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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy who often performed as Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, was a gospel quartet established in Los Angeles, California in 1955. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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). As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Beasley. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. 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). Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. 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. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. 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). To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. Here is another blog you may also enjoy: Idol Chatter Happy Reading! Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. 1990. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. He was 80. 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. Free shipping for many products! 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). Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. sending my condolences I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. The . At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. 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. Ligon was born . Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. 2, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29. We lost another legend. 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. He inspired so many gospel groups. 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. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. 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.". Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. Read Full Biography. 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. 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. 20072023 Blackpast.org. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Jones, Kim. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Founding ensemble member Johnny Martin died on February 12, 1987, in Los Angeles at the age of 46. 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"). Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. God bless his family! 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. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. Movies. 2005. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. 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. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). All Rights Reserved. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. 2002. He was 46. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. It was their first crossover success. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. My condolences to his family and many friends. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. . Rest with the almighty my friend! 23 talking about this. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus 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! All That I Am: Chapter 1. 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. Thursday, July 24th The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. He was 80. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. 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. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. 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). Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. 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. $16.99. 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 Format: Record. 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. RIH, Sir! Biography. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. 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. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: 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. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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). Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. $11.99. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. $3.98. Go directly to shout page. I grew up listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, I even had my own little group at 13 signing their songs. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. 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. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. 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. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Lawrence Roberts and Gregory Gay informed TBGB that Elmo Franklin, an original member of the Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California, passed from labor to reward last week. The group 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 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. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. '"[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. Who is going down in the grave with me and He s able are classic s from Richard Wallace, I barely listen to the lyrics lol. 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' A small donation would help us keep this available to all. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. 47 on the R&B chart. Living Waters Worship Center He was 80. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." The funeral service will be: The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Such a loss to us all.. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. Friday, July 25th As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 5:00 PM 9:00 PM Odenton, MD 21113 In 1974, The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel group to appear on the television dance program, Soul Train. Material . 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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. 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. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. Hes some were around God Throne. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. Jones, Kim. 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. . More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. There, he attended Jefferson High School. 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 . Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! He added: And we got stoned for it.. This was when they came to South Carolina. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. Please enjoy the archives. Under Ligon's leadership, the Mighty Clouds of Joy changed the standard gospel lineup from a vocal quartet backed by a sole electric guitar to a full-fledged, R&B-influenced group complete with bass, drums, and keyboards. Rest easy mr. wallace. He was 46. As a young man I didnt have that smooth voice like most young boys had My voice was always hard and rough, People would say I had a growl and sounded like I had rocks in my mouth when I sang. 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 Reid Temple AME Church Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. . The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. 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.