. All Rights Reserved. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. See also. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. 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 Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. He loved everyone. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. This will go to the welfare of his children. 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. The group's first break came when they caught the ear of a local gospel disc jockey, who agreed to produce several demo tapes. Rest with God! Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were an American traditional gospel music quartet. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. It was there that he met Johnny Martin in school. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. 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.". When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. '"[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. Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. Living Waters Worship Center 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. 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). 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. During a subsequent interview, Ligon explained "We wanted to go back to our roots in the '60s, singing songs we were known for before the contemporary music came in.". Gospel music authorities Rev. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. 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. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. 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). According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. 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. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. 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. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist.. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. He was a people person. All That I Am: Chapter 1. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard 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). May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. 8262 Lokus Road He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. He added: And we got stoned for it.. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. Rest easy mr. wallace. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. 2002. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. 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 Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. 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). $3.98. 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. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. Free shipping for many products! When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Reid Temple AME Church https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. 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 We lost another legend. The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. My condolences to his family and many friends. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 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. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. Menu. They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. I am so y to hear of Richards passing. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. 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! He was 46. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. . 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. 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. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. 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). A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Rest with the almighty my friend! Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). $16.99. Jones, Kim. Feel free to contribute! 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. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. 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. 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.". 47 on the R&B chart. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. He was 80. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. Mighty Clouds Of Joy. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. 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. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. 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. 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. 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. 23 talking about this. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. We love you! 2, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . He will be surely missed. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. 2005. Biography. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . He will be deeply missed by all of us. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. . BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. RIH, Sir! Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. This blog is no longer being updated. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. All Rights Reserved. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. 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. 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). Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. Go directly to shout page. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. Read Full Biography. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. $11.99. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. He was 80. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. The Mighty Clouds of Joy signed a deal with Peacock Records gospel label. Odenton, MD 21113 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 . Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. sending my condolences Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. 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. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. Members: Clay Hammond, David Walker (35), Elmeo Franklin, Ermant Franklin, Joe Ligon, Johnny Martin (4), Leon Polk, Paul Beasley, Richard Wallace (2), Ted Taylor Variations: Viewing All | The Mighty Clouds Of Joy They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. 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