Reverend Cleavant Derricks, Songwriter of “Just a Little Talk With Jesus”

In 1958, Reverend Cleavant Derricks was called to Emmanuel Baptist Church, one of the largest African American churches in Beloit. He pastored at Emmanuel until 1963. Rev. Derricks wrote one of the most popular gospel songs of all times, “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.” He sold the song to a publishing company in 1937 in exchange for 50 song books, which he then sold for 10 Cents each. Just about every gospel singer and group around the world has recorded this song. Derricks recorded his most famous song in 1975 when he released an album, it marked the very first time he recorded his classic song. That year with the help of a producer, Derricks received royalties for his popular songs including “Just A Little Talk With Jesus.” The little money he received was nowhere near what he should have been compensated for the 300 hymns he composed. In 1984 Derricks was inducted posthumously into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame 2001. “Just A Little Talk With Jesus,” has been recorded by many other notable artists, and it is still found in hymnals and songbooks today.
Reverend Cleavant Derricks passed away in 1977 in Nashville, Tennessee.