I'm here because AMC's HELL ON WHEELS had this in their 309 episode. Chills, goosebumps, and heart racing! This is a gorgeous, reverent version. Love it.
I am a Morehouse man and--as a student--enjoyed hearing this spiritual led by my schoolmate, Willie Mitchell from Columbus, GA. Of all the wonderful spirituals offered by the incomparable Morehouse College Glee Club, this is my favorite. And while I have heard several fine soloists perform "I'm Building Me a Home," I believe that Willie's amazing, beautiful baritone voice is the standard bearer.
I recorded this song in 1978 in Gary Indiana. While I can't vouch for the name of the soloist, the date this recording was made is certain. It was recorded with a Berlant Concertone 15" p/s recorder.
'm buildin' me a home I'm buildin' me a home I'm buildin' me a home I'm buildin' me a home This earthly heart Is gonna soon decay And the soul's gotta have, oh Lord, somewhere to stay When you hear me prayin' I'm buildin' me a home When you hear me prayin' I'm buildin' me a home This earthly heart Is gonna soon decay And the soul's gotta have, oh Lord, somewhere to stay There's too many dangers, toils and snares I have already gone But his grace fills my heart with fear and I know he's gonna bring me home When you hear me moanin' I'm buildin' me a home When you hear me moanin' I'm buildin' me a home This earthly heart Is gonna soon decay And the soul's gotta have, oh Lord, somewhere to stay When you hear me shoutin' I'm buildin' me a home when you hear me shoutin' This earthly heart Is gonna soon decay And the soul's gotta have oh Lord somewhere to stay And my soul's gotta have, oh Lord, somewhere to stay
Sorry for the misunderstanding, but I was not the soloist on this version. I recorded the concert. A couple of soloist have been suggested. But it definitely was not I. But I agree that he (a baritone) did a great job. However, I (a spinto tenor) plan to sing it before the end of the year. But after all the accolades for either version here, I dare not post it. I can't improve on this version...period.
The closing music for Season 3 episode 9 of Hell on Wheels Stopped in my tracks. What a powerful spiritual. Sadly, the version used for the show included women as well as men and after listening to the Morehouse version, I have to say I prefer the one from the show. Will just have to record it from my DVR copy and be happy with that until the Hell on Wheels version makes to the web.
I was there in the early to mid 80s. During the time that I sang with the Morehouse College Glee Club, we had two men performed the solo. Tracy Coley was one and Kevin Dorsey was the other. They both were outstanding. Singing with the men in this group has been a major highlight in my life.
