You cant talk about the history of UK gospel without mention of the ground-breaking show - People Get Ready (PGR), which aired on Channel 4 from 1987 1992. PGR was a mainstream TV show dedicated to showcasing black gospel music and talent. The show featured US gospel favourites Larnell Harris, Tramaine Hawkins, The Williams Brothers and Thomas Whitfield alongside UK gospels The Wade Brothers, John Francis and the Inspirational singers.

To mark the 33^rd year anniversary of the show, gospel guru Marcia Dixon MBE, PGR music director Nicky Brown and original show host - Juliet Coley taped the People Get Ready Podcast Mix, reflecting on the rich legacy of UK gospel and the impact of the show. With contributions from GMIA founder Juliette Fletcher, Ruach City Church Founder & PGR co-presenter- Bishop John Francis, MOBO winner- Volney Morgan and Premier Gospel Station Director - Muyiwa Olarewaju OBE, the vodcast includes snippets of performances from the original tv series.

People Get Ready Podcast Mix is the brainchild of People Get Ready presenter Juliet Coley. I uploaded my VHS tapes onto YouTube in 2014 just before I was due to have heart surgery following a heart attack. My children had never seen the programme and were shocked that their mum was on TV. The feedback from fans of the show who accessed it online was overwhelming and many said they would love to see it back, so this vodcast is a step closer to that, she said.

Looking ahead, Marcia Dixon OBE shared that shed like to see people seize the moment that there is in the society that we currently live. "..You dont need a record company. All you need is your own creativity and an understanding of how to use social media tools to get your music out there, " she said.

Written by Akosua DF, Premier Gospel Presenter
Watch the vodcast here:

The 80s was the golden era for UK gospel. Black gospel music crossed over to mainstream media and one of the genres brightest stars; Lavine Hudson, made history when she signed with Virgin Records.