Rev. Isaac Douglas
Rev. Isaac Douglas was a prominent gospel singer, choir director, and minister known for his powerful voice and contributions to traditional Black gospel music. Born on May 13, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he passed away on February 1, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, reportedly due to complications from diabetes and kidney failure.
His father was a Baptist preacher who later ministered in Brooklyn, New York. Douglas began singing gospel young, joining groups like the Rasberry Singers at age 15 in the 1950s, the Ruth Davis Singers, and the Edwin Newberry Singers in the 1960s.
In the mid-1960s, he moved to New York City and formed the all-male Isaac Douglas Singers, featuring Arthur Freeman, Bennie Diggs, John Hason, and Wilbur Johnson; their debut single "Lord Have Mercy" appeared on Minit Gospel Records (a United Artists subsidiary).
In 1970, he co-founded the New York Community Choir with Freeman, Diggs, and Johnson. The choir provided backing vocals for Nikki Giovanni's album Truth Is On The Way, performed at venues like the Museum of Modern Art, and appeared on shows like Soul Train.
Influenced by Rev. James Cleveland, Douglas relocated to Los Angeles in the early 1970s to start his own ministry and signed with Nashboro/Creed Records. He later moved to Nashville, recording with choirs like the Johnson Ensemble ("The Harvest Is Plentiful" was a hit) and the Var-Son Community Choir, later recording:
Gospel Workshop of America Mass Choir - Live In Cleveland, Ohio (1975): Soloist on "He Is So Wonderful" and "Save Me Lord".
Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir - No One Gets The Prize For Eternal Life (1980).
Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir - He Keeps On Making A Way For Me (1982).
Often compared to James Cleveland for his deep, soulful style, Douglas left a lasting impact through his solo work, collaborations, and ministry.
I Need You
A2 I'll Go Anywhere 4:25
A3 I Just Want To Thank You Lord 4:43
A4 Let The Spirit Fall On Me 5:04
B1 Same Old Song 2:51
B2 God Will Make A Way Somehow 2:49
B3 Satisfied With Jesus 3:34
B4 I'll Live For Him Always 3:23
B5 Keep On Working For The Lord 3:00
Label: Creed Records – CREED 3097
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Gospel
Style: Gospel, Soul
Rev. Isaac Douglas's album I Need You is a regarded as a raw gospel soul gem known for its powerful vocal performances and blend of traditional and contemporary gospel styles.
Released on Creed Records in 1980, I Need You features the signature sound of Rev. Isaac Douglas, who was known for his deep, strong voice and ability to blend traditional black gospel with contemporary influences like soul, pop, R&B, and even disco. This approach was part of a movement within the gospel community at the time to reach a broader, more mainstream audience, a philosophy championed by Douglas and his contemporaries like the New York Community Choir.
While formal critical reviews from major publications are limited, contemporary opinions from music enthusiasts and in gospel circles are very positive. The album is appreciated for being "lyrically and musically outstanding," and it holds a place of fond memory for many who grew up with 1980s Christian music. The album captures the energetic and boundary-pushing spirit of early 80s gospel music, which some found refreshing and others controversial for its integration of secular music styles. Douglas's unique vocal stylings are frequently praised for their "control, stamina, and growl/squall".
I Need You remains a collectible album and a definitive example of Rev. Douglas's impactful career.