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TBS Sisterhood of OC Presents the Maxine Cultural Series Joshua Nelson

The Prince of Kosher Gospel
Joshua Nelson born and raised Jewish, studied of Judaism, including two years on a college and kibbutz program in Israel, clarified his understanding that throughout history, Jews had always integrated Jewish law and religious practices with the cultural context in which they lived; for example, as Nelson points out, any ethnic style of cuisine can be Jewish if it is kosher.

Upon his return from Israel, Nelson began to apply this understanding to music, beginning what has been called a revolution in Jewish music by combining Jewish liturgical lyrics with one of Americas best-known indigenous musical forms; thus kosher gospel music was born. For Joshua Nelson, kosher gospel is a way to claim both parts of his identity as a Black Jew.

When Joshua was eight, he discovered an album by Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, in his grandparents record collection, and he fell in love with her singing. During his teens and early twenties, he became widely celebrated as a gospel singer continuing the Jacksons' legacy.

For his audiences, whatever their faith or heritage, kosher gospel has been a revelation. Now in his early thirties, Nelson has performed around the world, for Presidents, congregations, major music festivals and for Oprah, who named him a Next Big Thing. He has produced a stellar album, Mi Chamocha, sung with stars from Aretha Franklin to the Klezmatics, and served as the subject of the acclaimed documentary film Keep on Walking. Nelson also passes on this musical gift as an artist in residence at Jewish congregations across the country, including at his home synagogue of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, a Reform congregation in South Orange, New Jersey where he taught Hebrew School for 15 years. Whatever the venue, Joshua Nelson, the Prince of Kosher Gospel, brings people and cultures together in joyous song.