Detroit guitarist, producer and label-owner Dave Hamilton
worked in the city from the mid-40s until the end of the
century. He was involved in most fields of black music and
gospel was no exception. Although not a particularly religious
person himself, his home was directly opposite Reverend CL
Franklin’s New Bethel Baptist Church where his daughters
Erma, Aretha and Carolyn would attend and sing. It was a
major centre for the Civil Rights movement and Dave would
have made many contacts through that church.
? Having an affordable recording studio in the centre of the city
and a reputation as an accomplished guitarist, producer and
approachable character, meant his studios and label were in
the right place at the right time.
? Dave dabbled with gospel recordings throughout his career
and in 1969 registered his Sacred Sounds label and entered the
gospel field seriously. The label had around 20 single releases
and at least one album. The records were presumably sold in
the churches where the groups performed and pressed in
relatively small numbers, judging by the scarcity of the discs
today. There are likely to be more Sacred Sounds discoveries
in the future. There were a few releases issued on one-off
labels like New Creation, Silver Harp and Motor City, while the
Reynolds Singers featuring Little Stevie was issued on his
Demoristic imprint. Dave kept the master tapes so the sound
on most tracks is very good. There were many unissued
gospel recordings including an LP’s worth on the Scott
Singers, two of which we have included, along with numbers
from the Reverend Simon Barbee, blues singer Mr Bo and
Dave’s main male soul singer OC Tolbert, whose family group
was a major gospel act.
? With Dave’s heavy involvement in soul music the tracks are a
superb blend of gospel and soul and will appeal to lovers of
both genres. Although recorded mainly between 1969 and
1974, the timeless nature of black church music makes their
appeal relevant to fans of black music from any decade.
