The Golden Era Gospel Blog's "Young Folks + Classic Praise" series spotlights Shane Steward-Cowan

North Carolina is the home of Caravans alumni Rev. James Herndon and Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Rev. F.C. Barnes and the Barnes Family of gospel singers. North Carolina is also home to Shane Steward-Cowan, a young Golden Era Gospel aficionado.

TGEGB: When did you start listening to Golden Era Gospel Music?

I would say that question has two answers to it! Officially, I started being a fan when I was 18, and got my first computer and was just listening to music, when I ran into a song by Mahalia Jackson from a movie I had seen when I was younger, called Imitation of Life,the song being of course, "Troubles Of The World". So I started listening more to her music, and that lead me to listen to others, such as The Caravans, and The Original Gospel Harmonettes. And I would also say unofficially, I been listening to it my whole life! A lot of the songs that are sung by the groups, are songs I heard growing up here in North Carolina, where EVERYONE it seems like sings gospel! I remember hearing and singing songs like "Heavy Load" (Edna Gallmon Cooke) and "When The Gates Swing Open" (Clara Ward), and many others.

TGEGB: Who are your favorite artists?

The Caravans, The Original Gospel Harmonettes, Edna Gallmon Cooke, Willie Mae Ford Smith, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, And The Clara Ward Singers.

TGEGB: Who is your favorite golden era gospel artist(s) of all time?

I would say that would be Dorothy Love Coates and The Original Gospel Harmonettes! Their music had a passion and intensity that few could match! Oh and add, The Davis Sisters, The Meditation Singers, The Angelics, And The Roberta Martin Singers.

TGEGB: Tell us a little bit about your YouTube videos.

My videos are very much a mixture of different types of Golden Age Gospel. Posted, I have some very early material from people such as Arizona Dranes, and Clara Ghoulston (The Georgia Peach). I also have several WWII era sides from Sallie Martin and Her Singers of Joy, as well as The Gospel Harmoneers, later to become The Original Gospel Harmonettes. There is also a great amount of music from The Caravans, who rank with the Gospel Harmonettes as being my favorite group, lol. Songs such as their first cut, "Think Of His Goodness" in 1952, as well as songs they did over the years, such as "Steal Away", "Lord Keep Me Day by Day", and so forth. I also wanted to show case some other music that others may not have heard before, such as from the Group Sweet Honey In The Rock. I also have music posted by The Clara Ward Singers, The Golden Harps, The Brewsteraires, Edna Gallmon Cooke, The Original Gospel Harmonettes, and so forth.

TGEGB: Do you sing or lead any Golden Era Gospel songs in a group or choir?

I actually do, I sing with several groups, as I come from a hot bed of Gospel Singing! I sing with Steve Wilson And The Love Center Choir, The Hood Seminary Gospel Choir, and The Anointed Voices. One song in particular I am working on getting into the mix of our different types of songs, is Kitty Parham's "I"m Looking To Jesus"!

TGEGB: What's you favorite Gospel song?

I would say it would be with out a shadow of a doubt, the song "I'm Sealed" by the Original Gospel Harmonettes!

TGEGB: Is singing in your blood? Any particular Gospel artist have influence on your on personal style?

Why yes it is actually! My grandmother, and her sisters, and brothers, sung together as The Voices of Inspiration back in the 70s into the 90s. My great Grandmother, Etta Ree Allison Partee is also another singer, who at the age of 85 is still singing around North Carolina. And I would dare say the one gospel artist whom has influenced me the most, would be the late great Albertina Walker. I have a husky tenor voice, that I have musically without knowing adapted to Tina's singing style! Also the level of sincerity that she displayed has and will always be amazing to me! Will never be another like her!

You can view Shane's YouTube collection here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DaSourcespr06#p/u

Christmas Music, Golden Era style

By: Joseph Middleton

A fellow gospel music historian lamented about the homogeneity among radio stations today when it comes to chosing Christmas songs. As he put it, "If I hear "Grandma got run over.." one more time, I'm going to run over grandpa". Unfortunately, it sounds like grandpa will have to brace for impact!

Many of you are probably looking to alternatives to the Christmas songs being played over and over all month long. "Silent Night" by the Temptations is wonderful, but you grow tired of it after hearing it for the 3,693rd time! So, here are a few Golden Era Gospel Christmas Songs and albums to add to your listening rotation this season. I've provided links to songs and albums that are readily available for purchase. Some of these songs may be hard to find, but if you find them, you'll be pleased, no doubt.

1. "Behold That Star" by The Patterson Singers

2. "Away In a Manger" by The Galatians Singers

3. Album: Merry Christmas by James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir
Here's "Oh What a Pretty Little Baby" from that album.

4. Album: Christmas with the Famous Ward Singers.
Here's "Prince of Peace" from that album.

5. "The First Noel" by The Davis Sisters

6. "Christmas in Heaven" by Claude Jeter

7. "God Rest Ye Weary Gentlemen" by The Caravans

8. "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by The Swan Silvertones

Chicago Mag loves Chicago "Because gospel music is still being played in the very churches where it originated"

We all know Chicago is the birthplace of the black gospel sound, where Thomas Dorsey, Roberta Martin, Ralph Goodpastuer, Robert Anderson, Albertina Walker, Willie Webb, and many others cultivated their craft. Today, it is still is a hotbed of black gospel, home to gospel artists like DeAndre Patterson, the Barrett Sisters, Lecresia Campbell, Ron Barrett, Jessy Dixon, and dozens of others. Chicago Mag has chosen "40 Reasons to ♥ Chicago", and the fact that gospel music is still being played in the very churches where it originated is just one of those reasons.

Because gospel music is still being played in the very churches where it originated - Chicago magazine - December 2010 - Chicago

Texas Monthly asks: Who was Blind Willie Johnson?

Those of you who have followed my blog from day 1 may remember my September 25, 2009 entry titled "Golden Era Gospel In the Lone Star State." I made a brief reference to Blind Willie Johnson and that's about it. Now, Michael Hall of Texas Monthly is asking the question, "Who was Blind Willie Johnson?" If you're blessed enough to live in Texas, you can trot on down to your local grocery store checkout aisle and pick up a copy of the December 2010 issue. If you're outside of Texas and don't have a subscription (or you're in Texas and don't feel like going to get your own copy), you can read it online (for free for the next few days after this initial posting) at the following link.
http://www.texasmonthly.com/2010-12-01/feature3.php

Watch Steve James of Austin demonstrate the music of Blind Willie Johnson at this link:
http://www.texasmonthly.com/multimedia/video/home/15304

The Golden Era Gospel Blog's "Young Folks + Classic Praise" series spotlights Timothy Williams

Some folks are drawn to Golden Era Gospel because they enjoy the sound and the message. Some also enjoy it because it's in their blood. Timothy Williams is one of those who has Golden Era Gospel in his blood, and like the old song says, it's flowing like a river.

TGEGB: How did you come to like Golden Era Gospel Music?

Timothy: Well between my grandparents being from the south and on the (gospel) circuit themselves and my late father living in Chicago at one time, those elements brought that love for old school gospel to my attention very early in life.

TGEGB: What groups did your grandparents sing with?

Timothy: My grandmother sang with a group out of Hattiesburg, Mississippi called The Zionettes. The group consisted of her brother and first cousins. They had a hit that was big throughout the Southern region called "Where Is the Road That Leads on Home". Then my grandfather sang with the Sunset Travelers for about 5-6yrs. My grandparents met at a program in Memphis, Tennessee. When they married they formed a duo together and toured with Rev. Willie Morganfeild and The Consolers as well as the Sensational Nightingales.

TGEGB: Did your grandparents ever record?

Timothy: Yes, for a small label out of Cleveland, Ohio. I forgot the label's name, but their manager's name was Calvin Brown. He also acted as their produced and was Rev. Morganfield's manager as well.

TGEGB: Are there any more family roots in Golden Era Gospel?

Timothy: Yes. My grandmother's brother sang with a group named the Florida Robbins Singers. My father loved good quartets and the squalling preachers of the day. He saw a lot of those groups when he lived in Chicago. He would tell me many stories about the many programs he went to at Chicago's DuSable High School auditorium. He loved The Caravans Dorothy Love Coates and The Harmonettes, but The Davis Sisters were his favorite above all of the other female singers.

TGEGB: Who are your favorite Golden Era Gospel singers?

Timothy: I am very versatile when it comes to it. I like the soloists like Brother Joe May, Bessie Griffin and so on. I really liked Edna Gallmon Cooke, she knew her Bible. I also love the quartets. The Swan Silvertones are my favorite of the quartets. Oh, and Dixie Hummingbirds as well, can't forget them. I was raised on them and Soul Stirrers. But of the female groups, I love the Clara Ward Singers, both sets of them! I fell in love with the Meditation Singers and the Davis Sisters because they were some squalling women, as were the Caravans. When I want to hear sweet harmonies, I listen to the Barrett Sisters.

TGEGB: Sounds like you have the love of music throughout. Do you play any instruments or sing?

Timothy: I sing in a group with my family named The Newson Family Singers led by my grandfather. I play drums in the group. As you can see, I'm very proud of my musical roots.

TGEGB: If you could go back to any time and sing with any group, what year would you go back to and what group would you sing with?

Timothy: Believe it or not I would like to be apart of the mixed groups of that day
like the Roberta Martin Singers, the Raymond Raspberry Singers, the Gospel Clefs, Herman Stevens' group, or just a soloist by myself. I know I would be very fiery and every song would be a toe tapper lol! You know I'm shouter, I likes to move LOL!

TGEGB: Well get your shout on Tim! LOL. Thanks for the interview.

The Golden Era Gospel Blog's "Young Folks + Classic Praise" series spotlights Emmanuel Jones

Emmanuel "Manny" Jones is a 23 year old fellow Golden Era Gospel fan from NYC. I initially met through his YouTube uploads. Under the name MannyManFresh7, he has uploaded fanpost videos by artists such as The Caravans, The Roberta Martin Singers, and Jessy Dixon. Manny agreed to talk with me about his love and appreciation of Golden Era Gospel Music.

TGEGB: So Manny, when did you become interested in Golden Era Gospel?

Manny: Well to believe it or not, only a few years ago. I've always been "Ole school gospel" at heart, but I went mainstream with my passion a few years ago.

TGEGB: Do you like today's gospel music or are you purely "old school"?

Manny: I have to say I like about a handful of the gospel music that's coming out today. But I'm old school at heart. With the old school music you get a message you can't ignore, today's music it's so hard understand what the artist is even saying. More beat & music than the words!

TGEGB: Who are your favorite golden gospel artists?

Manny: The Caravans, The Roberta Martin Singers, The Ward Singers, The Harmonettes.

TGEGB: Who is your favorite golden era gospel artist of all time?

Manny: Hands down The Caravans

TGEGB: If you could sing with any golden era gospel group, which one would it be?

Manny: This is a hard question. Of course I would love to sing with The Caravans, but I always wanted to sing with the RMS to be under the late Roberta Martin's teaching.

TGEGB: Some people have had troubles with their gospel uploads on YouTube. Have you had any troubles?

Manny: Actually yes I have. This one particular character I'm not gonna mention his name. BUT his late aunt was a former Caravans member, so he ALLEGEDLY owns the copyrights to his aunts songs SHE WROTE. But this character goes as far as disputing anything with his aunt's voice on it if it's not uploaded from him. All he is doing is TRASHING his aunt's name. She's gonna have a tarnished reputation he keeps getting our videos taken down!

TGEGB: It's no secret that you loved the late Albertina Walker. Some groups like The Roberta Martin Singers and The Clara Ward Singers either declined in popularity after their leaders died, or stopped recording altogether. What do you think The Caravans will do now that Albertina is gone?

Manny: I do believe The Caravans can go on without Tina. See with the RMS, I believe at that time things were different. You know by the time she passed, groups of the golden era were fading out as a new brand style of gospel music was coming out. I do believe some wanted to branch out on their own too. In today's time it's different. Dorothy Norwood & Shirley, Inez they are all household names. So together, that would be even great!

R.I.P. Calvin Williams of the Golden Gate Quartet, Deep Tones.

Sad news from Bob Marovich via Dr. Charles and Pamela Horner of Classic Urban Harmony, LLC.

In a year filled with bad news, we are extremely saddened to report the passing of our close friend Calvin Williams. Calvin was born in Bucksport, SC, on November 8, 1921. Calvin began singing Gospel music and at the age of 15 joined with a local quartet called the Southern Four Gospel Singers. During World war II Calvin worked at the Wilmington, NC, shipyards where he sang with National Four. After the war, Calvin moved to Trenton, NJ. By 1947 Calvin formed a new group called the Deep Tones. The Deep Tones recorded three fabulous spiritual records, done in the style of the Golden Gate Quartet. Two records were released on the King Solomon label (later on Savoy) and one on Muzicon.

The Deep Tones turned to secular music in 1951, recording "Just In Case You Change Your Mind" and "The Night We Said Goodbye" for the Coral label. The Deep Tones also did uncredited backup for Ella Fitzgerald ("Trying"), "Slim Galliard ("Oh Lady Be Good") and Bill Kenny.

Changing their name to the Hi Lighters, the group recorded for the Celeste and their own HiCo label. (Click HiCo to read the Horners' story of the HiCo label). Calvin sang with the Four Knights before joining the Stereos who recorded on the Robins Nest label during the 1960's.

In 1972, Calvin Williams was asked to join the world famous Golden Gate Quartet, now based in Europe. He spent the next 14 years with the Gates, touring numerous countries. Upon leaving the Golden Gate Quartet, Calvin returned to the United States where he joined Johnny Smith's Ink Spots. The group made one album (CD).

Calvin spent the final years of his life living in Far Rockaway, NY. Calvin was a guest at our wedding and our guest at UGHA on several occasions. We interviewed Calvin on Frank Gengaro and Gordon Skadberg's weekly radio program on WRHU-FM in 2008. Calvin Williams made a huge contribution to group harmony, but most of all he was a friend to us. Our grief is beyond words.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Charles and Pamela Horner of Classic Urban Harmony, LLC

It seems the roll of the legends is being called with haste. This year alone, we've reported the losses of Albertina Walker, Little Lucy Smith, Bishop Walter Hawkins, Major Roberson, and Geraldine Gay Hambric, and now, Calvin Williams. -Ed.