A New Series: "Young Folks + Classic Praise"

In 2010, your average young adult gospel music connoisseur will likely rock contemporary tunes from the likes of Tye Tribbett, Myron Butler & Levi , Ton3x, James Fortune or Mary Mary. Some may like the modern traditional sounds and listen to quartets like Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's, soloists like Vicki Winans, and groups like Kathy Taylor and Favor. Then, there's the select few who like to reach WAY back, I'm talking about dusting off the vinyl and turning on the turntables. They prefer the sounds of The Clara Ward Singers, Mahalia Jackson, The O'Neal Twins, The Gospel Clefs, Rev. Maceo Woods, The Roberta Martin Singers, The Caravans, The Barrett Sisters, The Wings Over Jordan Choir, and Jessy Dixon just to name a few.

The aforementioned artists may sound like your great-grandparents' favorites, but these young twenty-somethings have put a 21st century, or Generation Y or Millennial twist on things by starting YouTube channels, Facebook groups, blogs and websites to showcase their interest in this music and share the sounds with others.

This new series will showcase some of those individuals. You already know a little bit about me, but there are others out there from the same age bracket who appreciate this music as I do, and you need to learn about them.

So, be on the lookout for the interviews in the coming days and weeks!

Remembering Albertina Walker with a funny moment

In times of sadness, a laugh is always a good way to help get through the sorrow. For the many greiving fans of Albertina Walker, here's a video which was broadcasted at Ms. Walker's 80th birthday celebration last year. Ms. Walker regales the viewers with a tale about traveling with The Caravans through segregated America with a humorous ending.

Tribute, Musical Salute and Funeral information for Albertina Walker

Here is some information regarding tributes, the musical salute and funeral for Albertina Walker.

Saturday, 10/9, 10-11am CT, 88.7FM WLUW-FM, Chicago www.wluw.org
Gospel Memories with Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich will dedicate his entire 1 hour long program to playing music by The Caravans in honor of Albertina Walker. Don't miss out, tune in or listen live at www.wluw.org. If you happen to listen to the show, be sure to call Bob at 773-508-WLUW to let him know you're tuned in. If you miss out, don't worry. The podcast will be available at www.gospelmemories.com 1-2 days after the original broadcast.

Thursday, 10/14
9am-6pm
Public Viewing at West Point Baptist Church
36th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL
7pm
Musical Salute at Apostolic Church of God
63rd and Dorchester
Chicago, IL

Friday, 10/15
10am Visitation
11am Funeral Service
West Point Baptist Church
36th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL
Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes officiating

Breaking News: Albertina Walker passes at age 81

By: Joseph Middleton

With a heavy heart, The Golden Era Gospel Blog has sad news to report from Chicago this morning from Rev. Stanley Keeble by way of Ronald Greer and via the Yolanda Adams Morning Show. The legendary Albertina Walker has died at age 81. Ms. Walker passed around 4:30am Friday morning from respiratory problems. Ms. Walker's career spanned nearly six decades. In the late 1940s, Ms. Walker joined Robert Anderson's gospel caravan, later renamed Robert Anderson and The Caravans. In 1952, Anderson left the group, and Ms. Walker became the leader of the group. As leader of The Caravans, Ms. Walker took a more laid back role and helped to launch the solo careers of Caravans alumni such as James Cleveland, Bessie Griffin, Cassietta George, Loleatta Holleway, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews and Dorothy Norwood. Ms. Walker released her first solo album in the mid 1960s, but continued to stay as the lead of The Caravans until 1976. During a period spanning from the late 1970s to the late 1990s, Ms. Walker enjoyed a string of hits such as "I Can Go to God In Prayer", "I've Got a Feeling", "Hallelujah, This is The Way to Sing Praises to our God", and "I'm Still Here." In 2006, Ms. Walker and The Caravans (Inez Andrews, Dorothy Norwood and Delores Washington) reunited to record the "Paved the Way" album for Malaco records, which was the first all new album by The Caravans to be released in 30 years. A second album with The Caravans titled "My Soul Says Yes", was set to be released later this year.

Commentary:
If time has taught us anything within the Golden Era Gospel circle, it is that some groups from that era cease to operate without their leader (with exception to many quartets). For example, when Roberta Martin died in 1969, The Roberta Martin Singers tried to soldier on without their leader, but did not make it past 1971. If The Caravans should cease to sing or record after Ms. Walker's death, or if they shall continue strongly with another member taking the reins in the absence of Ms. Walker, we can still say Thank You, Lord for the ministry of Albertina Walker, and Thank You, Lord for the ministry The Caravans, from their days with Robert Anderson until this present time.

Ebony recreates cover photo with Mahalia Jackson using Yolanda Adams

By: Joseph Middleton

To celebrate their 65th birthday, Ebony decided to recreate 12 of their most legendary covers with modern day singers and entertainers. To recreate their cover featuring Mahalia Jackson, Ebony turned to modern day gospel vocalist Yolanda Adams. You can see the recreation in this post.

Well, what do you think?

The Swanee Quintet to celebrate 71st Anniversary with program in Augusta

By: Joseph Middleton

The Swanee Quintet is one of those Golden Era Groups which is still going strong today with new blood. While original members such as the late James "Big Red" Anderson and the late Rev. Ruben Willingham have passed on, longtime member Percy Griffin (Griffin joined the group in 1965) is now at the helm as Manager, Booking Agent, and Lead Vocalist.

The Augusta, GA based group will celebrate 71 years of singing on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the William Bell Auditorium in Augusta. Doors open at 4:00pm, and the program will begin at 5:00pm. Special guests will include other Golden Era Groups such as Spencer Taylor and the Highway QCs, and the Sensational Nightingales. Also on program will be modern quartet stars Lee Williams of Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs, Doc McKenzie of Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, Harvey Watkins Jr. of the Canton Spirituals, Darrell McFadden and the Disciples, and Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson.

That sure sounds like a good lineup. Congratulations to the Swanee Quintet on 71 years of gospel singing. Here's to 71+ more years!

It's our Birthday! The Golden Era Gospel Blog Turns One Year Old!

Today marks the 1st anniversary of the launch of Golden Era Gospel Blog. As the old cliche goes, time really does fly, doesn't it? I've had some lulls in reporting due to lack of material (but that's improving, as a comparison, I've had more posts this month alone than I had from the 3 month period of Sept. 23-Dec. 31 2009), and my blog may not have as many views, visits, or followers as other gospel blogs, but it's faithfully serving its purpose, to educate and inform about the goings on in the world of Golden Era Gospel.

I want to say "thank you" to the subscribers, fellow bloggers, friends and fans who have shown support over this past year. God Bless Ya!