If I Had My Way: Early Home Recordings

These historic recordings of Reverend Gary Davis, made by a young John Cohen in 1953, predate Davis’ seminal albums and mark the time before he started to interface with the New York folk scene. They also feature Davis singing with his wife and another preacher (Reverend McKinley Peebles, aka “Sweet Papa Stovepipe”), a rarity among Davis recordings. Fans of Davis's work will find these recordings to be a revelation, providing a window into the world of this blind preacher moving between the blues and the church.

Track Listing

101	If I Had My Way	Reverend Gary Davis	04:46
102	If the Lord Be for You	Reverend Gary Davis	03:45
103	Twelve Gates to the City	Reverend Gary Davis	03:56
104	You Got to Move	Reverend Gary Davis	04:17
105	We Are the Heavenly Father's Children	Reverend Gary Davis	03:26
106	A Friend like Lonely Jesus	Reverend Gary Davis	04:25
107	Get Right Church	Reverend Gary Davis	02:26
108	Marine Band	Reverend Gary Davis	02:50
109	Shine on Me	Reverend Gary Davis	03:01
110	There’s Destruction on This Land	Reverend Gary Davis	05:23
111	He Stole Away	Reverend Gary Davis	02:41
112	The Uncloudy Day	Reverend Gary Davis	04:12
113	Say No to the Devil	Reverend Gary Davis	03:20
114	I Belong to the Band	Reverend Gary Davis	04:00
115	Give Me a Heart to Love	Reverend Gary Davis	02:24
116	He Never Has Left Me Alone	Reverend Gary Davis	02:55
117	Got on My Traveling Shoes	Reverend Gary Davis	03:06
118	Civil War Parade	Reverend Gary Davis	05:26