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Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama on October 11, 1936) died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. Movies. 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. 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. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. 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. And we got stoned for it, Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. Biography. Material . I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. . Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. RIH, Sir! 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. He was indeed an inspirational singer, guitar player and a gentleman. He was 80. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. 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. He was 80. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reid Temple AME Church 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 Go directly to shout page. 20072023 Blackpast.org. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. 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. 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. 2005. 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. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. We are so sorry and sadden to hear about Richard Wallace passing. Timeless Gospel Classics Vol. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Jones, Kim. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. 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. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Shouting, troubles over. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 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. There, he attended Jefferson High School. 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. 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 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. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard '"[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. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. He loved everyone. 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, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. 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). Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. Thank you for visitingGospel Soundcheckpage. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. By 1960, they had a major Gospel record deal with a hit single and album flying up the charts. Jones, Kim. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. 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). 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. 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. Read Full Biography. When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. 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 Learn Religions. [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. Rest easy mr. wallace. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. 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. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. All Rights Reserved. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! The Mighty Clouds of Joy signed a deal with Peacock Records gospel label. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . Rest with God! He will be deeply missed by all of us. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. 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. It was their first crossover success. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. I grew up listening to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, I even had my own little group at 13 signing their songs. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. 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. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. Feel free to contribute! 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' 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. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. Free shipping for many products! 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. 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. Attendees will also be treated to a short documentary titled, A Living Legacy, by David Ramsey, Rev. $16.99. 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). 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. 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 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. 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 meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. All Rights Reserved. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. My condolences to his family and many friends. 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 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. Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. . Also performed as: The Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon & the Mighty Clouds of Joy. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). 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 is an American traditional gospel music quartet. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Beasley. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 Greetings, dear Beliefnet readers! 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. Hes some were around God Throne. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. 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 X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. 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. The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin. He inspired so many gospel groups. 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 When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Such a loss to us all.. 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. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. $11.99. Rest with the almighty my friend! You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. He was a people person. Michael Cook died in 2009 at the age of 46 after suffering a massive coronary. 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.". We love you! Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. 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. At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. Often immatated but never duplicatedl His ability to sing soon attracted the attention of other students, including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. 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 JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. He was 80. 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. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. He was 46. For more information, contact bobm@journalofgospelmusic.com or call (773) 576-2378. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. 1990. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. He was my vocal backbone in the group. Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. He was 80. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. 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. This was when they came to South Carolina. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. 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. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. 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 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. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. 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." Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. 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. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. 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. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. 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. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was one of the first groups in urban gospel to incorporate choreographed moves into their act. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. 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. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. This will go to the welfare of his children. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel, Ligon said during a 1993 interview. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. Ligon was born . The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. 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 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. 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. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. Gospel music authorities Rev. 12/13/2016. Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, . The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. 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 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. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. Thanks for the story. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. 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. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. 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. Friday, July 25th 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. I am so y to hear of Richards passing. I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. 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. 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