Till the Whole World Knows

Description

Till the Whole World Knows is the debut album by the American garage rock group Sons of Thunder, released on Zondervan Victory Recording in 1968. The album was recorded by Nelson Funk at Rodel Studios in Washington, D.C. Tedd Smith, who was Billy Graham’s pianist, also helped with the production and arranged the contract with Zondervan.

The group was formed in Washington, D.C., 1967 by Blaine Smith along with Robin Woodhams, Don Williamson, Joan Hettenhouser, and Donna Gadling at the suggestion of youth pastor Russ Cadle and with the encouragement of Dr. Richard C. Halverson, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Till The Whole World Knows was the first nationally-distributed album by a Christian rock band in the US. It featured eleven songs, including nine originals and one written by a friend and recorded for the first time (“Those Who Wait on the Lord”).

Day Follows Night, was their second album, released in 1972. “Carpenter Man,” from this album, features Steve Halverson singing. Others featured on this recording include Donna Gadling (vocals, organ), Becky Newell (vocals), Phyllis Wade (vocals, including echo to Steve in several places), Ed Weaver, (organ, vocals), Tom Willett (bass), Don Williams (drums), Blaine Smith (guitar). Tambourine player uncertain, though may have been Steve Halverson.

Man this thing is old old old. And that $1.98 pre-printed price on the front cover is certain beyond my remembrance. I debated for several minutes before finally plunking down my dollar, thinking that the Zondervan label couldn’t possibly have done anything remotely interesting. Surprise – it’s cool stuff. The conservative gospel music moguls of the day must have been taking a nap when this thing slipped through the cracks. «I Don’t Know Why» starts things off with a ‘96 Tears’ organ riff and driving beat right before the ‘60s girl group sound chimes in. And that ‘60s gals meets electric beat with groovy go-go organ basement pop sound keeps up throughout the whole LP. Catchy upbeat tunes («He Arose», «I Am Persuaded», «He’s Walking With Me», «New Life Now To Live»), fragile trippy melancholy sentiments («Like The Wind»), edgy laid-back plugged-in ballads («I Want To Be»), garage rock («Those Who Wait On The Lord»), even a successful stab at psychedelia in «New Wine». Mostly original songs, plus a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s «People Get Ready». Underpinned with solid drum beats and garagy electric guitar work throughout. And for a refreshing switch it’s the three womenfolk who are at the forefront of the line-up, donning electric bass and acoustic guitar and sitting behind the keys, while their two male cohorts pick up drums and electric guitar. Missing instrumental solo breaks, but hey, can’t have everything. Only later did I realize it’s the same group as the Day Follows Night album; at least a couple members would carry on from this their college days. Don’t forget this one in your early Jesus music discussions. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

Here’s what they say…

from DR. RICHARD C. HALVERSON
President, Word Vision

Two words come to mind when I hear the Sons of Thunder. They are integrity and authenticity. They maintain the integrity of the gospel in their thoughtful and faithful communication of its message. They speak out of an authentic, rich personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

from TEDD SMITH, pianist
the Billy Graham Team

The Sons of Thunder have given us an album in which religious music is performed in an idiom relating to today’s young person. It is a new, different, and exciting approach to religious music; one that will obviously be a trend-setter.

The material is at once driving, rhythmic, tuneful, pensive, but always beautifully and thoughtfully conceived. Not only is this album a most satisfying musical experience, but it will undoubtedly move the listener and stir him to action, through the sheer spiritual impact of the songs.

This album expresses the joy of knowing Christ in a vital, living ‘now’ kind of sound. It is a must, and one I cannot recommend too highly. [Note on the back of the LP sleeve]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “I Don’t Know Why” – 1:36
A2. “I Want To Be” – 3:31
A3. “He Arose” – 3:11
A4. “People Get Ready” – 2:33
A5. “I Am Persuaded” – 3:46

Side Two
B1. “He’s Walking With Me” – 2:47
B2. “Like The Wind” – 1:50
B3. “New Wine” – 2:14
B4. “New Life Now To Live” – 3:27
B5. “Those Who Wait On The Lord” – 2:57

Note: Later digitally remastered and re-issued on CD as Sons of Thunder 1967-1974 (featuring 21 tracks including 4 never before released), manufactured by Bronté Records (Executive Producers: Blaine Smith and Tom Willett).

---

---

---

Sons of Thunder, Live at the Forum Tea House and Gallery, 1968

---

Rebecca Newell Briggs singing with The Sons of Thunder and Rock Gospel for the Deaf from WETA TV Special Rock Gospel filmed 1973 at WETA Studios, Washington, D.C. Winner of a Local Emmy.

---