Popular Music and the Prodigal Son
Rev. Robert Wilkins, That's No Way to Get Along (Prodigal Son)
Robert Wilkins (1896-1987) was an African American musician centered in Memphis, who excelled in and influenced many styles of American music--blues, gospel, and even ragtime. Originally popular in the 1920s and 30s, he was rediscovered in the 60s during the folk revival. His most famous composition, "That's No Way to Get Along" or "Prodigal Son," was covered by a number of groups including The Rolling Stones. Wilkins was ordained to the ministry in the 30s.
Click here for the lyrics of Robert Wilkins, That's No Way to Get Along ("Prodigal Son).
To listen to Robert Wilkins sing That's no Way to Get Along, click here.
Robert Wilkins (1896-1987) was an African American musician centered in Memphis, who excelled in and influenced many styles of American music--blues, gospel, and even ragtime. Originally popular in the 1920s and 30s, he was rediscovered in the 60s during the folk revival. His most famous composition, "That's No Way to Get Along" or "Prodigal Son," was covered by a number of groups including The Rolling Stones. Wilkins was ordained to the ministry in the 30s.
Click here for the lyrics of Robert Wilkins, That's No Way to Get Along ("Prodigal Son).
To listen to Robert Wilkins sing That's no Way to Get Along, click here.
Rory Block, A Father and Two Sons (American Bible Society)
Rory Block is widely recognized as one of the most authentic Delta blues singers
performing today. Her driving guitar styles are at the same time traditional and
original. Her lyrics are as warm as they are compelling. This composition was
commissioned by the American Bible Society to accompany their music video on the
prodigal son. It was released by Rounder Records in 1994 on her award-winning album,
Angel of Mercy.
To listen to Rory Block's masterful musical telling of the parable, click here.
Rory Block is widely recognized as one of the most authentic Delta blues singers
performing today. Her driving guitar styles are at the same time traditional and
original. Her lyrics are as warm as they are compelling. This composition was
commissioned by the American Bible Society to accompany their music video on the
prodigal son. It was released by Rounder Records in 1994 on her award-winning album,
Angel of Mercy.
To listen to Rory Block's masterful musical telling of the parable, click here.
The Rolling Stones, Prodigal Son, cover of Robert Wilkins' That's No Way to Get Along
The Rolling Stones, the phenomenally successful rock band from England, sang their version of the American blues singer, Robert Wilkins' That's No Way to Get Along, the only cover on their album Beggar's Banquet. Word is that the Stones originally planned to be a blues band. They had encountered Wilkins' song when his music was revived in the early 60s.
Click here for the lyrics of The Rolling Stones, Prodigal Son.
To listen to The Rolling Stones sing Prodigal Son, click here.
The Rolling Stones, the phenomenally successful rock band from England, sang their version of the American blues singer, Robert Wilkins' That's No Way to Get Along, the only cover on their album Beggar's Banquet. Word is that the Stones originally planned to be a blues band. They had encountered Wilkins' song when his music was revived in the early 60s.
Click here for the lyrics of The Rolling Stones, Prodigal Son.
To listen to The Rolling Stones sing Prodigal Son, click here.
Josh White, Prodigal Son
Josh White (1914-1969) was an amazing singer, guitarist, composer, and social activist. He moved from South Carolina to New York City from which he performed widely. His musical influence spanned the blues of the 20s and 30s to the folk era of the 50s and 60s. As an outspoken civil rights performer and speaker he invited the friendship and admiration of Pres. Franklin Roosevelt and the wrath of the anti-communist McCarthyites.
Click here for the lyrics of Josh White's Prodigal Son.
To hear Josh White sing Prodigal Son, click here.
Josh White (1914-1969) was an amazing singer, guitarist, composer, and social activist. He moved from South Carolina to New York City from which he performed widely. His musical influence spanned the blues of the 20s and 30s to the folk era of the 50s and 60s. As an outspoken civil rights performer and speaker he invited the friendship and admiration of Pres. Franklin Roosevelt and the wrath of the anti-communist McCarthyites.
Click here for the lyrics of Josh White's Prodigal Son.
To hear Josh White sing Prodigal Son, click here.
Keith Green, Prodigal Son Suite
Keith Green (1953-1982) was one of the most prolific songwriters and singers of the early Contemporary Christian Music era. A renowned pianist and songwriter from his youth, Green was being groomed as a teen idol in the world of pop music. Around the age of 20, Green and his new wife Melody, both of Jewish heritage, came to faith in Jesus as Messiah and transformed his composing and performing into a vibrant Christian ministry. Green died at 28 in a plane crash, but his music continues to have a strong impact.
Click here for the lyrics of Keith Green's Prodigal Son Suite.
To listen to Keith Green sing his Prodigal Son Suite, click here.
Keith Green (1953-1982) was one of the most prolific songwriters and singers of the early Contemporary Christian Music era. A renowned pianist and songwriter from his youth, Green was being groomed as a teen idol in the world of pop music. Around the age of 20, Green and his new wife Melody, both of Jewish heritage, came to faith in Jesus as Messiah and transformed his composing and performing into a vibrant Christian ministry. Green died at 28 in a plane crash, but his music continues to have a strong impact.
Click here for the lyrics of Keith Green's Prodigal Son Suite.
To listen to Keith Green sing his Prodigal Son Suite, click here.
Other Musical Representations of the Parable of the Prodigal Son
Explore the internet and youtube for performances of Prodigal Son related songs by the following artists:
Country ~ The Carter Family
Hank Williams
Folk ~ Charlie Parr
Jazz ~ Brian Blade Fellowship
R & B ~ Fred Hammond
CCM ~ Benny Hester
Michael Arnett
Gary Valenciano
Casting Crowns
Rock ~ Gideon
Narnia
Kid Rock
Kasper Hauser
Explore the internet and youtube for performances of Prodigal Son related songs by the following artists:
Country ~ The Carter Family
Hank Williams
Folk ~ Charlie Parr
Jazz ~ Brian Blade Fellowship
R & B ~ Fred Hammond
CCM ~ Benny Hester
Michael Arnett
Gary Valenciano
Casting Crowns
Rock ~ Gideon
Narnia
Kid Rock
Kasper Hauser
