He Gave Me A Heart To Love, by Elder David Ross was recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 2, 1954. It can be heard on Music From The South, Volume 9: Song And Worship.
The performer and presumed author of this song, Elder David Ross was an itinerant preacher, singer and guitar player. Both he Blind Willie Johnson, another well known itinerant singer can be heard in the Folkways Jazz Series. Elder Ross was a man of devout faith, who may have weakened his health with his many extended fasts. He was often heard on the streets of New Orleans, strumming his guitar and singing his songs on its’ busy city sidewalks.
I’m thankful this type of music has been preserved by Folkways and Steven Lance Ledbetter’s wonderful box set compilation, entitled Goodbye, Babylon. These performers and their songs were from a time long ago, in our well-worn past and remain as true today for the believers in Christ Jesus as they were back then.
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Sources: Folkways Recordings + FreeStockTextures