The Key to the Kingdom

by Washington Phillips

The Key to the Kingdom cover art

This archival compilation gathers the surviving late-1920s recordings of Washington Phillips, an enigmatic Texas street preacher. The deeply spiritual tracks are uniquely characterized by the accompaniment of a zither-like instrument (often debated to be a dolceola or a custom modified fretless zither), which produces a delicate, celestial chiming effect. His gentle, soaring vocals paired with the highly unusual instrumentation create an unearthly, deeply soothing atmosphere wholly unique in early American roots music.

Genres

  • Gospel
  • Country Blues

Tracklist

  1. Lift Him Up That's All
  2. Paul And Silas In Jail
  3. Mother's Last Word To Her Son
  4. The Church Needs Good Deacons
  5. Jesus Is My Friend
  6. A Mother's Last Word To Her Daughter
  7. I Had A Good Father And Mother
  8. I Am Born To Preach The Gospel
  9. Take Your Burden To The Lord And Leave It There
  10. Denomination Blues - Part 1
  11. Denomination Blues - Part 2
  12. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today
  13. I've Got The Key To The Kingdom
  14. Train Your Child
  15. You Can't Stop A Tattler - Part 1
  16. You Can't Stop A Tattler - Part 2
  17. Wouldn't Mind Dying If Dying Was All
  18. I'm So Glad Today, Today
  19. Honey In The Rock
  20. Mother's Prayer