A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. The Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012) - BlackPast.org Friday, July 25th Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 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"). Speed: 45 RPM. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. He was 46. 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. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 47 on the R&B chart. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. 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. 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.. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Discography | Discogs Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. 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. He was 46. Do you find this information helpful? Living Waters Worship Center The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Jones, Kim. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. '"[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. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. The funeral service will be: The Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. 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 Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. 1990. The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin. Format: Record. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. It was there that he met Johnny Martin in school. Interestingly, Wallace had recorded for Peacock two years prior to the signing, when he played guitar behind the Alpha-Omega Singers 1958 sides for the Houston-based imprint. BREAKING NEWS: Mighty Clouds of Joy member dies 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 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). For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. 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. 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). Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! All Rights Reserved. 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). The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. 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. Read Full Biography. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. 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 It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. RIP: Richard Wallace of the Mighty Clouds of Joy A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. 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. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service Mighty Clouds of Joy Bio - ChristianMusic.com Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. All Rights Reserved. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. 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. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. 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. We lost another legend. I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. 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 X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. 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. 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. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. Joe Ligon, Singer Of Gospel Group Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Dies at 80 This item: Classic 3. by The Mighty Clouds of Joy Audio CD. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy signed a deal with Peacock Records gospel label. 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 Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. Shouting, troubles over. 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. Greetings, dear Beliefnet readers! Free shipping for many products! 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 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. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. $16.99. Often immatated but never duplicatedl 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. This will go to the welfare of his children. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Artist | GRAMMY.com Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. Hes some were around God Throne. 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 was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Artist: Mighty Clouds of Joy | SecondHandSongs I lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 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. 2005. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 23 talking about this. 5:00 PM 9:00 PM 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. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. MIGHTY CLOUDS OF HARMONY press photo 8" x 10" publicity GOSPEL Ligon was born . 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. 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. Feel free to contribute! Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. Thanks for the story. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music . 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' career stretches back to the early 60s, when the original members were Junior High School kids in LA, and still in their teenage years. 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. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. He had been a member of the group for 20 years. 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. 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. He was 80. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. 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. 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. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. . R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. 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 WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. Odenton, MD 21113 RIH, Sir! The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Nearer My God to Thee - YouTube 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. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. 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. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. 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.". Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia 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 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. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. 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. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil.