Whatever it Takes

"'WHATEVER IT TAKES' is more than a title. It is a life, it is a testimony, it is a reality."

Beginning in the early 1970s, recording technology became available to homegrown musicians. For Gospel musicians in particular, the DIY aesthetic was important to their image. Their cover art shows that they are ordinary individuals, not professionals, making music to inspire others.

The narratives on the record sleeves tell of men inspired by God to become musicians. "Never even in her wildest imaginations did Barbara Carol aspire to be a singer," proclaims the jacket of "I'm So Happy" (photo coming soon). "God gave Chico a spirit solo on the guitar one night, and then he sang back the interpretation," explains the jacket of "The Amigos LIVE."

Amateurism and a DIY aesthetic, and rejection of the mainstream music industry, were intended as representations of the sincerity of their message.

Listen to a selection from Scott's album, Born Again.

Check back weekly for new images and anecdotes. Most of the records are gospel recordings, but we will also feature records from a wide array of genres from pop to French-Canadian.