“Gospel and blues are both genres that speak to emotions and faith. Both have powerful rhythms and messages. They pour out from the deep of the soul and they sing to the world. We all feel both at different times along our paths … sometimes both at once.”

Sandy Carroll:

When the Angels Go Marching In

Sandy Carroll is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, and pianist based in Memphis, uniquely blending elements of blues, soul, rock, and country music. Raised in Stantonville, Tennessee, she began playing the piano at age five and was performing professionally by the time she was fifteen. In 1983, she returned to Memphis and became a fixture on historic Beale Street, gaining widespread recognition in 1984 when her song "Memphis in May" became a regional hit and served as the unofficial theme for the city's annual festival. As a songwriter, her talent caught the attention of legendary artists, leading Albert King to record her track "If You Got It" and Luther Allison to feature two of her songs on his Grammy-nominated album "Reckless." Throughout her career, she released several acclaimed solo albums, including "Memphis Rain," "Last Southern Belle," "Blues & Angels," and "Love On It," many of which were produced by her late husband, the triple Grammy-winning producer Jim Gaines.

(Sandy Carroll / Photo by Sabrina Bordenkircher)

In honor of her musical contributions, Carroll was awarded a Brass Note on the Beale Street Walk of Fame and became the first woman and first blues artist inducted into the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Legendary producer Jim Gaines, his wife Sandy Carroll, and Mark Narmore began a gospel project together a couple of years before Jim became a rainbow. New single by Sandy Carroll featuring Alabama Music Hall of Fame member Mark Narmore, “NEW ANGEL OLD SOUL” (2026) released via MoMojo Records was written as a tribute to Jim and what it might be like in Heaven … and how much he’s missed. Jim Gaines was Grammy-winning music producer who passed away on November 9, 2024.

Interview by Michael Limnios        Archive: Sandy Carroll, 2018 & 2023 interviews

What keeps a musician passionate after six decades in music? How did Gospel shape the Blues?

For me the passion is the songs — creating something new and always trying to touch other people in a positive way. Sometimes it’s the groove, sometimes it’s the lyric, and sometimes it’s just fun to write a boogie. Gospel and blues are both genres that speak to emotions and faith. Both have powerful rhythms and messages. They pour out from the deep of the soul and they sing to the world. We all feel both at different times along our paths … sometimes both at once.

"New Angel Old Soul" is a deeply personal tribute to your husband, Jim Gaines. How difficult or healing was it for you to transform this loss into music?

Once we finished the song, it became healing for me … beautiful images of what heaven might be. The hardest was trying to sing it through at the demo stage — especially the lines “I miss you down here on these country roads”. Jim was the catalyst but my hope is that it is a comfort to many people dealing with grief.

You mentioned that this song was written to comfort those experiencing grief. What is the core message you hope listeners take away from it?

The hope that their loved ones are happy and in a beautiful place. Also that they “still hover round here” because you carry their love.

What was your experience like in the studio while recording this song, given its intense emotional background?

We all became emotional at some points and I literally had to stop singing a couple of times.                                             (Photo: Shady Carroll & Jim Gaines, Memphis TN)

“Once we finished the song, it became healing for me … beautiful images of what heaven might be. The hardest was trying to sing it through at the demo stage — especially the lines “I miss you down here on these country roads”. Jim was the catalyst but my hope is that it is a comfort to many people dealing with grief.”

Jim Gaines was a legendary producer who worked with iconic names. How did he influence your own sound over the years, and what is the most important lesson you keep from him?

Jim always came up with production ideas that made the songs better. He liked to produce for a live sound so we had to work hard to get it right without any “tricks”. He also came up with lyric ideas and different grooves. I loved working with him!

Your music blends elements of Memphis soul, blues, and gospel. What does this musical tradition mean to you, and how do you manage to keep it alive and contemporary?

James Luther Dickinson used to say that it all comes from the Mississippi mud. Memphis is such a melting pot of genres and fiercely independent. It stays alive because of that independence and freedom. Contemporary to me, is taking that tradition and learning how to reach new audiences with the digital media of today.

How has your songwriting process changed today compared to the early steps of your career?

I write a little deeper than I did in my 20’s. More experiences to draw from.

As an experienced songwriter with deep roots in soul and blues, what advice would you give to a young artist wanting to pursue this genre of music today?

I always tell young artists to learn to play an instrument and be prepared to work as a solo. You can earn a living and not be dependent on others. And … don’t be afraid.

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(Photo: Sandy Carroll)