the late 1960s / early 70s brought about a change in sound for many gospel groups. producers and label heads at abc peacock recognized that the traditional sound of gospel needed to be updated to appeal to the younger market. the groups started to incorporate elements of soul and funk with arrangements influenced by the r&b records of the time. this compilation presents 13 striking examples of this seismic shift in black music by some of the greatest groups in gospel music’s rich heritage.