(2-CD set) The explosion of recordings after World War II involved scores of gospel ladies. Anchored in the Black Church's inner life, women were still well equipped for an artist career in the mainstream culture. Mahalia Jackson ("the Queen"), Sister Rosetta Tharpe " (the Trailblazer"), and the Clara Ward Singers ("the Famous") reached stardom. Like their collegues, Bessie Griffin, Marie Knight or Dorothy Love Coates, they became influencial for the development of R&B and Soul. Dozens of less prominent "sisters", like Anne C. Graham and Rosa Shaw are also featured on the CD, with recordings that has never been reissued before. Booklet notes by Chris Smith.