September 20, 2015 by Ann Powers - So much history is contained in the intertwined harmonies of The Fairfield Four and The McCrary Sisters. Together, these groups form a link to one of America's greatest singing traditions — that of the gospel quartet, which flourished at the center of sacred music in the early to mid-20th century and inspired early rock 'n' rollers from doo-wop groups to Elvis Presley.

The original Fairfield Four was founded nearly 95 years ago in Nashville, and has remained relevant into the present day; many current listeners know the group from its appearance in the Coen Brothers' 2000 film O, Brother, Where Art Thou?The McCrary Sisters are the daughters of the now-deceased longtime Fairfield Four lead voice, Samuel McCrary; together, they've made a major impact as that rare thing in a mostly masculine preserve, a female gospel quartet. To hear these voices perform "Rock My Soul" together is to feel the power of living history and the timelessness of family connection.