(ThyBlackMan.com) There’s something about James Cleveland’s voice that feels like home. Maybe it’s the way he blends sermon with song, or maybe it’s the unshakable honesty in every word he sings. For me—and for so many others—his music isn’t just gospel; it’s therapy, it’s church, it’s family, it’s healing.
This is the third time I’ve had the honor of writing about his work, and truth be told, it still doesn’t feel like enough. Every time I revisit his catalog, I find something new—something I missed, or something that hits different because of what I’m going through at that moment. That’s the beauty of Cleveland’s music. It grows with you. It walks with you. It speaks when you can’t.
So, if you’re here looking for songs to help you pray through tears, steady your faith, or just sit quietly in God’s presence—you’re in the right place. These ten tracks may not always top playlists, but trust me, they’ll stay with you long after the music fades.
1. “I Walk with God” – from A Tribute to the King
“I Walk with God” is one of James Cleveland’s more intimate and devotional recordings, a track that quietly carries the listener through a journey of trust and companionship with the Divine. Unlike his more dramatic performances, this song feels like a whispered testimony—an inner vow of daily faith. Cleveland’s delivery is restrained, but profoundly sincere, as he lays out a path of spiritual closeness that’s more about steady presence than mountaintop miracles.
The instrumentation is gentle and minimal—just a soft piano and strings carrying the melody, creating a peaceful, almost lullaby-like atmosphere. The lyrics, “I walk with God, through storm and night,” resonate in a way that feels personal to anyone who’s ever endured trials with nothing but faith to hold on to. The choir enters sparingly, adding texture without ever overpowering Cleveland’s lead, which reads like a letter to God more than a performance.
What makes this track so meaningful in today’s world is its quiet assurance. It doesn’t shout for attention. It walks with you. For those navigating grief, change, or even spiritual dryness, “I Walk with God” is an anthem of consistency. It reminds us that faith isn’t always loud—it’s often quiet, steady, and deeply rooted. Cleveland’s voice becomes a companion on the road, reminding the listener that wherever they go, they don’t go alone.
2. “He Knows How Much You Can Bear” – from Please Be Patient With Me
This heartfelt ballad dives into one of the most beloved themes in Christian doctrine: divine understanding. “He Knows How Much You Can Bear” reminds us that we are never alone, even in our most crushing seasons. Cleveland’s voice trembles with sincerity and grace as he sings of a God who is not distant but deeply empathetic. There’s a fatherly tone to his delivery—one that assures the listener that their suffering has not gone unnoticed.
Musically, the track starts with a subdued piano intro that blooms into a slow gospel swell, filled with choir harmonies that sound like reassurance wrapped in melody. The rhythm builds, but it never rushes. Instead, it mimics the gentle unfolding of healing. The backing choir adds layers of emotion—not just echoing Cleveland’s words but embodying the communal strength of shared faith. The instrumentation itself seems to understand the power of silence, leaving room for the listener to breathe between lines.
What makes this track so lasting is its ability to speak peace over a troubled heart without demanding emotional labor from the listener. It doesn’t ask you to leap into joy—it simply reminds you that survival is enough, that God sees your endurance and honors it. It’s a song you lean on. It still resonates today with anyone dealing with anxiety, grief, or exhaustion. In a world where people are often told to “push through,” this track is a reminder that rest and vulnerability are also part of faith. It’s a balm—and Cleveland administers it like a spiritual physician. Every time the refrain returns, it feels like God whispering, “I’m still here.”
3. “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired” – Live Performances Collection
This track has become one of Cleveland’s most quoted works, even outside of church walls. Its message of perseverance in the face of weariness remains universally powerful. “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired” is a testimony track, one that speaks to spiritual warriors who have been bruised but not broken. It’s the kind of song that makes you straighten your back, wipe your tears, and keep walking.
Cleveland doesn’t perform the song so much as he testifies through it. His monologue before the singing begins is often half the experience—an exhortation, a sermon, and a personal plea rolled into one. His ability to bridge preaching and performance is on full display here, reminding listeners that gospel isn’t just music—it’s ministry. You hear every crack in his voice, every pause before a phrase, and you know this is a man who’s been through fire but emerged with faith still intact.
The live atmosphere contributes to the electric reverence of the piece. You can hear the audible responses of the congregation, the cries of agreement, the shouts of “Yes, Lord!” that ripple through the room. The organ rises and falls with Cleveland’s voice like a trusted partner. When the chorus finally comes—”I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come too far from where I started from”—it feels earned, like a victory cry that comes after enduring storms, betrayals, and heartbreak.
In 2025, where burnout, social injustice, and disillusionment run high, this song functions as armor. It’s the musical equivalent of standing up straighter after being knocked down. A must-listen when the weight of the world presses hard and you need to draw strength from the deep wells of faith. It’s not just inspirational—it’s ancestral, connecting modern listeners to generations who walked through worse and kept singing.
4. “Peace Be Still (Live in LA)” – Unreleased Variations
While “Peace Be Still” is one of Cleveland’s most iconic songs, many listeners have yet to experience the thunderous power of his lesser-known live renditions—especially the stirring version recorded in Los Angeles in the late 70s. This performance doesn’t just revisit the familiar; it reinvents the song as a sonic sermon. With every note and pause, Cleveland breathes new urgency into the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm, turning a well-known gospel standard into a musical epiphany.
The way Cleveland interacts with the choir is nothing short of masterful. He doesn’t merely lead them—he orchestrates a call-and-response dialogue that builds in spiritual intensity. As the storm rages musically, the choir mirrors the fear and confusion of the disciples, while Cleveland’s commanding voice cuts through like the voice of Christ Himself: “Peace, be still.” The instrumental swells are perfectly timed, mimicking crashing waves and sudden silence. The audience gasps, not just because of the dynamics, but because something sacred is happening right before them.
What makes this version so potent today is its emotional relevance. It doesn’t take much imagination to relate these storms to our own modern anxieties—rising stress, spiritual doubt, social unrest. This track becomes more than a retelling of scripture; it becomes a therapy session through sound, a meditation wrapped in musical warfare. Play this when you’re overwhelmed. Let it walk you through the storm and out the other side. It’s not just a song—it’s a rescue mission for the soul.
5. “Lord Let Me Be an Instrument” – from Gospel Music Workshop of America Sessions
“Lord Let Me Be an Instrument” is a quiet masterpiece tucked away in Cleveland’s work with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, yet its spiritual resonance speaks volumes. The song is an earnest plea for usefulness in the kingdom of God—a prayer wrapped in music. It may not be among his radio singles, but it captures one of the most profound spiritual postures: surrender. James Cleveland doesn’t overperform here. Instead, he offers his voice as an actual instrument, expressing what words alone could not.
The lyrics are striking in their simplicity, “Use me in Thy service, draw me nearer every day,” yet they pierce the heart with their authenticity. The arrangement features soft keys and occasional strings, which gently cradle the vocal lines. There’s no flash or overproduction—just clarity and communion. Cleveland’s delivery is like a whispered confession: vulnerable, real, and unpolished in all the best ways. The choir’s response is minimal but effective, as if they’re standing in silent agreement.
In our modern climate of self-branding and spotlight-chasing, this song reminds us of a higher calling: to be used by something bigger than ourselves. Whether you’re a preacher or parent, artist or activist, this track realigns the listener with a servant’s mindset. It’s ideal for personal prayer, vision casting, or a moment of quiet reflection before a big step in faith. This is James Cleveland at his most spiritually profound—leading not from the pulpit, but from the prayer closet.
6. “The Name of Jesus” – from The Gospel in Living Sound
There’s something beautifully elemental about “The Name of Jesus.” In gospel tradition, the name alone is often considered a prayer, a weapon, a refuge. James Cleveland’s interpretation elevates that idea into a full-bodied spiritual experience. The track begins with solemn piano chords, but it doesn’t stay quiet for long. As the choir builds behind him, the music swells like a rising tide, culminating in a celebration of the miraculous power contained in just one name—Jesus.
Cleveland’s reverence is palpable. He doesn’t rush through the lyrics; he savors them. You can feel the awe in his voice every time he utters “Jesus.” His gravelly tone doesn’t diminish the name’s power—it enhances it, adding a weathered richness that makes each repetition sound like a revelation. As he stretches the name across several notes, you get the feeling he’s not just singing—he’s worshiping.
This song is essential listening for believers who feel distant from God or who need spiritual anchoring. It’s a reminder that sometimes, when words fail, the name of Jesus is enough. The song creates sacred space, whether played in a bustling car ride or a quiet room. For younger generations discovering Cleveland’s work, this track serves as a powerful introduction to his legacy—and to the enduring truth that there’s still power in the name of Jesus.
7. “No Cross, No Crown” – from Live at Carnegie Hall
“No Cross, No Crown” is one of James Cleveland’s most profound theological statements set to music. This track doesn’t sugarcoat the Christian walk—it lays it bare: if you want the reward, you must endure the suffering. With his signature blend of sermon and song, Cleveland delivers this truth not with gloom, but with deep assurance and spiritual clarity. His voice, rich and time-worn, carries every ounce of that message like a man who’s earned the right to say it.
The arrangement begins slowly, with a steady piano and choir backdrop that builds as the emotional tension increases. Cleveland speaks the opening lines like a seasoned preacher before moving into song, allowing the message to marinate. “If you can’t stand a little disappointment sometimes, if you can’t stand being talked about… then how you gonna wear your crown?” he asks—not to condemn, but to prepare. The choir responds with gentle strength, turning the message into a unified confession of faith through hardship. You can hear the sighs, the agreements, the spiritual weight land in real-time—both in the recording and in the soul of the listener.
As the song progresses, the music swells with greater urgency, yet never loses its reverent tone. Cleveland’s voice rises in intensity, not just in volume but in passion. He sings from a place that suggests he’s been through the valley, and he’s not just sharing doctrine—he’s sharing deliverance. His testimony is embedded in every lyric, particularly when he sings, “Jesus bore the cross alone—and all the world go free?” It’s in these moments that the track transforms from a performance into a sermon set to music, a reminder that carrying our own crosses is part of the sanctification process.
This track hits especially hard for those walking through seasons of difficulty. In a modern world where comfort is often prioritized over conviction, “No Cross, No Crown” reminds us that struggle is not the absence of God—it is often where God meets us most intimately. Whether you’re battling illness, navigating betrayal, or simply trying to survive the pressures of daily life, this song doesn’t promise escape—it promises eternal meaning. It’s a song for the weary believer who needs to know that their suffering has purpose, and that glory isn’t just found in mountaintops, but also in faithful endurance through the valleys.
Cleveland doesn’t just perform this truth—he lives it, and in doing so, he helps the listener endure just a little longer. “No Cross, No Crown” is not just a classic gospel track—it’s a lifeline wrapped in harmony and grace. For every tear-stained pillow and whispered prayer of exhaustion, this song offers a response: Hold on. Your crown is coming.
8. “I’ll Do His Will” – from Live at the Apollo Sessions
There’s a sense of mission embedded in this track that sets it apart from others in Cleveland’s live catalog. “I’ll Do His Will” isn’t just a promise—it’s a declaration of spiritual alignment, an anthem of readiness and obedience. Recorded during a now-legendary performance at the Apollo, this version brims with fiery purpose. Cleveland’s voice on this track sounds energized and renewed, as if fueled by the very Spirit he’s singing about.
His delivery is sharper, his tone more urgent, and the choir sounds like a wave of conviction rising behind him. The arrangement follows the structure of traditional gospel: a call-and-response that builds momentum with each repetition, climaxing in a sweeping affirmation of service to God. Cleveland’s pacing intensifies gradually, allowing the congregation—and by extension, the listener—to become swept up in the rhythm of obedience.
For modern listeners, especially those at a crossroads—be it career, ministry, or personal change—this song is an anthem. It’s the spiritual push you need when making hard decisions, facing resistance, or stepping into unfamiliar territory. The beauty of Cleveland’s performance is that it makes the concept of surrender feel empowering, not passive. It fuels courage and renews purpose, reminding us that saying “yes” to God’s will is not the end of the road—it’s the beginning of destiny.
9. “My Cup Runneth Over” – from James Cleveland Presents the Charles Fold Singers
This track is one of James Cleveland’s most beautifully understated works, and it shines not through power but through its posture of peace. Rather than focusing on hardship or pleading for strength, “My Cup Runneth Over” is about abundance—spiritual abundance. The song radiates contentment, a holy satisfaction that’s often missing in our modern quest for more. It’s a grateful reflection on a life blessed, not necessarily with material wealth, but with peace, clarity, and enduring faith.
The melody is rich and smooth, the kind of arrangement you can loop endlessly during a reflective afternoon or a quiet drive home from church. Cleveland’s vocal control is impressive here—he rises and falls with emotion but never loses clarity. His tone is less preacher, more psalmist. It’s contemplative, even meditative, and the Charles Fold Singers add a soft cushion of harmonies that cradle every word with reverence.
This is the kind of gospel track that feels timeless. Whether you’re 18 or 80, whether you’ve just begun your faith journey or have been walking with God for decades, “My Cup Runneth Over” resonates. In an age of anxiety and noise, this song is a spiritual exhale. It’s not about asking—it’s about acknowledging. It’s gratitude turned into song, and in doing so, it helps the listener see the blessings that might have been overlooked all along.
10. “Jesus Will” – from James Cleveland and the Cleveland Singers
“Jesus Will” is one of those timeless gospel declarations that doesn’t need to shout to make its presence known—it simply affirms, with quiet certainty, that whatever the need, Jesus will take care of it. James Cleveland’s version stands out for its balance of humility and boldness. He sings not with hesitation, but with a knowing confidence rooted in both scripture and personal experience. It’s not a boast; it’s a witness.
The track begins with gentle piano chords and soft organ runs, setting a contemplative mood—almost like a musical prayer room. Then, Cleveland enters—calm, clear, and focused—like a man who has watched God make a way more than once. The way he emphasizes the phrase “Jesus will” is subtle but firm, like someone telling you something they’ve staked their life on. He doesn’t overcomplicate the message. He lets the power sit in the simplicity. When the choir joins in, their harmonies don’t overpower; they affirm. They echo a faith that’s been tested and proven. It becomes a layered confirmation—testimony wrapped in sound.
What makes this song so deeply effective is that it doesn’t try to fix you—it just reminds you that you’re not alone. It carries no judgment, no demand, no pressure. Just a gentle but unwavering truth: Jesus will. Whether you’re dealing with sickness, heartbreak, loneliness, or simply feeling spiritually distant, this track wraps around you like a blanket. It doesn’t need a big climax. The comfort is in its consistency—just like the God it speaks of.
In a world where people are looking for reassurance—financially, emotionally, spiritually—“Jesus Will” is the musical reminder that no matter the situation, God is both willing and able. It’s a track for the brokenhearted, the uncertain, the hopeful, and the forgotten. It doesn’t rush you—it meets you where you are. Whether you’re sitting alone in your car with tears in your eyes, or standing in a sanctuary full of worshippers, this song whispers directly to the spirit: Don’t worry, child. Jesus will.
There’s no pretense in Cleveland’s voice—just truth. And in gospel music, that’s all you really need. As the final track on this list, it serves as a benediction of sorts—a soft-spoken reminder that the same Jesus who walked with Cleveland is still walking with us today.
James Cleveland’s music has this way of reaching down into your soul and reminding you that you’re not alone. Whether it’s through a whispered prayer in song or a thunderous choir declaration, each track we’ve covered in this piece offers something we all need—comfort, courage, conviction, and above all, connection.
This isn’t just a list of songs—it’s a reminder that gospel music can still break chains and build altars in 2025. For those who’ve grown up on Cleveland or are just now discovering his work, let these songs be more than background music. Let them be your personal revival, your quiet strength, or your gentle nudge back to faith when life feels like too much.
And if you’ve made it this far, maybe that’s no accident. Maybe your soul was asking for something today—and maybe, just maybe, one of these songs is the answer.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
