"God Gave Me A Song" (Original)(1970) Myrna Summers

This is track 5 from the 1970 album "God Gave Me A Song".
Written by Myrna Summers
Myrna Summers (born March 30, 1949) is a Gospel Music singer who has performed professionally for over four decades and is now the Minister of Music at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland. She has a commanding yet distinctive alto voice.
Summers was born in Washington D.C. in 1949. Her parents were members of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and she performed in services at the Refreshing Spring Church in Riverdale, Maryland from a very early age. She attended the McKinley Tech High School, and went on to the University of Maryland and the Toutorsky Academy of Music.
She formed a group the Refreshingnettes in the early 1960s. The group recorded "Pray Your Troubles / I'm Determined" for HOB Records. Her original compositions "God Gave Me a Song" (1970) and "Give Me Something to Hold on To" (1979) earned her Grammy Award nominations. She was the 1970 recipient of the Gospel Music Workshop of America's Mahalia Jackson Award. Her album entitled "We Going To Make It" became one of her best selling recordings in June 1988 and won a 1989 Stellar Award for Best Traditional Gospel Artist (Female). She is known for her collaborations with Timothy Wright, the Dallas Fort-Worth Mass Choir and Ambassadors for Christ.
She has performed at Madison Square Garden, the Apollo Theater and the Lincoln Center in New York and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Summers was Minister of Music at Refreshing Spring COGIC before joining Reid Temple A.M.E Church in 1999. As Minister of Music at Reid Temple she is the leader of the church's five choirs and orchestra, and the Director of the Mass Choir. The choir led by Summers provides a stirring accompaniment to the preaching and prayers at the church.

[@lesliewilliams1232]

This song came to me at 5:00 in the morning out of nowhere! I googled it to hear again after 50 years!!! I was 7 years old in 1970, its 2023!! Precious memories! Thank you Lord!

[@kathrynneedham5219]

I know I’m replying a year later, but the same thing just happened to me. These lyrics popped into my head the other day, and wouldn’t leave, so today I googled. And here I am reading through comments.😂

[@laddy819]

I was 5 when this song came out. ALL black youth choirs loved to sing this back in the day. This was THE song of those days.

[@lionessmanemusic3679]

Yes, This and The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Victory Chorale, and Brockington Ensemble...They called us The Junior Choir :)

[@janfreeman9038]

Love This Song bring back old memories.

[@janfreeman9038]

Prophetess Jan Freeman I love the part.. The Lord has been so good to Me.. No matter What.. I've got to Praise Him

[@overseermc]

Yes I remember our Youth choir singing this. For some reason it came up in my spirittoday thank you so much for sharing all the oldies...🔥🙌🏽❣️

[@michekids]

This is STILL The Song of The Day, even more as we see The Day iof His Coming, Even So, Come, Lord Yeshua, Come

[@KDReese423]

OK I was born in 1982 and we sang this song when I was in the junior choir. Looking at all the comments here, I realize it’s much older than I thought it was. We used to love singing this song in our choir! Our choir Director used to use it as leverage for us to have good rehearsals. If we didn’t have a good rehearsal, she wouldn’t let us sing it lol. The shade! I used to always wonder what God gave me a song meant as a kid. This brought back some amazing memories in 2024.

[@DeidraDazzling]

My sister Lisa was born in 1965, me in 1974. When I was a child she used to sing this song to me to put me to sleep or to settle me down if I was crying. I wake up with this song in my heart still to this day September 5, 2023. She’s now 59 and I’m 48yrs old❤❤❤

[@jamesweston7714]

Yes This was the Song 🎵 way back in the Early 1970s I am now 67yrs old and it still has Anointing....Thank you Jesus

[@reginaldfloyd8119]

This song takes me back to the early 1970s.The songs like this will keep us encouraged to stay with the LORD.

[@darperk1]

💫🙏🏾Yessss

[@tishholley-howse9662]

Who's listening to this in 2020? Yes...in this pandemic, God still has the power in his hand...and he gave us a song to get through it!!!🌺🙏🏽❤️

[@gracemcbride5219]

AMEN & AMEN!!!

[@boostmobile1064]

I miss singing that song along with my choir ,took me back.Thanks for the memory 🙏Father God .♥️♥️♥️

[@michekids]

I will sing this until He Returns!

[@tracydixon8405]

Listening in 2022

[@aemtuik1933]

In the 90tis whe did this song with our dutch youth choir in the Netherlands. I played the drums abd what a powerfull song to play and sing. He is still got all the power. Abd He is still good.....so good. Grtzz you all

[@mssugamoma]

Omg we use to sing this when I was a child in the children’s choir ! such good memories

[@ccarr]

we still sing this song 2024. WOW

[@carolgreen8587]

I was 11 and this song brought tears to my eyes

[@Peacepw]

These songs kept us and brought us through! 😊 👏 🙌

[@bobbysoverall8963]

Reminds me of my childhood…a family of singers named “The Leacocks” used to sing this at my church. I was just getting exposed to Black Gospel Music…great times!!❤🙌🏾

[@dennisn1158]

This was the first gospel song I heard in my church. That was 54 years ago, and to this day, I can still see, hear and feel that memory.

[@torrewood1962]

THIS WAS SO POPULAR IN THE EARLY " 1970's..OVER W.D.A.S LOUISE WILLIAMS GOSPELTIMES....THIS SONG WILL TAKE YOU BACK.❤🎉

[@kimberlyhutchins8720]

Thankful Grateful and Blessed!!!! Love singing this song in our youth choir over 40 years ago!! What a blessing, I woke up this morning with this song in my heart!!!💜🙏🏽💜

[@mikeljenkins38]

Im 33yrs old, and I've never heard of this song. until yesterday and I love it.

[@shelial.341]

This is rolling in my spirit this morning! So glad it's posted! Feb 2023. Still hitting after over 50 years! We sang this in junior choir💜💜💜

[@marciahiggs8335]

Oh, YES!!! HE DID!!! Mere words can NEVER convey... ... ...

[@pauliadonalson9839]

Wow! Memory bomb!! It was early 1970’s, Baltimore, MD! I was 8 yrs old. Our beloved choir director, Vivian T. Howard, taught our Youth Choir this powerful song and I was hooked! The power of the Holy Spirit has been with me and my music ministry journey ever since! Don’t worry-despite the insanity in today’s world, God still has “the power of the world in His hands”! Yes, God is STILL in control! 🙏🏽😇🙌🏽👏🏾

[@roysmith543]

Wow, I haven't heard this song since I was a kid. Like 7 or 8 Years old.

[@s.nicole5709]

My Mother sang this to me all my life, I’ve never heard the real song just her singing it ❤️

[@Tazmiamor]

I woke up yesterday morning, opened my eyes and started singing this song. I haven't sung this, since I was in the church choir, in my early teens! I'm 54, now.

[@rochellenelson6132]

So did I! OMG the imprint on our lives...i'm 55!

[@timothyruiz2465]

And me too, just today, out of the blue. For me, that was some 30 years since I've sung it in church in NY, Love Gospel Assembly.

[@hollisb.flemingii8197]

Tazmiamor You and me both, in our Children and Youth Choirs...and this song just popped in my head, a few minutes ago...Word Life!!!! Amen 🙏🏾, Songs like this need to be revived back into the choral agenda again....!

[@tgsweets]

Count me in! Me too! I'm 40

[@elisageorge2261]

@@hollisb.flemingii8197Amen. Agree 💯

[@darricklong7731]

Takes me back to my childhood church.

[@brownsugar8276]

Absolutely. The song just dropped in my heart and I was happy to know it was on KZbin.

[@anthonycaldwell1308]

I was 13yrs old playing the Hammond at church. Everybody as their great grandma dog this song at choir anniversaries, the mistress of ceremony said, “don’t nobody else come up here and sing that song we done heard six times I yelled out “thank Yah!!🙄🙄The thing was local choir’s and musicians blew this recording out of the waters especially if the choir was large to huge. The song that overrode it for it’s fame was Bill Miss and The Gospel Celestials “Already Been Too The Water alongside the BCM Choir!! Ooh It was a hit alright people whom didn’t attend church knew it but personally it wasn’t a song I ever played for a choir I wasn’t interested but I can never forget the impact and fame this song laid claim too it really is one of the classics.

[@barbaragriner2348]

YAH MIGHTY POWER...2021

[@rochellarounds2243]

Miss these old ones that helped ground us! Thanks!

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome. Blessings.

[@brownsugar8276]

Yes, brother. The songs now are okay, but it's nothing like these old songs that brought us through.

[@mother-jeanetteanthony5944]

Oldie but Goodie!

[@melissajomama7815]

Still singing this song since i been 9. Thank you Brenda L. for introducing me to gospel music. RIP my best friend🙏🏽

[@justing757]

I can’t stop listening to this song

[@lisabaxter7786]

When I was little my mom directed our church choir that sung this song love this song woke up wanting to hear it I shared it with friends and Facebook 😊❤🎉

[@concernededucator4140]

I lead this song as a kid!!!! Same key lol

[@peggiej100]

I learned this song from Myrna Summers when she and her choir came to Lincoln University PA in January of 1971 for our Gospel Choir January project. I have not sung/heard it for many years but it is still blessing me after all of these times. One of the pioneers of powerful youth choirs that helped us hold onto our faith during some turbulent times. May God continue to bless her as she still serves Him.

[@MrCroyal1624]

I sang this song with the Morning Star Youth and Young Adult Choir in St. Louis Missouri in the 70s. It holds a special place in my heart as I recover from a stroke in 2021

[@helenbrooks3567]

I don’t usually comment on songs, but this one blessed my soul this morning…1-26-24. I remember singing this song myself. I am 70 years old…will be 71 next month by the grace of God. My Pastor teaches us that the anointing never leaves the earth. This proves that statement is true!!! I admonish you all to hold on to God’s unchanging hands. He will see you through. Just keep your eyes on Him. There are many things around us competing for our attention but stay focused on Jesus and follow Him closely. You’ll be just fine. I promise you. He has seen me through these many years and is yet seeing me through every day of my life. I could go on, but I’ll stop here. Love you!!! Stay with Jesus!!! He doesn’t leave us…we leave Him. But the good news is He will receive you back at any time. As long as you are breathing, you have an opportunity to be restored and/or saved for the first time. Blessings. Ms.Helen

[@queenhatchett4407]

I remember this son also. I was a teenager when I first heard it. I remember it well. The other side of the '45 is also beautiful. I have been trying to find it. The anointing is till in the song.

[@Khayalex]

A girl sang this at church one Sunday in the early 80’s. I thought she made it up but I sang it all these years. 💯🤌🏾🤣💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙Well, AMEN! 💙🙏🏾💙

[@goodcompanychristiancounse9005]

I have heard this song in my spirit for years. Today was the first day I was told by God to Google it. I heard this song as a child. I love how God will allow me to hold onto it after all these years. I've asked people I've known who have been in church for years, but they didn't know this song. Thank You Lord.

[@lindabeaver6174]

Still love this song! In fact, I just played it the other day and my daughter and son and I sang it!

[@KevinJohnson-fg6wy]

As a high school student, sister Summers brought the choir to our school (Calvin Coolidge in Washington, DC) for an assembly presentation of this song the year of its recording. They rehearsed in a section of the school that was somewhat secluded, except I was in a class that was exposed to their sound wafting down the hallways. As my journey has continued, this song has held a sacred space in my soul and propels me on. Blessings to everyone...

[@Explosible69]

Lord of heavens, I finally find this song. Been looking for it for the last 20 years or so. Thank you, Gospel Nostalgia.

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome.

[@Explosible69]

Back in 1976 my church band arranged this song for two trombones, guitar, bass and drums. I can still play it after so many years. Hard to forget the beat and the lyrics.

[@lisaderenard4467]

I love Gospel Nostalgia channel, they post songs I had been searching for literally for years. Good stuff for the soul.

[@f.e.ybrandspictures]

2023 listening 💫✨️☀️🙏🏿🙌🏿

[@jeraleenpeterson5200]

This song encouraged my heart after the death of my mother. I was 21 and would have been lost without the love of Jesus. Thank you for posting.

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome. So sorry for the loss of your mom.

[@clydegreene6437]

So glad you found some solace in the song, praise God ! I know personally, you need all the encouragement and comfort you can get when your Mom leaves this world for the next.

[@angellg25]

I sung this in Sunday school when I was 5 or 6 I'm almost 34 now...feels refreshing!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@flashlight5695]

I play this everyday!!! My sound bar blows this up...Power in Hands. Those drums my GOD my GOD!!! He gave me a song!

[@shen6088]

Love this song hasn't heard in years. Love Myrna Summers

[@jerrygreen5954]

This song is astounding, I listen to it quite often, and it rejuvenates me everytime. Thanks😊

[@d.lynette4255]

This song brings back such fond memories of my Dad playing this song at his home church when I was a child.

[@kathrynneedham5219]

I haven’t gone to church in over 30 years. But for some reason, the last few days lyrics of the song is been going around in my head. This song brings back memories of childhood, of my mother singing it at church, of belting out these lyrics and #harmonies. Wooo!! Whether you believe in God or not, this song will lift your spirit. IT IS THE JAM. 💫✨

[@sanjoserock1]

Listening in 2024! POWER

[@TheMrJRM1990]

Praise the Lord! Glory to God!

[@edwarddanville231]

I grew up on that song!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOWI I yet love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@typrsn1]

+Edward Danville Great song.

[@ioxxd90]

I remember when I was 13, our family went to Evangel Temple in DC. It was then on Georgia Ave NW. The Choir used to sing this. This song stuck with me all of these years. Thanks for posting this. I actually teared up hearing this

[@catherineezzell-elliott9792]

This takes me back to 1970 the old school god gave me a soul

[@michekids]

Yes and Amen

[@jameshenley5362]

I actually understand it now. Hallelujah. I have a song the angels can’t sing deep within by the power of the Holy Ghost !

[@michekids]

Me too, I sang this song in 1970 at our spring concert at Eastside High School in Paterson NJ and I felt the ceiling opening up and He is Coming in the clouds. Get ready! Hallelujah

[@calhounmoose8783]

Amen, God gave me a song that keeps my life.

[@NuSgz]

After a prayer session with the MHG, this song started to flow. To remind me we are reborn in Him and we are His children. Praise to the Messiah.

[@leighburton832]

Our youth choir sang that song when I was a child, even though it came out way before I was born!

[@roseinharlem8152]

We used to looove singing this song up in camp victory lake when I was a kid. Such memories!

[@jarrideniesesmithbrown2778]

I wasn't even born yet when this song came out, but I remember hearing it a lot when I was small. My mother used to sing with this choir because we are from the DMV area. Miss Myrna is still directing the choir out of one of the churches in the Prince George's county area. I'm so glad to see that there is still a living legend among gospel music pioneers. She helped pave the way for the young choirs who belong to the churches in that area. My only wish is that my mother was still living.

[@terrywooten2405]

glory to God in the highest washed in the blood of the lamb of God .. Amen

[@cynthiabillups125]

Thank you LORD for JESUS. I pray in JESUS name AMEN 🙏🏾

[@user-qk3lo8dt7p]

I remember hearing this in the 70s my dad was saved at that time and had varied collection and I still listen to these songs they don’t make gospel songs like this now but it’s nice that all those songs I remember are on youtube

[@babyspade101]

Sing this back in the 90’s with our youth choir and it was a favorite missing those days ❤️

[@clydegreene6437]

I have been searching for this song for years since I sang this as my Talent in my high school run for school queen. Thank you for posting! I won and had the talent of my friends behind the scene that were great singers. We had a time of Praise that day!

[@aldawright7259]

The very first gospel song I loved!

[@cynthiagilliam4132]

First Baptist Church of Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY. Thank you Bernadette Wallace and lead vocalist Elaine Bing as the Voices of Inspiration 100 strong, traveled the city sharing the gospel in song 1969 - 1971. Thank God for memories.

[@diannes.46]

No words are necessary at all, bless God.

[@mamating1896]

And still bringing me through today...Merry Christmas... 2020 is just one more reason to praise His Holy Name

[@stevenbrowne4066]

WOW, I remember this song as a child

[@taliahsworld4149]

Thank you Gospel Nostalgia!!!

[@michellecollins4301]

Use to sing this in church-youth choir-guess who was the lead-that's right-me. Now I will be directing the adult choir the 5th Sunday in June 2019-God is Great and Greatly to be Praise

[@tdrobi247]

We were still singing this as adults in 1985.

[@lordtutinean90]

How very excellent this is....The exaltation , the brilliance, the energy.............the POWER!!!

[@michekids]

How Excellent is Thy Name O Lord

[@gloriadavenport3620]

Brings back memories!!!

[@lorettahouchins4494]

Our youth choir used to sing this song in the 70’s. The song always energized us and set the atmosphere for praise and worship for us and the congregation. Thank you Charlene Branham.🙏

[@gloriasimpkins823]

This song is one of rhe best she ever sang

[@RevAL716]

Love this song. We sang this song as a teenager

[@Mimi2Y2BYAZPHIL]

Montgomery Alabama in the 1970s, Rev Thomas E Jordan the Gospel DJ and Pastor of Lily Baptist Church, THOSE were the days!!

[@karenwhite8680]

Praise the Lord 🙏

[@dresand2657]

I’ve been Looking for this song for YEARSSSS !!! Could never find it smh WOW ! We sang this in church growing up like this was the Song of Songs !!

[@lisahampton7750]

Learned this song in first grade! Bethel Elementary School SDA Brooklyn NY!!! The eighth graders used to TEAR THIS UP at Chapel service!! 1971....🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tobyroby14]

MY SONG OF SPIRIT THAT REACHES MY SOUL EVERY TIME I HEAR OR PLAY. Thank you Myrna Summers and The Interdenominational Youth Choir of DC & Maryland

[@michekids]

Yes

[@gwenchambers-coleman5558]

Such wonderful memories in the late sixties and early seventies. We LOVED singing this song as youth at Pennsylvania A.M.E.Zion Church in Baltimore. It still lifts my spirits and makes me happy! The spiritual upbringing we had back in the day made us who we are today. My parents and aunts have passed away now, but the loving and even strict memories of their raising us, the right way, were ingrained into our minds, hearts, and spirits, so that these songs, and God's word are still ingrained in us today in 2021!!!

[@latoyamiller5280]

To God be the glory! We sang this in youth choir!

[@idajackson5023]

Glory!!!!

[@michekids]

Amen

[@melisadunn3067]

My poster said we should have a song. This is my favorite. Matthew 26:36-46❤

[@raventhedoggie]

Singing this with my family as we prepare for April 14, the Holy Communion of the saints. Come Lord Jesus.🙌🏽

[@MychaeltoddRH]

This was a song learned in the children's choir in Columbus Ohio at Southfield Baptist Community Church. Miss Ruthers played piano and Mrs. Baker was the choir director. Rev. Simpson was the pastor.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

I don’t know how I came across this song over 30 years ago while working as a DJ at my college radio station. At the time I was a heavy metal fan (still am). But when I heard this, I knew a beautiful song when it came upon me. Still moving all these years later. Music like this needs no studio trickery or polish. Just pure raw talent shining through. It’ll be sad day when music like this becomes lost.

[@holydance4330]

Hey how you doing? Just wondering do you like Christian Metal?

[@stormbringercoming8105]

@@holydance4330 I’ve never specifically have. I’m moved by the passion of the performance more than any message. Most gospel music that I enjoy is usually traditional. Bluegrass/R&B/Folk.

[@justafriend5958]

Great song of Praise!!!!

[@2007foc]

I never thought I would hear this again ..THANK YOU!!

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

[@michekids]

Yes, and we will sing it together someday in Glory, I can't wait. See you there

[@brendamurray8304]

NOBODY TOUCHES MY HEART SINGING THIS BUT MYRNA SUMMER'S❗❗❗❗❗👏💓🙌✌️📢📢📢🎹🎶🎼🎵(08-15-2021)@3:54amAND I ONLY LISTEN TO THE (ORIGINAL)(1970) VERSION,THE REST DON'T INTEREST ME!!

[@gwendolynsmith3746]

God gave me many 🎵songs that the angels cannot sing!!! That's why I write songs.

[@she1615]

Takes me back too. Sung it in my youth choir. Good ol' days☺

[@Savvynlady]

When I was a kid in the Bronx, they sung this song after church. So remembering it, come to find it here

[@TIFFANYPHIPPS41]

I love it,,amen,,I love it. God gave me a song.

[@carlosmarshall1975]

My Mother used to sing this at church when I was little.

[@z42n81]

well take me back then..

[@stanwright3419]

Wow I remember singing this song in my choir

[@broramsey8950]

The youth choir sang this song at my dad's church back in the 70s. Helps me go back in time of my childhood good old days greystoke at a church

[@coachnsuccess]

Guru: I didn't know Myrna is the original artist of this song. 'O Happy Day' along with this song was introduction to choir music as we know it! Wow, I thought this song was produces out the camps in California, LA or Oakland. Thanks for this one bring back memories o a golden era.

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

[@jerrygreen349]

Thank you father>>>> for giving me that song!

[@blackscorpionlairgaming]

Inspirational Choir from California Harvest Tabernacle Bible Church 1983 childhood memories

[@juliekucinski9077]

One of the most powerful recordings EVER. Genuinely envious of the people who got to see this live. Talk about the power and the glory.