Gospel Workshop of America…, He Decided to Die | Sunday Refresh 🙏

On the 5th edition of Sunday Refresh, we’re uplifted by The Gospel Workshop of America Mass Choir performing, “He Decided to Die.”

Welcome to Sunday Refresh 🙏, a column that seeks to highlight inspirational songs to uplift the spirit.  These tracks that appear on Sunday Refresh may or may not be faith-based or religious; the goal is for them to make you feel better – refreshed.  So, for the X edition of Sunday Refresh, we highlight 🎵 “He Decided to Die” as performed by 🎙 Rev. James Cleveland and 🎙 The Gospel Workshop of America Mass Choir.

When it comes to black gospel music, Rev. James Cleveland is a pioneer – one of the genre’s most important figures. Safe to say, Cleveland elevated the musicality of the music of the church to new heights. In the gospel community, his ‘hits’ are endless, including the beloved 🎼✍ Margaret P. Douroux Resurrection Sunday gem, “He Decided to Die.”

In Cleveland’s interpretation, the choir first sings the best-known portion of the song, the chorus, softy in reverent fashion:

“He would not come down
From the cross just to save himself
He decided to die
Just to save me.”

From there, Rev. Cleveland ministers about the great sacrifice made by Jesus, backed by the superb accompanying instrumental (piano and drums).  Following his inspiring spoken word, the choir returns, singing the aforementioned chorus, and adding a dynamic lead soprano.  As you can hear for yourself, the soprano takes “He Decided to Die” to even higher heights, with the backing choir and instrumentalists digging in deeper (including the addition of organ).  Sure, an overt gospel record like “He Decided to Die” is likely to impact Christian listeners most (that’s the bass after all).  Still, the spirit and great musical execution itself should impress and totally refresh anyone who listens to this standout from 💿 Recorded Live in Houston, Texas (1982).

🎙 The Gospel Workshop of America Mass Choir • 💿 Recorded Live in Houston, Texas • 🏷 Savoy • 📅 1982

More Sunday Refresh 

There are a number of awesome recordings of “He Decided to Die,” all available for your listening pleasure on that awesome platform known as YouTube.  Here are three personal favorites:

1. Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church Memphis, Tennessee

The soprano is absolutely stunning!

2. Pastor Vincent Bohanan & SOV Choir: Bridging the Generations 90’s Concert “He Decided to Die”

The choir director puts his all into this must-see and must-hear interpretation!

3. Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church Chicago Mass Choir Feat. Pastor Eric Thomas

🎙 Pastor Eric Thomas definitely ‘gets happy’ on an impromptu version of “He Decided to Die” on Easter Sunday.  It starts out cool, calm, and collected, but the spirit quickly ascends, led by Pastor and perhaps the organist!

The Gospel Workshop of America Mass Choir, “He Decided to Die”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 5 (2021) [📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Savoy, Zac Durant on Unsplash]