Gospel and soul singer Naomi Shelton has a new CD out, and it’s her first. But Shelton is no newcomer.
She’s 66 years old. And she’s been singing all her life: from making the circuit of Alabama churches at the age of six, to heating up Manhattan clubs in her sixties.
Now comes her big break. The Washington Post’s Express calls her “a national treasure.” In six decades singing gospel, she says she never gave up.
This hour, On Point: gospel powerhouse Naomi Shelton on her life, her music, and her first record.
You can join the conversation. Tell us what you think — here on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.
-Jane Clayson, guest host
Guests:
Naomi Shelton joins us from New York. She’s the lead singer of Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens. She has been singing since the age of six. Her debut album, on Daptone Records, is “What Have You Done, My Brother?”
Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Daptone Records, which released “What Have You Done, My Brother?” He wrote five of the songs and plays bass guitar on the album under the name of Bosco Mann.
See a short video about Naomi’s life:
Would Gabriel Roth be willing to write Gospel for a duet of Naomi with Allison Krauss?
Posted by Charlie Mc, on June 30th, 2009 at 10:10 am EDTBrilliant.
I love Daptone Records and the soul music they are promoting. The Dap-Kings are great.
Posted by Putney Swope, on June 30th, 2009 at 10:51 am EDTNaomi Shelton–WOW!
I’m completely blown away by Ms. Shelton and her music. For me, it’s an example of greatness, passion, generosity of spirit and love expressing itself through music. It’s not just the great music and musicianship, it’s Naomi’s magnificent spirit shining through her art.
Thank you, Naomi (and Gabriel), for bringing the love to us!
With Gratitude,
Posted by Fran Friel, on June 30th, 2009 at 10:55 am EDTFran
I’m listening to the show live now on WKSU streamed through my iPhone’s Public Radio Tuner application. I was so taken by Naomi’s singing and the blues guitar playing that I immediately searched and got to this web page, and from here I went to Amazon and bought the music cd. I can’t wait for the music cd arrive so I can listen to this great, awesome music.
Posted by Alexander Cerna, on June 30th, 2009 at 10:56 am EDTLoved the interview and the music! In fact, the “lighter” feel of in-studio version of “What Have You Done?” (i.e., just guitar and lead vocal) was fantastic — it should be released as a download-able single. I’d buy that in addition to the album!
Posted by Michael, on June 30th, 2009 at 11:30 am EDTLoved it! Thanks so much!
Posted by Ann, on June 30th, 2009 at 5:48 pm EDTThankyou for posting this. This is my favourite album-by a country mile. I’ve always loved Soul and Funk but I’ve just now started with a passion for Gospel music. God Bless you Naomi you’re amazing-and thanks to Gabriel Roth for making it happen!
Posted by Thomas, on June 30th, 2009 at 8:10 pm EDTThis 67 year old white woman from Down East Maine may never be the same again. Naomi and Gabriel have led me to ask myself – what have I done for my brothers and sisters? From my soul? It’s never too late to love…
Posted by Susan Auglis, on July 1st, 2009 at 6:49 am EDT