tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54854785518014755732024-03-13T07:38:14.820-05:00The Golden Era Gospel Blogfollowing the best in golden era gospel since 2009JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-84541799857366121122015-10-16T14:38:00.001-05:002015-10-16T14:38:57.007-05:00Ronald Greer's biography of Roberta Martin, "Only a Look", now available for purchase
First of all, hi everyone! I know it's been a while, but I'm still around. I have negelcted to post anything here for nearly two years, so this post hopefully will make up for that.
Back in August 2010, I published a post about a book in the works about the Roberta Martin Singers by Ronald Greer of Bay City, TX. Since that time, I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of Mr. Greer's JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-84429623194713811322013-11-11T17:36:00.000-06:002013-11-11T17:36:08.223-06:00TV Listings: Blind Boys of Alabama to appear on 'The Colbert Report' (11/13); 'Gospel's Jubilee Showcase' PBS Special (12/7)Golden Era Gospel fans, set your DVRs for two TV listings that you're sure to like.
The Blind Boys of Alabama will be guests on 'The Colbert Report' on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 to promote their new album, 'I'll Find a Way.' 'The Colbert Report' airs at 11:30/10:30c on Comedy Central.
A few weeks later on Saturday, December 7, 2013, 'Gospel's Jubilee Showcase' will air on PBS in select JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-53627245763755374422013-10-28T15:11:00.000-05:002013-10-28T15:11:08.495-05:00In the words of Albertina Walker, I'm still here!Some of my friends and followers have asked me about my lack of posts because it's been nearly a year since my last post. I'm still around, I just haven't had time for updating the blog. I hope to change that in these next few weeks with some new posts. Golden Era Gospel will forever be one of my interests. Here's to new material coming in the next few weeks!JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-27285090530831472972013-01-06T18:06:00.003-06:002013-01-06T18:08:45.237-06:00Seeking an easy New Year's Resolution for 2013? Help the Barrett Sisters release their new documentary!
For over 60 years, the Barrett Sisters have lifted their sweet voices to the delight of fans worldwide. Despite being so accomplished, the Barrett Sisters have one dream that has yet to be realized, and that dream is the release of The Sweet Sisters of Zion: Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters. Nearly all of the filming of the documentary was completed before the passing of Delois JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-70670946499838085082012-12-19T18:00:00.000-06:002012-12-25T03:38:12.492-06:00Updated: Inez Andrews of The Caravans dead at age 83
Inez Andrews, affectionately known as the High Priestess of Gospel, and the Songbird, died on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at her home in Chicago. Andrews was 83 years old and had been receiving treatment for colon cancer. Andrews was born Inez McConico on April 14, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1957, James Cleveland met Andrews in Nashville, TN, while Andrews was in JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-25985987029646377822012-09-24T14:25:00.001-05:002012-09-24T14:25:58.558-05:00Dwayne Lightsey interviews "Lady" Esther Ford Esther Ford is one of the few gospel singers from the Golden Era still kicking and singing. As a matter of fact, she's the last surviving pre-summer 1958 member of the Clara Ward Singers. She's also making use of social networking, so you'll easily find her commenting on YouTube and posting on her Facebook page.
Dwayne "Rowoches" Lightsey was able to sit down with "Lady" Ford as she delivered JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-15892004952296706042012-04-29T02:25:00.000-05:002012-04-29T02:25:40.770-05:00Dorothy Norwood's 1996 rendition of "Brick House"In 1996, Caravans alum Dorothy Norwood recorded a version of the Commodores' 1977 hit, "Brick House", for the soundtrack to the motion picture, My Fellow Americans. For sixteen years, this recording has been largely forgotten, until YouTube user gsj612 uploaded the song on April 26th. Since then, the recording has been shared across social networks and has gained a nice amount of views in JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-63002701858590244642012-02-18T21:19:00.003-06:002012-02-18T21:46:47.219-06:00Whitney Houston's familial ties to Golden Era GospelIt's no secret, Whitney Houston was not a stranger to gospel music. Whitney's voice matriculated in the church, she starred in the mid 90s version of The Preacher's Wife, and her last, known on stage performance was "Jesus Loves Me". Yet, her family's gospel origins stretch back to the late 1930s.In 1938, Nicholas "Nitch" Drinkard (Whitney's maternal grandfather) formed a singing group in JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-3188903888978914952011-12-06T07:05:00.002-06:002011-12-06T07:11:31.266-06:00Funeral Arrangements for Min. Gene VialeThe funeral service for Min. Gene Viale will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11am at Allen Temple. 8501 International Blvd. Oakland, CA 94621.Here is audio of Min. Viale leading "Heartaches" with the James Cleveland Singers in 1965.JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-87241163745812051672011-12-04T21:41:00.006-06:002011-12-05T01:18:04.945-06:00Happy 80th Birthday, James Cleveland!December 5, 2011 marks what would have been James Cleveland's 80th birthday. One can only imagine what the gospel field might have been like today had he lived until now.Here's a few songs to check out from his 40 year recording career, including his recording debut in 1951 with the Gospelaires as pianist and vocalist, and his last composition and recording in 1990 with the LA Gospel JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-48345225588308399692011-11-30T22:16:00.004-06:002011-11-30T22:39:31.804-06:00R.I.P., Min. Gene Viale, James Cleveland SingerMin. Gene Viale, member of the famed James Cleveland Singers during the mid 60s, has died. He was 65 years old.According to his personal website, Viale was born on October 31, 1946, and began singing at the age of five. In 1964, Viale joined the James Cleveland Singers and recorded two albums with them, "Heaven, That Will Be Good Enough for Me", and another album, which remains unreleased. Viale JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-22561228121274499312011-09-26T19:39:00.002-05:002011-09-26T19:50:22.448-05:00Jessy Dixon (1938-2011)Internationally renowned gospel singer Jessy Dixon has died in Chicago at the age of 73. Dixon was born in San Antonio, TX, but relocated to Chicago with his family when he was a teenager. In the 1960s, Dixon was a member of the James Cleveland Singers and was featured as a studio pianist for Savoy Records. In the 1970s, Dixon toured with his own group, The Jessy Dixon Singers, and became a JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-49233878554237943312011-09-21T16:24:00.005-05:002011-09-21T19:08:18.744-05:00O Johneron Davis, I finally found ya!By: Joseph MiddletonIt's been over a year since I released the original plea, but I am still searching for information on Johneron Davis, a longtime member of of the Caravans (1953-1962). Today, I received a wealth of information on her thanks to Libra Nicole Boyd and Rev. James Herndon of the Caravans (1959-1967).Johneron was born on April 12, 1929, which is coincidentally just two days before JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-19454710802227481492011-08-26T23:52:00.008-05:002011-08-27T00:53:36.471-05:00How Lerone Baker's quest to deify the already grand Cassietta George is wrecking the hard work of Gospel Music HistoriansBy: Joseph Middleton
Cassietta George (seen at right) was a gem of the Golden Gospel Era. From her days in the early 1950s with the Songbirds of the South, until becoming one of the longest tenured Caravans, there's no doubt she reserved herself a great place amongst the top gospel singers in the history books.
Unfortunately, her nephew's recent actions to honor her name reeks of callousness JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-17910694762225256832011-08-03T22:22:00.003-05:002011-08-04T10:30:19.848-05:00Funeral Arrangements for Delois Barrett CampbellFuneral arrangements have been set for gospel pioneer, Delois Barrett Campbell. The musical tribute will be at Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th Street in Chicago on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 7:00pm. The funeral will be on Wednesday, August 10 at the same church. Visitation will begin at 6:00pm and the funeral service will begin at 7:00pm. The internment will be on Thursday, August JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-38686794353262338842011-08-02T14:58:00.005-05:002011-08-02T15:06:47.973-05:00Delois Barrett Campbell of the Barrett Sisters and Roberta Martin Singers passes in ChicagoSad news to report from Chicago. Earlier today, the Golden Era Gospel Blog learned about the passing of gospel legend, Delois Barrett Campbell. She was 85 years old. Delois was born March 12, 1926 in Chicago, IL. In 1943, she became one of the first female members of the Roberta Martin Singers, and also went on to record with her sisters, Billie and Rhodessa as the Barrett Sisters. In 1982, JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-26659305841071490682011-07-14T09:34:00.002-05:002011-07-14T09:36:05.329-05:00Arrangements for F.C. BarnesThe arrangements for Rev. F.C. Barnes are as follows:Memorial ServiceFriday, July 15th7-9 PMRed Budd Holy Church1108 Luper Street - Rocky MountFuneralSaturday, July 16th11 AMRed Budd Holy ChurchArrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Chapel in Wilson, NC.JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-23843394514863506472011-07-11T11:06:00.002-05:002011-07-11T11:08:09.127-05:00R.I.P. Rev. F.C. BarnesThe Golden Era Gospel Blog has learned through Malaco Records that Rev. F.C. Barnes, best known for his 1983 hit with Rev. Janice Brown, "I'm Coming Up the Rough Side of the Mountain", has died. More info will be posted as it becomes available. Prayers go out to the Barnes family during this difficult time.JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-55778584279043788212011-06-20T18:23:00.004-05:002011-06-20T18:29:08.721-05:00R.I.P., Viola Crowley of the Clara Ward SingersThe Golden Era Gospel Blog has learned of the death of Viola Crowley of the Clara Ward Singers. Crowley died on June 17, 2011 at the age of 89. Per Dwayne "Rowoches" Lightsey's tribute video, Crowley joined the Ward Singers in 1959 as a pianist and vocalist and remained a member until the group disbanded after Clara Ward's death in 1973. Crowley was known for her lead on songs such as "Traveling JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-69560409902453528052011-06-05T13:56:00.006-05:002011-06-05T14:30:01.500-05:00The Golden Era Gospel Blog Reviews "Rejoice and Shout"By: Joseph Middleton"Rejoice and Shout", released by Magnolia Pictures, directed by Don McGlynn and produced by Joe Lauro, is a rousing, educational gem of a documentary. I was lucky enough to catch a pre-screening of "Rejoice and Shout" with friends in tow in Humble, TX on Thursday, June 2.Like any good gospel documentary, "Rejoice and Shout" begins by discussing the spiritual perspective of JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-6304987074811216192011-06-04T00:15:00.005-05:002011-06-04T00:33:45.509-05:00Golden Era Gospel SMACKDOWN!!!!By: Joseph MiddletonThis feature comes to us from our good friend, DJ and gospel music historian in Chi-town, Bob Marovich (I think the word "Professor" should be amended to the beginning of his name, what do you think?). Recently, Bob came upon a piece of history and posted it to his Facebook profile. Dated Sunday, August 18, 1945 (though Bob notes it's a typo and the concert actually took placeJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-63397116163516669982011-05-29T21:15:00.005-05:002011-05-29T21:38:56.427-05:00Hey, Houston! Want to see "Rejoice and Shout" for free? Here's your chance!"Rejoice and Shout" is Magnolia Pictures' newest release, scheduled to be released to select theaters nationwide starting Friday, June 3, 2011 This film covers traditional gospel music and the Golden Era of Gospel. Expect to see performances by Clara Ward, the Caravans, the Blind Boys of Mississippi, the Dixie Hummingbirds and many more groups. If you are in the Houston area and want to see a JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-64412623094236398722011-05-19T09:16:00.003-05:002011-05-19T09:24:05.624-05:00Happy Birthday to Julia Mae Price-Williams!By: Joseph MiddletonThe Golden Era Gospel Blog is wishing Julia Mae Price-Williams a Happy Birthday this May 19th. Ms. Price-Williams was a member of the Davis Sisters in the mid 60s before joining the Caravans in 1966. After her time with the Caravans, Ms. Price-Williams joined the Johnny Thompson Singers and still remains with that group today.You can read an October 2009 interview that the JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-31284007993738250212011-05-17T01:29:00.004-05:002011-05-17T01:41:07.234-05:00The Golden Era Gospel Blog didn't make it to the 2011 Black Weblog Awards this time, but some friends did!I'll start by saying thanks for your support and nominations. The Golden Era Gospel Blog didn't make it on the ballot for the 2011 Black Weblog Awards. There's always 2012, because if this blog could make it on the ballot in 2010, it can certainly do it again.I'm pleased to find out that two friends of mine have made on the ballot this year, and I'm encouraging you to support them.The first JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5485478551801475573.post-66836436951999011032011-05-06T13:11:00.002-05:002011-05-06T13:29:08.174-05:00Bob Marovich's Gospel Memories celebrates 10 years on the air on SaturdayBob Marovich will celebrate 10 years of Gospel Memories at 10am tomorrow morning on 88.7 WLUW-FM, Chicago. If you're in Chicago, tune in. If you're not in Chicago, you can listen online at wluw.org Congrats Bob! Here's to many more years on the air!JMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949349513261980748noreply@blogger.com1