This CD is a tribute to the late Brother Curtis Rice (1912-1999). Curtis Rice was born on March 15, 1912 in the rural town of Sherrill Arkansas. At an early age he showed an interest in music. As he grew older he honed his vocal skills to become one of Arkansas's premier gospel singers.
In 1938 he joined the renowned "Spiritual Five". The "Spiritual Five", had an impressive list of accomplishments. They were former members of he "United Quartettes of America". They booked the best talent in some of the best places. The organization selected only one (1) group from Arkansas, and that group was the " Spiritual Five". This meant that the "United Quartettes of America" considered this group to be the best talent in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin.
In 1972 the "Spiritual Five" disbanded. It was also in that same year Curtis formed the "Rice Spiritual " singers. Consisting of his three sons: Samuel who played lead guitar and sang tenor, Nathaniel who played bass and snag baritone, Freddy who sang background, his son-in-law Curtis Broom, and close friends Artie Johnson and Benjamin Franklin all sang vocals. This group was widely known through its radio broadcasts and Prison ministry. They also performed on shows with gospel greats like 'the Jackson Southernaires', ' the Gospel Keynotes', 'the Mighty Clouds of Joy', 'Willie Banks', and many others.
It was Curtis Rice's dream to record an album with his "Rice Spiritual" group but unfortunately he passed away before this was accomplished.
However, through the efforts of now producer/engineer Samuel Rice, Curtis Rice's dream to record an album became a reality. A combination of a 1983 live prison performance and additional studio tracks resulting in this sensational CD called "God Has Smiled On Me". This CD captures the essence of Curtis' blistering, soul stirring lead vocals coupled with that traditional southern gospel flavor.
A celebration of 'Total Praise' as we remember the life and legacy of the late Brother Curtis Rice. A singer the Lord knew he would be; to continue 87 years, a true servant he had to be; singing up in heaven, he must be.
Track List:
1. God Has Smiled On Me
2. Search Me Lord
3. What Time It Is
4. I Love To Praise His Name
5. One Day At A Time
6. Cabin In Glory
7. Jericho Road
8. Using Me
9. God Has Smiled On Me 2002
10. It's Amazing How The Lord Provides
11. Wade In The Water
Suggested CDs:
In 1938 he joined the renowned "Spiritual Five". The "Spiritual Five", had an impressive list of accomplishments. They were former members of he "United Quartettes of America". They booked the best talent in some of the best places. The organization selected only one (1) group from Arkansas, and that group was the " Spiritual Five". This meant that the "United Quartettes of America" considered this group to be the best talent in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, Missouri and Wisconsin.
In 1972 the "Spiritual Five" disbanded. It was also in that same year Curtis formed the "Rice Spiritual " singers. Consisting of his three sons: Samuel who played lead guitar and sang tenor, Nathaniel who played bass and snag baritone, Freddy who sang background, his son-in-law Curtis Broom, and close friends Artie Johnson and Benjamin Franklin all sang vocals. This group was widely known through its radio broadcasts and Prison ministry. They also performed on shows with gospel greats like 'the Jackson Southernaires', ' the Gospel Keynotes', 'the Mighty Clouds of Joy', 'Willie Banks', and many others.
It was Curtis Rice's dream to record an album with his "Rice Spiritual" group but unfortunately he passed away before this was accomplished.
However, through the efforts of now producer/engineer Samuel Rice, Curtis Rice's dream to record an album became a reality. A combination of a 1983 live prison performance and additional studio tracks resulting in this sensational CD called "God Has Smiled On Me". This CD captures the essence of Curtis' blistering, soul stirring lead vocals coupled with that traditional southern gospel flavor.
A celebration of 'Total Praise' as we remember the life and legacy of the late Brother Curtis Rice. A singer the Lord knew he would be; to continue 87 years, a true servant he had to be; singing up in heaven, he must be.
Track List:
1. God Has Smiled On Me
2. Search Me Lord
3. What Time It Is
4. I Love To Praise His Name
5. One Day At A Time
6. Cabin In Glory
7. Jericho Road
8. Using Me
9. God Has Smiled On Me 2002
10. It's Amazing How The Lord Provides
11. Wade In The Water
Suggested CDs:
- Bishop Michael V. Kelsey and the New Samaritan Mass Choir
- Bishop Michael V. Kelsey and The New Samaritan Mass Choir