The Soul Messengers

about

The extraordinary story of a group of Black Hebrew expats can stand alongside any of the classic myths of funk and soul. And amazingly, the music itself—a mix of soul, funk, psych, gospel, and Hebrew traditionals—can match the drama of the musicians’ lives. The history of Black Hebrews in America, primarily people who trace their lineage directly to the Israelites of the Old Testament, goes back to the late 19th century. But the Black Hebrew movement enjoyed a resurgence in the ’60s, as many blacks connected the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement with the exodus of the Israelites. One of the largest groups of Black Hebrews at the time, the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, was founded in Chicago in the mid-’60s by Ben Carter, a former factory worker who changed his name to Ben Ammi after a co-worker exposed him to Black Hebrew teachings. Ammi was also greatly influenced by Marcus Garvey, and in 1967, he followed Garvey’s lead, leading approximately 350 followers to Guryea, Liberia, a hundred miles from the capital of Monrovia. Ammi planned the move to purge members of their slave mentality in America, but Liberia was only a way station on the way to his ultimate destination, Israel. Among the original members of the Chicago congregation was bassist Charles Blackwell, who later renamed himself Hezekiah. Blackwell had played in the Metrotones, an R&B band in the stable of the Leaner brothers, who owned several labels (One-Der-Ful, Mar-V-Lus) and started one of the firs

top songs

albums

The Soul Messengers

Street Sounds From The Bay Area: Music City Funk & Soul Grooves 1971-75

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Richmond Experience

Soul Messages From Dimona

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Trojan Soulful Reggae Box Set

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Good God! Soul Messages From Dimona

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Street Sounds From The Bay Area (Music City Funk & Soul Grooves 1971-75)

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Trojan Soulful Reggae, Vol. 1

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Trojan Soulful Reggae 2

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Trojan Soulful Reggae Box Set (Disc 2)

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Street Sounds From The Bay Area: Music City Funk Soul Grooves 1971-75

Sweet Land of Mine

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