REV. WILLIE MORGANFIELD

Preaching and singing have been closely connected for Reverend Willie Morganfield. The pastor of Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksdale, since 1975. Morganfield started out as a singer. He performed with a number of gospel groups included the New Orleans Chosen Five and The Kings Of Harmony. Eventually he became known as a soloist and released several hit recordings in the 50's and the 60's.
Since accepting the call to the ministry in the 1960s Morganfield has made preaching his priority.
His experience as a musician still comes through in the rhythms and verbal phrasing that he uses in his sermons. Morganfield has gained a national reputation for his preaching skills. 

I have this beautiful copy of his "While I can" released through Paula Records in 1967.

Record was produced by Don Logan and arranged by Sammy Steven There is a bluesy with a strong "early BB king" influence: "Lord I Need Thee (As I Can)"