The Harlem Gospel Travelers - "Fight On!"

The latest single from Colemine Records's Brighter Days Ahead singles series was a Juneteenth release from The Harlem Gospel Travelers. The Harlem Gospel Travelers were assembled by Eli "Paperboy" Reed when they were his students in a gospel class. Listening to "Fight On!" you won't believe they're young enough to be students of Reed's. This band sounds like they've been together for years, if not decades. "Fight On!" isn't purely an old school soul or gospel song. It sounds more modern while keeping the spirit of classic soul alive. 

The song is obviously highly political. Bandmember Thomas Gatling explains:

“During slavery, songs were a form of communication for black people. These songs became known as hymns, or as our seasoned saints call them, the songs that brought us over. 'Fight On' was inspired by a hymn called 'Hold On (Just A Little While Longer),' a song used to encourage black people to not give up. Through that song, God gave me 'Fight On.' It was written to amplify the voices that for so long have fallen on deaf ears and to encourage and uplift people to continue the fight for equality and against white supremacy. Be empowered, my people. We are not thugs, we are innovators. We are intelligent and our feelings, hopes, dreams, and lives matter. Fight on, and everything's gonna be alright."

You can watch the video for "Fight On!" below. The song is available now via Colemine Records as part of their Brighter Days Ahead series. You can get a copy now via Bandcamp.