Too Close To Heaven - Singles & Albums 1953-62

Professor Alex Bradford was a gospel singer, composer, arranger and choir director whose music during the 1950s and early ‘60s bridged the gap between gospel and soul, and who helped developed the modern mass choir movement in gospel. His music and vocal style was an influence on the likes of Little Richard, Ray Charles and Bob Marley, with his approach to gospel characterised by a fervent rocking atmosphere, which helped bring him a million-seller with “Too Close To Heaven”. This 70-track 3-CD collection comprises A&B sides of his singles on Specialty, including “Too Close To Heaven”, and the tracks from his album for Gospel “Walking With The King”, his Columbia album with the Abyssinian Baptist Choir, his Vee Jay album “One Step” and his album for Regent “I'm Going to Work Till The Day Is Done”. It includes recordings as Professor Alex Bradford and the Bradford Specials, Prof. Alex Bradford And The Men & Ladies Of Song, and with Bessie Griffin. This era was a heyday for the style of gospel music where many of the soul stars of the 60s and ‘70s learnt their trade and developed their style, and Alex Bradford was a key figure in that scene. This substantial collection offers an inspiring and uplifting showcase for his talents as songwriter, performer and choir leader.