Few gospel songs have crossed generations, cultures, and continents quite like Calvin Bridges' "I Can Go to God in Prayer." Written in 1976 after a desperate phone call from a choir member whose father had been diagnosed with cancer, the song began with a simple act of prayer and went on to become one of traditional gospel music's most enduring anthems. Over the past 50 years, it has been embraced by legendary voices including Albertina Walker, Patti LaBelle, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, and Alicia Keys, while more than 300 recording licenses have been issued for the composition. Now, as "I Can Go to God in Prayer" celebrates its 50th anniversary and its legacy is preserved through Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, Bridges looks back on the prayer that started it all, the extraordinary places the song has traveled, and why he believes gospel artists must never lose sight of the message at the heart of the music.
Q: "I Can Go To God In Prayer" was born out of a real-life moment of crisis and prayer. Looking back 50 years later, what do you remember most vividly about the moment God gave you this song, and did you ever imagine it would become such a beloved gospel classic?
A: I have never really reflected on what I felt like 50 years ago but the most vivid thing I can remember is emerging from that prayer and conversation with a sense of hope and faith. That is shared in the words of the song. In 1976 I was a minister of music at a local church and I had no idea of looking into the future if this song would have any impact. This was before my first recording - I just wanted to write songs and to record Gospel music one day.
Q: Your song has been recorded by an extraordinary range of artists-from Albertina Walker and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to Luciano Pavarotti, Alicia Keys, and choirs around the world. What has it been like to watch this song transcend generations, cultures, and musical styles?
A: It is really awe inspiring to realize that you have been a part of so many lives and so many generations in a most positive way. It's unbelievable that people like legendary Albertina Walker, Patti Labelle and Alicia Keys have sang my song and helped bless people while doing so. It's quite humbling and it blows my mind what God can do. I was born in the ghetto in the west side of Chicago. I never dreamed that this would be my life at this point. Or, that I would even live to be old enough to see this much blessed life. God is truly amazing
Q: The song has now been preserved by the Smithsonian Institution Folkways Recordings as part of America's musical heritage. What does that recognition mean to you personally, and what do you hope future generations will discover when they hear "I Can Go To God In Prayer"?
A: I think this is question is the most impactful and profound for me because when I signed and gave the contract to the Smithsonian, it didn't hit me what this really meant at that time. After reading the press release and seeing it in print, it finally hit me that God had used me to make an indelible imprint in American music culture. That blows my mind and brings me to tears. With that being said, one thing I love about this entire journey is that this song is traditional Gospel music. That's something Jesse Dixon and Albertina Walker taught me to treasure. Traditional Gospel music has such a deep impact on audiences even in a foreign language - they receive from the spirit and impartation. This is so wonderful and to be a part of parlaying this to multiple generations and having this song archived in American history. This is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Q: Traditional gospel music has changed dramatically over the past five decades. As someone who has witnessed that evolution firsthand, what do you believe is essential for today's gospel artists to preserve, even as they embrace new sounds and audiences?
A: Having seen the Gospel music genre evolve and change - one important aspect is to be authentic to the message. No matter what style of Gospel music you sing, share that message with honesty and purpose. No matter what the music style - the message should always be to glorify God and to amplify Jesus Christ and the relationship with Him. That's what the good news is all about. Artist should be mindful that even though you may be able to do vocal acrobats and hype, make sure your delivery is always sincere and that it carries your heart and not what is popular or for show. Gospel music has a lasting and multicultural impact if you share it with sincerity and purpose.
Q: Your ministry has taken you around the world for more than 30 years, but through every season you've consistently pointed people back to Jesus. How has your own prayer life and relationship with God sustained you through the highs and lows of ministry, and what is He teaching you in this season of your life?
A: Yes, Gospel music has taken me to many countries of the past 30 years. Through life's highs and lows, I have always been able to point people back to Jesus - that's the mission. I may not be the best singer or the best musician, but one thing I do know is that I am anointed. With that in mind, I'm not going forward in my own strength or my own talent or ability. One prayer that I have prayed from the beginning and I pray it every day, is "Lord let me decrease and You increase." Then, I brush of fear and it is replaced with a lion's roar. People often tell me that I become a different person when I get on stage. And it makes me laugh! When I first started touring Europe, they would call me a "firecracker." But, pointing people back to Christ is so important because if we don't lift up Jesus we are just entertaining. And that's another thing Jesse Dixon taught me is the difference in ministry and performing. I want to deliver the Word of God in a way that it's going to touch people's heart even when I don't feel well or sound good, all of that is a part of ministry.
God is teaching me and showing me that He is faithful in this season. A big part of my ministry now more than singing, is sharing the Word. I found that the world is lacking the Word of God. There is an old hymn that says "The world is hungry for the living bread, lift the Savior up for men to see." Then I think about Dr. Watts, "I'm rising and I'm falling, but I'm on my way." Or "I know I am a child of God although I move so slow." ITt's a bit funny when spoken, but those hymns are embedded with spiritual truth and realization if you really think about it. That's how we feel somedays! We rise and we fall, but Lord we are on our way. I just thank God for His faithfulness, that's what he is continuing to teach me and others. When you put your faith and trust in God, you can be assured victory. God never fails. So I urge people to get into the Word, learn the Word, believe the Word because then you can pray "Lord let your will be done" and you can move like David - you can conquer the forces of darkness. You cannot praise without being raised! If I could teach anything, it would be to stay before the Lord and be honest in your delivery and in your relationship. Relationship will sustain you and keep you and give you a vision of faith for the future.
Watch Calvin Bridges' 50th Anniversary Tribute Video To
"I Can Go To God In Prayer"
