The very best traditional bluegrass gospel from the very best bluegrass record label has been hand-selected and amassed into a single, comprehensive collection, Gloryland: 30 Bluegrass Gospel Classics. As much a historical primer of American bluegrass gospel as it is a tribute to the passion and dedication that Rebel Records has held for nearly 50 years, Gloryland will be released on March 28th on Time Life. Seven of the songs found on Gloryland have never been available on CD and two have never been released before at all.

Since launching in 1959, Rebel Records has recorded and preserved many of the most important bluegrass gospel music ever made and their prized library has become a sourcebook for musicians and fans ever since. A musical style rooted in traditional country, bluegrass gospel is marked by intricate, dexterous instrumentation matched only by its soaring, melancholy harmonies.
The Gloryland anthology showcases Rebel’s most enduring works, including a rare live rendition of “Bright Morning Star” by the Country Gentlemen as well as longtime gospel favorite “Angel Band” by celebrated veteran Ralph Stanley, widely considered to be the landmark recording of the oft-covered song. Two additional rare selections, “Precious Memories” and “Somebody Touched Me” from Ralph Stanley and his brother Carter, are also included. These recordings were originally released under the pseudonym of John’s Gospel Quartet and have been long sought after by music collectors. “Beulah Land” and “Whispering Hope” are contributions from fellow bluegrass legend Paul Williams who has re-emerged on the scene in recent years to carry on the tradition he helped to foster. Long considered the most revered bluegrass gospel performer, Larry Sparks, contributes his blues inspired rendering of “Old Rugged Cross” and his pinnacle performance of “I’ve Just Seen The Rock of Ages,” expressing the timeless gospel themes of faith and redemption.
Steeped in the folk tradition, the family band has long served as the foundation of the Rebel roster. Featured on Gloryland are the Marshall Family’s rendition of the African- American spiritual “Gloryland” and their original “I Just Want To Thank You Lord,” alongside The Forbes Family’s previously unreleased recordings of “Blessed Assurance” and “Talk About Suffering.” Successful solo artist Rhonda Vincent also reunites with her original family group, The Sally Mountain Show, for “First Step To Heaven.”

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