Biography
Prolific gospel songwriter Clevant Derricks created the enduring standard “Just a Little Talk With Jesus,” later interpreted by Elvis Presley on Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings, the Imperials, Tennessee Ernie Ford on Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns, Donnie McClurkin for both his self-titled album and WOW Gospel 1999, and Gladys Knight on Many Different Roads, among countless additional artists. His extensive body of work also features the classic “When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart,” recorded by Albertina Walker on Songs of the Church: Live in Memphis, the Five Blind Boys on the 2000 Heritage collection Hot Gospel, and the Cathedrals on 21 Favorite Hymns. “We’ll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials” ranks among his other widely cherished compositions. Audiences should not mistake him for the identically named performer who starred in the 1990s science-fiction series Sliders and the film Moscow on the Hudson.
During the Great Depression, Derricks initially composed to uplift impoverished Black congregations in his rural Alabama church. Bolstered by their support, the young minister relocated to Dallas, Texas, where Stamps-Baxter purchased three of his originals, among them “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.” The track quickly emerged as one of the era’s most popular country-gospel numbers and a major revenue source for the publisher. His publishing agreement, however, withheld royalties from Derricks until the late 1970s, while “We’ll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials” and “When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart” likewise funneled substantial profits solely to Stamps-Baxter.
Seeking further placements, the songwriter encountered Word Records executive Aaron Brown in Nashville. Upon learning Derricks had received no compensation for “Just a Little Talk With Jesus,” Brown alerted BMI vice president Frances Preston, who secured the songwriter’s performing-rights income from that point forward. Shortly afterward Derricks and his family performed for Brown, prompting an immediate Word Records contract. Brown proposed including “Just a Little Talk With Jesus” on the sessions, yielding an instant gospel favorite. Two years later, in 1977, Clevant Derricks died.
Considering the decades of lost songwriting revenue and the hardships of Jim Crow, Cleavant Derricks’ lyrics nevertheless radiate unwavering faith forged through lifelong ministry: “Sometimes tho the way is dreary, dark and cold/and some unburdened sorrow keeps me from my goal/I go to God in prayer and I can always find Him there” from “When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart.” ~ Ed Hogan
During the Great Depression, Derricks initially composed to uplift impoverished Black congregations in his rural Alabama church. Bolstered by their support, the young minister relocated to Dallas, Texas, where Stamps-Baxter purchased three of his originals, among them “Just a Little Talk With Jesus.” The track quickly emerged as one of the era’s most popular country-gospel numbers and a major revenue source for the publisher. His publishing agreement, however, withheld royalties from Derricks until the late 1970s, while “We’ll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials” and “When God Dips His Pen of Love in My Heart” likewise funneled substantial profits solely to Stamps-Baxter.
Seeking further placements, the songwriter encountered Word Records executive Aaron Brown in Nashville. Upon learning Derricks had received no compensation for “Just a Little Talk With Jesus,” Brown alerted BMI vice president Frances Preston, who secured the songwriter’s performing-rights income from that point forward. Shortly afterward Derricks and his family performed for Brown, prompting an immediate Word Records contract. Brown proposed including “Just a Little Talk With Jesus” on the sessions, yielding an instant gospel favorite. Two years later, in 1977, Clevant Derricks died.
Considering the decades of lost songwriting revenue and the hardships of Jim Crow, Cleavant Derricks’ lyrics nevertheless radiate unwavering faith forged through lifelong ministry: “Sometimes tho the way is dreary, dark and cold/and some unburdened sorrow keeps me from my goal/I go to God in prayer and I can always find Him there” from “When God Dips His Pen Of Love In My Heart.” ~ Ed Hogan
Albums
