They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. Format: Record. 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). Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. The funeral service will be: They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. 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 We love you! We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. Go directly to shout page. Odenton, MD 21113 Ligon earned most of his wealth from being part of The Mighty Clouds of Joy. The band released 31 albums, including Down Memory Lane, In the House of the Lord: Live in Houston, Pray for Me, Sing and Shout, The Truth Is the Power, Mighty Clouds of Joy Live, Live at Music Hall, and Family Circle. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. What was the name of your family group? Please enjoy the archives. 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.". Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. 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. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. The Greatest Singer Ever, Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Lee Marvin Net Worth | Wife, Children, Cause of Death. 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 In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. He was 80. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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). Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members included Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr. (d. 1996), Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmeo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace (d. 2020), Leon Polk (d. 1998) and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill). With a singing style derived from Southern Baptist churches, Ligon would shout, scream and jump into the crowds, which he called cuttin the fool, and would deliver sermons in between songs. Living Waters Worship Center Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. 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. He was a people person. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. sending my condolences December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, . This blog is no longer being updated. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm not if anybody can tell me have Joe look on song on the same show with Sam Cooke and the soul stirrers and mighty clouds, James Oliver (The FAYETTE Spiritual Aires), Joe was the greatest. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. He was 80. 2011. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 In the years that followed, the Mighty Clouds joined the ranks of gospel's greatest showmen; one of the first groups to incorporate choreographed moves into their act, their nimble footwork and bright, color-coordinated outfits earned them the sobriquet "The Temptations of Gospel.". The three finalists Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, and Melanie Amaro pulled out all of the stops for their final performances. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. See original listing. In 1990, they released the album Pray for Me. In 1992, The Mighty Clouds of Joy received another Grammy Award for best traditional soul gospel album (Pray for Me). Jones, Kim. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus 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. He was 80. 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Joe Ligon Albertina Walker Ncandweni Christ Ambassodors Winston Mankunku Ngozi Jonas Gwangwa Mthunzi Namba Stimela The Jackson Southernaires Israel Mosehla They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. I lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Before his passing My group was privileged to have recorded a song with him that I will hold dear to my heart till that day I see him again in Glory. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. 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. Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. 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. Jones, Kim. Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . 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. 2002. (2021, February 8). Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. God bless his family! THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was my vocal backbone in the group. Ligon was born . We lost another legend. Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. The quartet formed in the mid-1950s as a hard-shouting quartet in keeping with the style of the times, and through the intercession of RnB artist turned gospel DJ Brother Henderson, came to the attention of Peacock Records. He was 46. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. Shouting, troubles over. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist.. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. My condolences to his family and many friends. They were organized in 1955 in Los Angeles, California by group founders Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, along with High School friends Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name "Bunker Hill"). It also reached no. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. 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. He will be surely missed. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. He was 80. About THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY Founding Members: Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace Long-time Members: Mike Cook, Ron Staples and Johnny Valentine The original Mighty Clouds of Joy members were made up of members from three different Los Angeles Gospel groups. 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. 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. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. The founding members were Willie Joe Ligon (October 11, 1936), Johnny Martin (February 2, 1941), Bass Guitarist Richard Wallace (June 9, 1940), and brother guitarists Ermant Franklin, Jr. (March 20, 1931) and Elmo Franklin (October 8, 1936). $11.99. Free shipping for many products! We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. More importantly, they were the first group to add bass, drums, and keyboards to the standard quartet accompaniment of solo guitar, resulting in a sound that horrified traditionalists but appealed to younger listeners -- so much so, in fact, that the Mighty Clouds became the first gospel act ever to appear on television's Soul Train, where they performed their disco smash "Mighty High." Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. 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. He had been a member of the group for 20 years. All Rights Reserved. Eventually they added soul, R&B read more Similar Artists Play all Eddie Ruth Bradford 2,873 listeners Lee Williams And The Spiritual QC's 3,274 listeners Douglas Miller 3,849 listeners The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. 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. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard JGM was saddened to learn from Debra Ligon and Libra Boyds post that singer and guitarist Richard Wallace of the Mighty Clouds of Joy passed away Monday, July 27, 2020. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Sometime that same year, Wallace, along with members of the Sensational Wonders quartet Ermant Franklin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk, David Walker, and former Clouds member-turned-Sensational-Wonder Willie Joe Ligon, joined Johnny Martin in a reconstituted version of the Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy. It was there that he met Johnny Martin in school. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. 8262 Lokus Road Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. 2014. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. They were also the first group to add bass, drums and keyboards to their music (the "standard" for quartets/groups at the time was a solo guitar). The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. Reid Temple AME Church First, each performed a duet with a star, [], Rock fans and women around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief: Jon Bon Jovi is not dead. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. 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. I knew he was the last original. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. Greetings, dear Beliefnet readers! He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. 23 talking about this. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. 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. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. Thanks for the update.. 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. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. 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. [1], While reviewing the group's 1974 crossover LP It's Time, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981), "You'd figure the showiest of all gospel groups would sell out with some flair, but the vocal transfigurationsthat old Wilson Pickett (and Julius Cheeks) unhh born againaren't the only reason this is one of the best LPs ever to come out of Philadelphia. He added: And we got stoned for it.. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. In 1979, the group won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance, Traditional for theirLive And Directalbum followed by the song Changing Times in 1980 forBest Soul Gospel Performance, Traditional. In 1992, they were awarded a Grammy for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Albumfor Pray For Me.In 1998, the group had a disco hit, Mighty High, that peaked at no. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. All That I Am: Chapter 1. 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. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. 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. Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. His legacy will live forever, I HAD THE HONOR OF SPENDING AN HOUR AND A HALF,HE WAS A VERY SMART MAN AND KNEW THE BUSINESS, Mr Joe Ligon inspired me to sing Quartet . Material . In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. RIH, Sir! 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. Such a loss to us all.. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. 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. Sometime that same year, Wallace, along with members of the Sensational Wonders quartet Ermant Franklin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk, David Walker, and former Clouds member-turned-Sensational-Wonder Willie Joe Ligon, joined Johnny Martin in a reconstituted version of the Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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. Learn Religions. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. 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. Movies. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . In 1974, The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel group to appear on the television dance program, Soul Train. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." He loved everyone. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. He was 46. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 2005. By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) w read more View all tracks Albums Changing Times 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. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. 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. A WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL THAT PERFORMED FOR SO MANY. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Aliases The Mighty Clouds of Joy Country United States Comments Gospel vocal group formed in 1955 in Los Angeles by Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy-mn0000893234/biography, https://www.malaco.com/artists/gospel/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy/, https://us.napster.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters.