Inez Andrews, The Greatest Warrior | Music Lifts

In the 60^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by gospel legend Inez Andrews performing, “The Greatest Warrior.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 60^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “The Greatest Warrior” as performed by Inez Andrews.

“The greatest warrior / That ever lived is Jesus.”  Those laudatory words hail from the late, great gospel legend , Inez Andrews (1929 – 2012) via “The Greatest Warrior”. Andrews’ voice was incredibly versatile, ranging from her robust lower, mid-register to a dynamic, gritty upper register. Arguably, gospel musicians like Mahalia Jackson or Shirley Caesar get more acknowledgement for their craft but Inez ranks among the best of the best. On this spirited, soulful, minor-key gospel cut, Andrews makes it clear that Jesus is EVERYTHING .  With robust, high-flying vocals including remarkable range, there is no disputing Andrew musical talent.  Furthermore, there’s no disputing her authenticity – you believe what she is selling.

Inez Andrew firmly establishes that Jesus is the greatest warrior, citing scripture – Oh, the Good Book aka The Bible! “He fought with Joshua at Jericho,” she sings, continuing, “That was a mighty battle / Everybody knows.” Fo’ sho! Specifically, the source is found in the book of Joshua, chapters five and six. Inez cites other professions J-E-S-U-S excels at in this inspiring, powerful gem . Jesus is the greatest healer. Andrews mentions a woman who “touched Him and was healed.” Hallelujah ! Jesus is also the greatest lawyer. She testifies, “I know some lawyers / Who can plead cases well / But only my God / Can plead a soul from hell.” Woo! “The Greatest Warrior” is an awesome, awesome gospel record. Even if you aren’t a believer, you can acknowledge the soul that Inez puts into her music ministry .

Inez Andrews • More Gospel Soul • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1994

Inez Andrews, The Greatest Warrior: Music Lifts No. 60 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; Hamid Tajik, Qamar Rehman, vansh mehta, Viridiana Rivera via Pexels]