I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. He inspired so many gospel groups. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. He had been a member of the group for 20 years. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. 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. 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. He loved everyone. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. 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. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. 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. 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. 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 May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. 2014. 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. I am so y to hear of Richards passing. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. 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). Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. This will go to the welfare of his children. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. 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). sending my condolences . 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 told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. 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. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. He was 46. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! Rest with the almighty my friend! He was my vocal backbone in the group. By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 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. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. What was the name of your family group? 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. Odenton, MD 21113 The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. 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. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Beasley. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. 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! 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). 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. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. Menu. Thursday, July 24th The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. Biography. Free shipping for many products! Shouting, troubles over. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. The three finalists Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, and Melanie Amaro pulled out all of the stops for their final performances. 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. See original listing. 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. We lost another legend. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 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). 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. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. 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. Gospel music authorities Rev. Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. 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. . JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. Rest easy mr. wallace. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. 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. Feel free to contribute! A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. It also reached no. This blog is no longer being updated. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He added: And we got stoned for it.. 2011. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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"). The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. See also. Jones, Kim. 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. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. God bless his family! A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Timeless Gospel Classics Vol. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin. 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. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. He was 80. My condolences to his family and many friends. Please enjoy the archives. Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. 2005. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. Do you find this information helpful? The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. 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). Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Thanks for the update.. Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. 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 (2021, February 8). 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. Friday, July 25th Go directly to shout page. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. He will be deeply missed by all of us. The . The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. 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. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. . Jones, Kim. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. 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. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. Ligon was born . Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. There, he attended Jefferson High School. The single Mighty Clouds of Joy from that same album reached no. 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. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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. RIH, Sir! $3.98. Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. Thanks for the story. Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. 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. Mighty Clouds of one of my favorite groups Joe Jim and Joan Richard Johnny Martin known as choked Emirate Franklin The Mighty Clouds of my favorite groups Joe Jimmy Jones Johnny Martin Richard Wallace Emirate Franklin and Elmo Franklin they were the best as far as I am concerned after the Dixie Hummingbirds our group the silver stars of Raleigh song a lot of The Mighty Clouds of Joy song Especially make a step, Mr. Richard Wallace will be missed by many condolences go out to his family from the silver stars of Raleigh North Carolina. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. 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' career stretches back to the early 60s, when the original members were Junior High School kids in LA, and still in their teenage years. Mighty Clouds Of Joy. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. 1990. Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MIGHTY CLOUDS OF HARMONY press photo 8" x 10" publicity GOSPEL at the best online prices at eBay! 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.. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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.