An L.A. exhibit of religious album covers from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s reflects the post-World War II era of hula hoops and Cold War anxiety, when men still wore starched white shirts to church.
In the 1960s, a stiff-jointed, knee-high doll with brown hair and rosy cheeks named Little Marcy was promoted as a model toddler who sang simple Christian songs on dozens of record albums that sold for $1.98 each.
The albums, which today can be found only in thrift store bins, featured on their covers photographs of Little Marcy and her world.”Marcy Goes to Nashville” shows her staring at a horse. In “Marcy Sings to Children,” she is standing stock-still in front of a microphone and watched by children (real ones) beaming with joy. “Little Marcy with Smokey the Bear” comes with a cartoonish image of her picnicking with forest creatures, including 10 happy skunks.
Depending on one’s point of view, the images can be corny or kitschy, well-intentioned or sweet. But no matter the interpretation, they’re sure to prompt a reaction, which is why they have earned a place in an exhibit of religious album covers. Titled “Within Heaven’s Earshot,” the exhibit opens March 13 at Synchronicity Space gallery in Los Angeles.
Exhibit curator Kieran Sala said the 200 album covers — most produced in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s — were culled from private collections, thrift stores and estate sales.
