Oprah’s Favorite Gospel Songs

“Mary, Don’t You Weep,” by Aretha Franklin It’s my favorite because it’s about the miracles that can happen. Lazarus got up walking like a natural man—that speaks to me that anything can happen. You can be surprised by a miracle that shows up in your life.

“You Brought the Sunshine,” by the Clark Sisters It’s a big wake-up song—such strong beats. I open my workout with this song.

“Amazing Grace,” by Wintley Phipps There are as many versions of “Amazing Grace” as there are singers. Wintley’s is my favorite because of the richness and fullness of his baritone voice and how he starts out talking about being in the hold of a slave ship and hums.

“Blessed Assurance,” by Wintley Phipps It’s always been my favorite hymn—giving the assurance that I was going to be okay.

“Strong God,” by Kirk Franklin I just discovered this a couple of years ago and think it’s so appropriate for the time. My girls also love gospel, particularly Thando. When we would watch the news during the pandemic, every time something would go a bit wrong, we’d say, “We need a strong God.”

“Stand,” by Donnie McClurkin The first time I heard “Stand,” it was performed by BeBe Winans on Easter Sunday morning during a sunrise service on a ship I had rented for Maya Angelou’s 70th birthday party. We had 14 parties in eight days, and we began with that sunrise Easter service. I remember distinctly Gayle turning to me saying, “Oh my God, I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before. What’s happening to me?” And Maya said, “Baby, that’s the Holy Spirit.” I realized it was by Donnie McClurkin. So great.

“Great Is Your Mercy,” by Donnie McClurkin I listen to this on my headphones while I am doing a walk. It’s my praise and gratitude song. You can’t help but think of your blessings when you listen to that song.

“Take Me to the King,” by Tamela Mann The idea of being brought before the King, the Almighty, with your offering of yourself and your life is why I love this one so much.

“No Longer Slaves,” by Eddie James featuring Daniel Kolenda This is for all people who have been inhibited by their own fears and are afraid to move forward. It was also introduced to me by Thando. During the pandemic, she’d be in her room playing music, hit the wrong button, and the music would go all over the house. I’d be like, “What is that?”

“Way Maker,” by Eddie James featuring Daniel Kolenda It shows how God provides for us. As we used to say in the church: There’s always a way out of no way. And when you trust and believe, you can always find the way.

“Promises,” by Maverick City Music featuring Joe L. Barnes and Naomi Raine I love it because of its promise: “I will praise Your name / In every season, great is Your faithfulness to me.”

Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace Album You can pick any song from that album, and every one is more spectacular and spiritually centered than the one before. I’ve had this album ever since it came out in the ’70s and still listen to it today. Best gospel album ever made. Period. Full stop.