I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. Joe Ligon, frontman for gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies at 80 It was their first crossover success. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography - Learn Religions 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.. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. 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). 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. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. The Greatest Hits by The Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. 2002. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. Mighty Clouds Of Joy music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Joe Ligon - Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography My condolences to his family and many friends. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Jones, Kim. He's Real To Me Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Last.fm December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. 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. 23 talking about this. The funeral service will be: Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. 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. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. The Greatest Singer Ever, Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Lee Marvin Net Worth | Wife, Children, Cause of Death. See original listing. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. 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 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. 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. 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. RIH, Sir! Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. See also. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. Living Waters Worship Center Read Full Biography. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. All Rights Reserved. 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 groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. 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. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. Joe Ligon, Singer Of Gospel Group Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Dies at 80 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. 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. He loved everyone. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. 47 on the R&B chart. 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 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Encyclopedia.com 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 $16.99. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. He was 80. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. 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. 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). 5:00 PM 9:00 PM Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. 2014. 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 died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. He was 80. The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. 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. '"[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. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. He was my vocal backbone in the group. @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. 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 . Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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. I grew up listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, I even had my own little group at 13 signing their songs. 2005. Shouting, troubles over. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. In 1974, The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel group to appear on the television dance program, Soul Train. Free shipping for many products! 2011. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. He had been a member of the group for 20 years. Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. 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. Learn Religions. 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.". Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. 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. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. The Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012) - BlackPast.org The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin. 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. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. 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. Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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 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. I knew he was the last original. (2021, February 8). 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, Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon) helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. This blog is no longer being updated. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. 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. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. 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. What was the name of your family group? 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. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away 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). Timeless Gospel Classics Vol. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. 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." The Mighty Clouds of Joy was one of the first groups in urban gospel to incorporate choreographed moves into their act. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Artist | GRAMMY.com So sorry to hear of Richards passing. There, he attended Jefferson High School. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. Friday, July 25th The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Classic 3 - Amazon.com Music The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Live - YouTube The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. Do you find this information helpful? Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. Such a loss to us all.. 8262 Lokus Road Mighty Clouds of Joy Bio - ChristianMusic.com Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Here is another blog you may also enjoy: Idol Chatter Happy Reading! Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. Material . $3.98. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Feel free to contribute! I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook 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. 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. 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.". Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. 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. Jones, Kim. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. 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). 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. 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 When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! This was when they came to South Carolina. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. 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. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, . Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. 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. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. Jones, Kim. It also reached no. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Speed: 45 RPM. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Apple Music Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. 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. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. $11.99. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. Joe Ligon Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic He added: And we got stoned for it.. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). 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 lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. 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). You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog.