The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. 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. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. 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. 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. 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. 2002. 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.". I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy's Michael Cook Passes Away Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 at the best online prices at eBay! 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). God bless his family! RIH, Sir! Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. Go directly to shout page. Joe Ligon, Singer Of Gospel Group Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Dies at 80 Thanks for the story. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook Hes some were around God Throne. 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. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. Thanks for the update.. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Nearer My God to Thee - YouTube The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus 2005. 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. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. 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 Greatest Singer Ever, Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Lee Marvin Net Worth | Wife, Children, Cause of Death. In 1974, The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel group to appear on the television dance program, Soul Train. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 47 on the R&B chart. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 Artist: Mighty Clouds of Joy | SecondHandSongs Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. Biography. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Biography - IMDb At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. $16.99. sending my condolences All Rights Reserved. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. 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 80. 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. Thursday, July 24th Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. The Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012) - BlackPast.org All That I Am: Chapter 1. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. Such a loss to us all.. Please enjoy the archives. I lived, I call it a sinful life, Wallace said. Read Full Biography. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. 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. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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. Joe Ligon - Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. 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. Menu. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. 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. 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. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. The single Mighty Clouds of Joy from that same album reached no. It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. 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 love you! See also. '"[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. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Classic 3 - Amazon.com Music A small donation would help us keep this available to all. 'Gospel In Person' series to feature Just Us Guys - March 4 Rest with God! The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). Here is another blog you may also enjoy: Idol Chatter Happy Reading! 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. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. (2021, February 8). In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. I knew he was the last original. Mighty Clouds of Joy | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Live - YouTube 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 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. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. 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 Bio - ChristianMusic.com Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. He was my vocal backbone in the 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. I grew up listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, I even had my own little group at 13 signing their songs. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. . Movies. Jones, Kim. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. $11.99. My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Encyclopedia.com Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. Learn Religions. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. 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. [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 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. 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 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. 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.. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. 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! December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. 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. Living Waters Worship Center Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. McArthur Pettiford, and Stacey Pettiford; all of whom are renowned . Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. Jones, Kim. 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 Joy music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist.. Gospel music authorities Rev. 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). Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. 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. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. 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. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Joe Ligon Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. He was 80. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. Wallace remained with the Clouds for the remainder of his career, leaving the parent group in 2010 to form his own iteration of the Mighty Clouds. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. 23 talking about this. 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 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 was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. He was 80. This was when they came to South Carolina. For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. $3.98. 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. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 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). Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. 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. 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. 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. 1990. 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. A WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL THAT PERFORMED FOR SO MANY. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). . The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin.