The Gospel Choir That Recorded Background Vocals On “Full Force Gale” — And Prayed Together Afterward

April 1, 2025

The sun was beginning to set on a warm summer evening in 1982 when Van Morrison prepared to record a track for his upcoming album. The studio was alive with excitement as musicians set up their instruments and sound engineers adjusted the microphones. Among them was a gospel choir, known for their powerful voices and uplifting harmonies. They had come together from different churches, united by their love for music and faith. That day, they were given the chance to be a part of something special—the recording of “Full Force Gale.”

As the choir gathered in the studio, their hearts raced with anticipation. They had practiced the song several times, but now, standing beside a legendary artist like Van Morrison, the magnitude of the moment sank in. He had spent years captivating audiences with his unique blend of rock, jazz, and soul. “Full Force Gale” was not just another song; it was a reflection of the strength and resilience he had experienced throughout his life. With each note, he poured his soul into the music, and the choir couldn’t help but feel the power of his passion.

When it was time for the choir to record their background vocals, the atmosphere shifted from nervousness to pure joy. As they sang, their voices intertwined beautifully with Morrison’s, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Each note was filled with energy, echoing the struggles and triumphs they had all faced. With each take, Van Morrison encouraged the choir, his spirit lifting theirs even higher. They felt a connection not only to the music but to one another, and to Morrison himself—a shared experience that they would carry with them forever.

After the recording session concluded, something beautiful happened. Instead of rushing out of the studio, the choir gathered in a circle, holding hands. They took a moment to pray together, thanking God for the opportunity to work with someone as talented as Van Morrison. They prayed for strength, guidance, and an ever-deepening connection through their music. This moment of unity and gratitude transformed what was already an incredible experience into an unforgettable one. Their faith and love for their craft had ignited a spark that would forever change them.

As the gospel choir left the studio that night, they knew they had become part of something significant. “Full Force Gale” went on to become one of Morrison’s most celebrated tracks, featured on his album “Beautiful Vision.” The song not only enhanced his career but also brought renewed attention to the unique sound that gospel choirs could offer in contemporary music. For the choir members, the experience solidified their belief that music could touch lives and bring people together. Each time they listened to the song afterward, they were reminded of that day—the laughter, the prayer, and the shared journey of music and faith.

Years later, long after the echoes of their voices faded from the studio, the choir members carried that day with them. They continued to sing in their communities, inspired by their experience with Van Morrison. And every time they performed, they embraced the same spirit of resilience and passion that had brought them joy that fateful day in the studio. The power of music, after all, had not only recorded a song; it had woven their lives together in a tapestry of hope and love.