Rev. James Cleveland, Oh Be Joyful (All Is Well) | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋

In the 26th edition of Music Lifts (2025), we’re uplifted by Rev. James Cleveland & The Gospel Music Workshop of America performing “Oh Be Joyful (All Is Well).”

Welcome to Music Lifts 🎶 🏋, featuring 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 26^th edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2025), we highlight “Oh Be Joyful (All Is Well)” as performed by Rev. James Cleveland & The Gospel Music Workshop of America.

“Oh, be joyful / For God has laid the foundation / Opened up the way / All is well, all is well.” Amen! Rev. James Cleveland and The Gospel Music Workshop of America delivered an inspirational, uplifting gospel gem in “Oh Be Joyful (All Is Well)”. A lesser-known song by the king of gospel, “Oh Be Joyful” appears as the opener on his/GMWA’s 1985 album, Live In Atlanta, GA. The song, accompanied by a tight band (bright, bluesy piano, spirited organ, assertive, rhythmic guitar, robust bass, and hard-hitting drums), makes a bold statement about being joyful, thanks to the glory, mercifulness, and power of God.  Listening to “Joyful,” it is hard not to feel a sense of calm, peace, and of course, J-O-Y!

Following the dynamic intro by rousing church band, the choir does the heavy lifting, singing the powerful verse (excerpted above).  The gravelly but ever-powerful Cleveland sings the lead on the verse next, with some melodic tweaks and ad-libs.  He preaches, “Oh, be joyful / Everything is in divine order, yes it is / All is well, all is well.” Preach, preacher! Beyond the jubilant, faith-driven verse, the chorus/bridge (however you feel fit to label it) is equally powerful. The Gospel Music Workshop of America urges us to “Learn how to pray / When you’re on your bed of affliction.” Why? God is already working on our behalf, but we must believe! Also, we must praise him and should be eager to do so! “Let there be no doubt about it / Run everywhere and shout it / Rejoice in the God of your salvation / All is well, all is well.” Woo! Beyond the core of the song, Rev. Cleveland ministers, hence, further contribute to this stirring message (“This is for somebody that’s aways complaining… don’t have enough sense to realize how blessed you are”).  As to be expected from a Cleveland-led choir, the singing is high-flying, with the spirit reaching celestial heights. “Oh Be Joyful (All Is Well)” is a classic that needs to be heard by many more people.  Cleveland was an innovator in gospel music, bringing it to new heights.  With so many great songs in his catalog, many gems deserve wider recognition. “Rejoice, He’s the God of your Salvation!”