The Blind Boys of Alabama: Deep Cuts

Stretching back to 1948, this Southern gospel combo's catalogue runs deep as a river—and "Deep River (Part Two)" is an elegant example of the Blind Boys' mastery of pure a cappella sweetness. The group lends harmony cred to Lou Reed's fragile Velvet Underground lament, "Jesus". And founding member Jimmy Carter hits a memorably spirit-launching 37-second note in "If I Had a Hammer".