Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill). Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. It wasn't until 1961 as the group became famous, they added bass, drums, and keyboards to the standard guitar backup and developed a funky sound that split the difference between gospel, and rhythm and blues. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. Movies. In 1974, The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel group to appear on the television dance program, Soul Train. Wallace remained with the Clouds for the remainder of his career, leaving the parent group in 2010 to form his own iteration of the Mighty Clouds. God bless his family! I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. 47 on the R&B chart. Lawrence Roberts and Gregory Gay informed TBGB that Elmo Franklin, an original member of the Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California, passed from labor to reward last week. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. He and his brother Lee ODaniel migrated west to Los Angeles and, in 1956, joined the Stars of Bethel, a quartet that included cousins from Texas who had moved to LA ahead of them. Among Mighty Clouds of Joys most popular songs: Time, which crossed over to the R&B charts in 1974, and Mighty High, a 1975 disco hit. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. He was my vocal backbone in the group. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were formed in Los Angeles during the '50s by schoolmates Joe Ligon and Johnny Martin; while still in their teens, the original group -- which also included Leon Polk, Richard Wallace, and brothers Ermant and Elmo Franklin -- made their recorded debut in 1960 with "Steal Away to Jesus," cut for the Peacock label. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. He was 80. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. He added: And we got stoned for it.. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. It was their first crossover success. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service All That I Am: Chapter 1. Formed 1955 in a Los Angeles high school by Willie Joe Ligon, born Sept. 11, 1942 in Troy, AL; original members were Ligon, lead, Johnney Martin, lead, Elmo Franklin, baritone, and Richard Wallace, bass; Ligon and Wallace continued with the group for the next forty years; added Paul Beasley lead singer of the Gospel Keytones 1980; current members He was 80. 12/13/2016. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. After 44 years and 35 albums, three Grammys and trophy-case full of almost every award imaginable; shows that have run a gamut from the church-house to the White House, and top-billings with a dazzling roster of superstar artists from nearly every genre of popular music (the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Jason Ankeny, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy-mn0000893234/biography; The Last Soul Company, Malaco.com, https://www.malaco.com/artists/gospel/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy/;The Mighty Clouds of Joy, napster.com, https://us.napster.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy. The funeral service will be: Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. The line-up was drawn from three of the hottest gospel groups in LA at the time, as Richard recalls, "I used to have a singing group called the Stars Of Bethel. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. Who is going down in the grave with me and He s able are classic s from Richard Wallace, I barely listen to the lyrics lol. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. Just Us Guys' live performance is sure to honor the memory of beloved founding members Wallace Hedgspeth and James Lunsford, who passed on in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Rest with the almighty my friend! Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . The Mighty Clouds' career stretches back to the early 60s, when the original members were Junior High School kids in LA, and still in their teenage years. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. Living Waters Worship Center Forming a vocal quartet, the four teenagers were taken under the wing of a neighbor who tutored them in the art of four-part harmonizing. The group has won three Grammy Awards, several Stellar Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, with more nominations and top selling hit albums along the way 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. The single Mighty Clouds of Joy from that same album reached no. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. Mighty Clouds Of Joy. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. He will be deeply missed by all of us. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. I missed sharing [], Tonight was the final performance episode of this first season of The X Factor in the US, and what a way to end the competition. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Kodak Black Ordered Into Rehab By Florida Judge, Kodak Black Arrest Warrant Issued in Florida Over Failed Drug Test, Brad Paisley Drops Song Featuring Ukrainian Pres. As a young man I didnt have that smooth voice like most young boys had My voice was always hard and rough, People would say I had a growl and sounded like I had rocks in my mouth when I sang. They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 and 1979 for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 for best traditional soul gospel album. . Such a loss to us all.. Go directly to shout page. The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went through many personnel changes in their decades-long career, with Ligon and Wallace ultimately the two remaining original members. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. The X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy and its Affiliates lies with the story's original source or writer. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 2011. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. This was when they came to South Carolina. Rest easy mr. wallace. Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. Born and raised in rural Alabama, Joe Ligon was a musically gifted but shy young man who had grown up in the church and sang there for as long as anyone can remember. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. The Clouds were the first Gospel group to perform on Soul Train. Theyve won multiple Grammys, and opened for the likes of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon, whom they backed for a month at New Yorks Madison Square Garden. We love you! Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. Reid Temple AME Church @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . Do you find this information helpful? In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. He was 46. 2014. Its been a while since I posted Im kind of in limbo right now with entertainment writing, as Ive made the move to animals and faith. In 1979, The Mighty Clouds of Joy received a Grammy Award for the album Live and Direct. In the same year, they released the album Changing Times, which also earned them a Grammy Award. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. For once, the songsmany of them from producer Dave Crawford, whose spirit must have been movedinclude virtually no filler, not even (especially not even) the one that takes off from the group's name. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. Michael Cook, member of the legendary Gospel group The Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday morning July 18th as a result of a massive coronary. IT WAS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO SING WITH RICHARD FOR TWO YEARS AS THE LEAD SINGER OF HIS MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY AND I BEGAN TO LOVE LOVE HIM HE SHOWED ME MANY THINGS ABOUT THE ROAD SHOW ME PLACES IN FLY ME PLACES I NEVER BEEN BEFORE SO I HONOR RICHARD WALLACE AS TAKING ME IN AS TO BE THE LEAD SINGER WHEN HE SEPARATED FOR THAT MOMENT FROM JOLLA HES THE BEST FRIEND THAT I KNOW AND HE WILL CALL MY WIFE DIDNT KNOW WHETHER TO GET IN CONTACT WITH ME BECAUSE ITS HARD TO CATCH ME BUT TO THE WILD FAMILY FROM ME AND MY WIFE EBONY STAPLES WE PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND RICHARD YOU ALL WILL BE MISSED. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. It was there that he met Johnny Martin in school. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Interestingly, Wallace had recorded for Peacock two years prior to the signing, when he played guitar behind the Alpha-Omega Singers 1958 sides for the Houston-based imprint. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. He was 65; Elmeo Franklin died on May 7, 2008, in Los Angeles at the age of 71; Willie Joe Ligon died on December 11, 2016, in Los Angeles. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were formed in Los Angeles during the '50s by schoolmates Joe Ligon and Johnny Martin; while still in their teens, the original group -- which also included Leon Polk, Richard Wallace, and brothers Ermant and Elmo Franklin -- made their recorded debut in 1960 with "Steal Away to Jesus," cut for the Peacock label. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard This item: Classic 3. by The Mighty Clouds of Joy Audio CD. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Rest with God! sending my condolences Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. What was the name of your family group? The long-lived group flourished throughout the rest of the 20th century, scoring numerous Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as several hit albums along the way. Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. The group has won three Grammy Awards, several Stellar Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, with more nominations and top selling hit albums along the way. Under Ligon's leadership, the Mighty Clouds of Joy changed the standard gospel lineup from a vocal quartet backed by a sole electric guitar to a full-fledged, R&B-influenced group complete with bass, drums, and keyboards. Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). . Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Another first, the Mighty Clouds was the first gospel act ever to appear on television's Soul Train, where they performed their disco smash "Mighty High.". The Mighty Clouds of Joy who often performed as Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, was a gospel quartet established in Los Angeles, California in 1955. Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, The Rance Allen Group, and more 11 Songs Mama Used to Sing II Various Artists Updated 5 days ago Mix - Mighty Clouds of Joy Mighty. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. . To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. In a break with tradition, the groups sound incorporated Soul, R&B, and Rock; all of which flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, . Read Full Biography. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. He was 46. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went through many personnel changes in their decades-long career, with Ligon and Wallace ultimately the two remaining original members. In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. A WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL THAT PERFORMED FOR SO MANY. Nominated for numerous Grammy Awards, the group received Grammys for several albums, including Live & Direct in 1978, Changing Times in 1979, and Power in 1993. Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. The Mighty Clouds of Joy used declamations of traditional African American ministers and were one of the earliest groups to use an electrified rhythm section to enhance classic Gospel vocals. Although they increasingly veered toward a heavy, dance-inspiring sound, Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy returned to their earliest roots with the album Live in Charleston, recorded during a concert at the Abundance Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 7, 1996. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Format: Record. Jones, Kim. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. Thursday, July 24th My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Thanks for the update.. The Death of Dottie Rambo, Southern Gospel Legend, American Idol Finalists Who are Christian, The World's Best Christian Hard Rock Bands, The 27 Biggest Female Artists in Christian Music, Top 16 Christian Contemporary Pop Bands and Artists. While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the most successful Artists in Gospel Music History, said Ligons manager, Pastor Isaac Lindsey. He will be surely missed. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist..

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