Living Waters Worship Center The Mighty Clouds of Joy were an American traditional gospel music quartet. Rest with God! Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. He was 80. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: The quartet veterans speak of the mighty long According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. 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. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. 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. 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 Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Learn Religions. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was 80. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. He was 80. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. 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 . Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. Friday, July 25th Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. 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. I grew up listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, I even had my own little group at 13 signing their songs. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. Shouting, troubles over. Mighty Clouds of Joy | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Gospel Music Hall Of FameJoe Ligon, frontman for gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies at 80 The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. 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. Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. $16.99. BREAKING NEWS: Mighty Clouds of Joy member dies The funeral service will be: 69 on Billboard Hot 100. 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.". Timeless Gospel Classics Vol. Rest with the almighty my friend! The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. 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 Mighty Clouds Of Joy. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He was 80. He was my vocal backbone in the group. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. 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). Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. 2014. 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. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Nearer My God to Thee - YouTube The Mighty Clouds of Joy signed a deal with Peacock Records gospel label. 2005. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. Feel free to contribute! Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. '"[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. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. 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. 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 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 group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Artist | GRAMMY.com December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. Such a loss to us all.. 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. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Joe Ligon - Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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. Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. Often immatated but never duplicatedl 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 Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away . 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). All Rights Reserved. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 20072023 Blackpast.org. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. 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. 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.". 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." by Dixie Hummingbirds 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). 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. 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. Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. God bless his family! Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. Please enjoy the archives. R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 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 Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. He added: And we got stoned for it.. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! He loved everyone. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. I knew he was the last original. I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Reid Temple AME Church He was 46. I lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. This item: Classic 3. by The Mighty Clouds of Joy Audio CD. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. sending my condolences Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. 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. 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. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. 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! 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. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . 47 on the R&B chart. A WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL THAT PERFORMED FOR SO MANY. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Live - YouTube Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Thursday, July 24th Ligon was born . $3.98. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. 5:00 PM 9:00 PM Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. 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. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Menu. 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. He was 80. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. 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. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. 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 group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. RIP: Richard Wallace of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. My condolences to his family and many friends. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. MIGHTY CLOUDS OF HARMONY press photo 8" x 10" publicity GOSPEL Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. . His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. He inspired so many gospel groups. Free shipping for many products! All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. 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 went through many personnel changes in their decades-long career, with Ligon and Wallace ultimately the two remaining original members. 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. Movies. The Death of Dottie Rambo, Southern Gospel Legend, American Idol Finalists Who are Christian, The World's Best Christian Hard Rock Bands, The 27 Biggest Female Artists in Christian Music, Top 16 Christian Contemporary Pop Bands and Artists. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. 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. Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. 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. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. 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. 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"). He will be surely missed. 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. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. 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." Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Home Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Sparc Mac Net Worth, Girlfriend, YouTube, Biography, Gabrielle Bernstein Net Worth, Husband, Quotes, Books, Biography. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. We love you! 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 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. Thanks for the story. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia This was when they came to South Carolina. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - IMDb'Gospel In Person' series to feature Just Us Guys - March 4 The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. 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 am so y to hear of Richards passing. Jones, Kim. . 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Classic 3 - Amazon.com Music 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.
