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). Format: Record. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. What I mean be that he gave me his Holy Ghost, the peace within to know that He is the reason I even exist.. Do you find this information helpful? Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. 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. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. 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 Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. Thanks for the update.. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. 20072023 Blackpast.org. https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). Here is another blog you may also enjoy: Idol Chatter Happy Reading! 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Jones, Kim. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. 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 X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." 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. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). He was 46. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Rest with the almighty my friend! 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. Jones, Kim. Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. 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. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. 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. 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. His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. Reid Temple AME Church 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. 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 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. 23 talking about this. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. My condolences to his family and many friends. 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. Glenn Dale, MD 20769 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 He was 80. 2011. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. 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 I would like to offer my condolences to the family. 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. 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. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. Their debut LP, Family Circle, arrived a year later. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Biography. 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. 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! Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. 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 group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. 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. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. He will be surely missed. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. This item: Classic 3. by The Mighty Clouds of Joy Audio CD. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. The Mighty Clouds of Joy. 2014. 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. We love you! They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. $11.99. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. Friday, July 25th Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. The group's first break came when they caught the ear of a local gospel disc jockey, who agreed to produce several demo tapes. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. 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 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. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. 2, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29. According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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). A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. 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.". 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. 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. Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. 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 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. 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Before his passing My group was privileged to have recorded a song with him that I will hold dear to my heart till that day I see him again in Glory. Odenton, MD 21113 There, he attended Jefferson High School. 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. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. A native of Troy, Alabama, Ligon was blessed with natural singing talent. For once, the songsmany of them from producer Dave Crawford, whose spirit must have been movedinclude virtually no filler, not even (especially not even) the one that takes off from the group's name. THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!