40. Hang on for the payoff.

SOUL STIRRERS

“Lord, Remember Me”

1970s

PORTER WAGONER

“Pastor’s on Vacation”

(1960s)

I watched the Porter Wagoner Show most every week when I was a kid, mostly because it was better than the preaching or the fishing shows on the other channels. Watching the reruns on RFD TV this past year, I’ve realized how much Porter taught me about music and how much I learned about lusting after women from the way he stared at Dolly Parton.

Wagonmaster is Porter’s best album since the 1960s and one of my favorites this year. I’m just glad he stuck around long enough to get some credit.

Porter died tonight in Nashville. Goodnight, brother.

PORTER WAGONER & THE WILLIS BROTHERS

“I’ll Fly Away”

(1960s)

MARTY STUART

“This Little Light of Mine”

AL GREEN

“Jesus is Waiting”

1970s

DWIGHT YOAKAM

“The Old Rugged Cross”

1980s