Life In Heaven Is Free!

Cleo Jackson Randle - Life in Heaven Is Free

Cleo Randle makes two appearances on the Hoss Allen TV show The Beat!!!!, lip-syncing her two best-known R&B sides, "Big City Lights" and "Best Man I Ever Had" and joins in the sing-along of "If I Had a Hammer," showcasing her powerful, growling voice. One of her gospel sides, however, is much more impressive. The stark 1967 Checker single "Life in Heaven Is Free" is amazingly simple, and it's equally moving and haunting. Sorry for the scratchiness of the 45, but I couldn't let that prevent me from sharing this fine recording.