I am looking for a list of the top 20 gospel songs of the 20th
Century. The list should contain the song's name, singer, songwriter,
and number of records/CDs etc. sold. Anecdotes appreciated. I would be
especially interested in learning about the number of different
'covers' that were done on a particular Top 20 song. A generous text
answer will be awarded a Tip.

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Clarification of Question by brudenell-ga on 10 Nov 2002 17:30 PST

Researchers:

If this question commands more work than the fee that I have offered
please let me know. I have only been onboard for a week. I realize
that this may be a challenge given the GA rules... but I'll leave the
creative 'comments' to you.

Thank you for your assistance.

Brudenell

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Request for Question Clarification by mvguy-ga on 10 Nov 2002 18:25 PST

Two questions:

1) Could you please define what you mean by "gospel"? Some people use
the term to refer specifically to a certain variety of
African-American music, while others use the term to refer to Chistian
music in general.

2) What do you mean to "top 20"?  In terms of sales, popularity,
number of times sung, or what?

Thanks!

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Clarification of Question by brudenell-ga on 10 Nov 2002 18:42 PST

Thank you for your request mvguy-ga 

By gospel I mean religious music in general. However upon reflection
an answer on the top 20 Christian songs would be sufficient (you do
need to draw a line at some point).

By top twenty: I am interested in which songs by individual
songwriters became the most popular played on radio, followed by
sales, followed by interpretations (covers) by other singers and
subsquently sold on record/CD etc.

Thank you for your interest

Brudenell

Here's a link to a list of the top 20 Southern Gospel songs in the USA:

http://www.newhavenrecords.com/compilations/century.html

Thank you Researcher7

My aim is to find the Top 20 general Gospel/ Christian songs.

I appreciate your assistance.

Brudenell