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. He was 80. Reid Temple AME Church Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' Format: Record. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Mr Bob as always your ability with the pen to speak to who and what are relative is amazing thank you for taking the time to honor and celebrate a life dedicated to gospel music when people think of Clouds they immediately think Joe Ligon, but Mr Richard Wallace booked, managed for many years, actually most of the years and made it possible for Mr Ligon to focus solely on singing they were brothers, they were friends, they were comrades, in gospel and in life, Richard Wallace is officially the last original who went on the road with the Clouds, making it the end of a long standing, era Now he joins the amazing cast of Clouds that proceeded him in Glory. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. 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. He was 46. Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. RIH, Sir! 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"). For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. Go directly to shout page. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Read Full Biography, Contemporary gospel's preeminent group, the Mighty Clouds of Joy carried the torch for the traditional quartet vocal style throughout an era dominated by solo acts and choirs; pioneering a distinctively funky sound that over time gained grudging acceptance even among purists, they pushed spiritual music in new and unexpected directions, even scoring a major disco hit. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. 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. Their song "Time" reached the top of the R&B charts in 1974, while their tune "Ride the Mighty High" became a major disco hit. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were an American traditional gospel music quartet. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. Jones, Kim. 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. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock 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. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. He will be surely missed. [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. 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). Ligon was born . 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. 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. 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. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. 5:00 PM 9:00 PM Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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. My condolences to his family and many friends. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 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. Thanks for the story. We love you! But when I heard Mr lLigon he also had that growl , which made me feel so much better about singing and Ive been trying to sing every since. Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Rest with God! The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. While lineup changes plagued the Mighty Clouds throughout their career, they remained active into the new millennium; in addition to co-founders Ligon and Wallace, their latter-day incarnation also included Paul Beasley, Michael McCowin, Wilbert Williams, Johnny Valentine, and Ron Staples. '"[2], Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies, Willie Joe Ligon of Beaumont, Texas | 1936 - 2016 | Obituary, An interview with Joe Ligon at Soul Express in July 2013, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mighty_Clouds_of_Joy&oldid=1139105309, 1960: "Steal Away to Jesus" (Peacock Records), 1975: "Amazing Grace"; R&B#4 UK#15 US Hot Dance Club Play No. Living Waters Worship Center The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Such a loss to us all.. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. Do you find this information helpful? 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 Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 at the best online prices at eBay! In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. 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. 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." Thursday, July 24th Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 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. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. 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 . Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. 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 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. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. The funeral service will be: Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. 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. This was when they came to South Carolina. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. 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. It was there that he met Johnny Martin in school. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2021, Joe Ligon was an American gospel singer best known asthe dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy.. It also reached no. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. 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. . He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. 1990. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. The singer once said: Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do., My prayers go out to Joes family, friends, loved ones, and fans, said gospel singer BeBe Winans. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Hes some were around God Throne. 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 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 . The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. 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. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist.. 2011. Jones, Kim. $3.98. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. 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). He was 80. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. He was a people person. He loved everyone. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. 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). All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Feel free to contribute! Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. The . 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. 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). 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. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. He was 80.