Biography
Luther Magby, a Southern gospel performer, produced sides during the final years of the 1920s that later earned admiration among enthusiasts of primitive gospel styles. Far from being an outdated figure consigned to the archives, he sustained an active career into the twenty-first century, appearing at numerous state fair gospel events as recently as 2002. His striking interpretation of "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit," waxed for OKeh in 1927, stands among his notable efforts from that era. Along with another selection by the artist, this recording appears in the Document anthology Storefront & Streetcorner Gospel: 1927 -- 1929, a valuable archive illuminating both the African American gospel tradition and the integration of song within worship practices. Magby's voice also surfaces on Revenant's American Primitive, Vol. 1 collection, introducing his expressive delivery to listeners who typically avoid attending actual religious gatherings. Only the OKeh representatives active during the 1920s ever attempted to capture his performances on disc.