Learn Religions. We lost another legend. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. He was my vocal backbone in the group. The Greatest Singer Ever, Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Lee Marvin Net Worth | Wife, Children, Cause of Death. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. . For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 47 on the R&B chart. Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 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.. The . 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. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. The three finalists Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, and Melanie Amaro pulled out all of the stops for their final performances. . Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. 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.". They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 1990. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 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. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. He was 80. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Go directly to shout page. Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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 founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. 9:00 AM 11:00 AM viewing, 11:00 AM 2:00 PM service Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. The funeral service will be: Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. Nominated for numerous Grammy Awards, the group received Grammys for several albums, including Live & Direct in 1978, Changing Times in 1979, and Power in 1993. 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 developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. With a singing style derived from Southern Baptist churches, Ligon would shout, scream and jump into the crowds, which he called cuttin the fool, and would deliver sermons in between songs. [1], While reviewing the group's 1974 crossover LP It's Time, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981), "You'd figure the showiest of all gospel groups would sell out with some flair, but the vocal transfigurationsthat old Wilson Pickett (and Julius Cheeks) unhh born againaren't the only reason this is one of the best LPs ever to come out of Philadelphia. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. 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 Joe Ligon, Singer Of Gospel Group Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Dies at 80 For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. 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. $11.99. Mighty Clouds of Joy | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Apple Music The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 . The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. 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.". All Rights Reserved. What was the name of your family group? All That I Am: Chapter 1. Rest with God! 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. 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. 2011. 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 Biography." They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. He was 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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 was a people person. He will be deeply missed by all of us. 2, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29. Mighty Clouds of Joy's Michael Cook Passes Away 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. Thanks for the story. Gospel music authorities Rev. He loved everyone. I lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was one of the first groups in urban gospel to incorporate choreographed moves into their act. 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. 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. 23 talking about this. By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. A WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL THAT PERFORMED FOR SO MANY. 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. 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. 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 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. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Encyclopedia.com Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away 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. He was 46. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. About THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY Founding Members: Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace Long-time Members: Mike Cook, Ron Staples and Johnny Valentine The original Mighty Clouds of Joy members were made up of members from three different Los Angeles Gospel groups. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. 2014. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Beasley. 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. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. 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. 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 Movies. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook Ligon was born . 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). He was 80. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. Here is another blog you may also enjoy: Idol Chatter Happy Reading! Format: Record. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy | Artist | GRAMMY.com 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. 'Gospel In Person' series to feature Just Us Guys - March 4 His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . Joe Ligon Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic He had been a member of the group for 20 years. Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away 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 following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). The Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Discography | Discogs He's Real To Me Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Last.fm The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. 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. Jones, Kim. RIH, Sir! All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Nearer My God to Thee - YouTube There, he attended Jefferson High School. 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. BREAKING NEWS: Mighty Clouds of Joy member dies 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 . Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. He will be surely missed. 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. Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. Friday, July 25th Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! 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. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. 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. 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. God bless his family! 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 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. His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. 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 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. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. Material . Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. 2005. This item: Classic 3. by The Mighty Clouds of Joy Audio CD. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. I knew he was the last original. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Rest easy mr. wallace. . 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 group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. This was when they came to South Carolina. My condolences to his family and many friends. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: The quartet veterans speak of the mighty long