"When I Wake Up To Sleep No More" was written in 1944 by Marion W. Easterling. Mr. Easterling wrote over 300 songs during his life time. Mr. Easterling was born in Clanton, AL and may be best known for his long career as the programmer for WKLF radio station's gospel program, "America's Favorites". The program started in 1947, lasted for 39 years and is listed in Guinness Book of World Records. In 1938, he was the youngest composer to sign a contract with the Stamps-Baxter Publishing Company.
"When I Wake Up To Sleep No More" has been a very popular southern gospel song and very few quartets have not sung and recorded it. I even had the pleasure of trying to sing bass on this song with the little group I sang with. As you may have guessed, I was heavily influenced by The Inspiration's version when they first recorded it in 1974. It quickly became one of their signature songs for both the group and Mike Holcomb their bass singer. It has been featured on several of their recordings and they have and still do sing it in many of their services.
After over 40 years of singing with the Inspirations, Mike decided to go into the full time ministry. A short time later he was encouraged to begin singing with a new group called The Old-Time Preachers Quartet. And it is what their name suggests. They are all preachers and their ministry consists of singing and preaching. It is a joy to hear them in either one of their callings.
I'm feeling a little nostalgic this morning as I think about this song, me singing it and the influence of Mike and The Inspirations on my life. Perhaps, it's also because I will be traveling to Rome, GA tomorrow night to hear them. My sister bought tickets for me for my birthday. I did not try to see them the last time they were in Gadsden because typically gospel concerts last longer than my portable oxygen battery does. And concerts extend way past my bedtime. LOL But I'm looking forward to the concert tomorrow night.
This morning I'm going to post three links. The first one is of he original recording by the Inspirations. The second is several years later and a live video from the Singing In The Smokies. Finally will be Mike singing with the Old-Time Preachers Quartet about 43 years after the original recording. I pray you will enjoy hearing this great song this morning.
See you at prayer service this evening !
Love that song and you enjoy the concert tomorrow night. Luv u