Texas recognizes and celebrates Peacock Records

By: Joseph Middleton

A crowd gathered in front of the Louis Robey Professional Building on Lyons Avenue in Houston's Fifth Ward on April 16 for the unveiling of a marker honoring Don Robey and his Peacock label. The program began promptly at noon with a welcome and introduction of guests by James H. Ford Jr., a storyteller and English professor at Houston Community College who was one of the forces behind making today's dedication a reality. Speakers included Music Historian Dr. Roger Wood, also from Houston Community College, former Peacock recording artist Texas Johnny Brown, Rap-A-Lot records founder J. Prince, and Debra Blacklock-Sloan of the Harris County Historical Commission. A host of Don Robey's relatives were on hand including his daughter, Dr. DonaLeah Robey Fields and his youngest sister. Proclamations and Resolutions were presented from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. Special attendees were recognized, including Dr. Carlos Handy, Department Head Chair of the Physics department at Texas Southern University. Dr. Handy is the nephew of W.C. Handy, known as the "father of blues."

After the speakers had spoken and the special guests were recognized, it was time to unveil the marker. With Don Robey's descendants and relatives standing nearby, the cover was taken off and the marker was revealed to the crowd, culminating a project decades in the making honoring one of Houston's native sons who made his mark on gospel, r&b and blues music.

Malaco Records destroyed by tornado

Sad news from Mississippi. The historic and internationally acclaimed Malaco Records in Jackson, Mississippi was destroyed by a tornado which ravaged the area on Friday, April 15. Two of the three buildings on the compound were destroyed. Just 3 years ago, Malaco was honored with a marker from the state of Mississippi, recognizing the 49 year old company as a landmark on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

In 1986, Malaco purchased the gospel division of Savoy Records, which during the 40s through the 80s was the home of many Golden Era Gospel artists such as Dorothy Love Coates, James Cleveland, the Roberta Martin Singers, the Caravans, and the Davis Sisters just to name a few.

You can read more at this link: http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=14457925

Here is video of the tornado responsible for the destruction.

Happy Birthday to Inez Andrews!

The Golden Era Gospel Blog is wishing gospel pioneer Inez Andrews a happy and blessed 82nd birthday!

Peacock Records Historical Marker Dedication in Houston, Saturday, April 16

At noon on Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Harris County Historical Commission will dedicate a Texas State Historical Marker for the Peacock Record Label at 4120 Lyons Ave. at Benson Street. For more information, contact James Ford at (713) 301-9721, drroffe@sbcglobal.net

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rebuild set for 2012 Finish

Thanks to Bob Marovich of the Black Gospel Blog for posting this.
From the Associated Press

CHICAGO — The on-again, off-again reconstruction of a landmark Chicago church known as the birthplace of gospel music is on again.

Church leaders have announced work to rebuild the fire-ravaged Pilgrim Baptist Church will begin in earnest this summer.

A 2006 fire ignited by workers repairing the roof devastated the 120-year-old structure designed by famed architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan.

Officials announced a $37 million rebuilding plan in 2008, but nothing came of it. Pastor Tyrone Jordan says a first construction phase set for a 2012 finish will "prove to the world" the church will rebuild.

The four-phase project is expected to cost at least $30 million.

Mahalia Jackson, Sallie Martin, the Rev. James Cleveland, and the Staples Singers are among those who have sung at the church.

Delois Barrett Campbell hospitalized, said to be resting comfortably

The Golden Era Gospel Blog got a report from Ron Barrett that Delois Barrett Campbell, former member of the famed Roberta Martin Singers and the Barrett Sisters, was admitted to the hospital on Monday, March 28 in Chicago. According to Ron, as of Monday evening, Delois was still in the hospital, resting comfortably.

Delois is in our thoughts and prayers.

R.I.P., Loleatta Holloway

By: Joseph Middleton

Loleatta Holloway, former member of The Caravans and renowned disco artist, died on Monday, March 21 at the age of 64 after a brief illness. Holloway joined The Caravans in late 1966 to replace Shirley Caesar, who'd left the group to pursue a solo career. Holloway stayed with The Caravans until the early 1970s, when she began to pursue a solo career. Holloway's music became popular during the disco era, and she scored her biggest hit, "Love Sensation" in 1980. Holloway continued to have dance hits through the 2000s which charted in the UK, Australia and the Netherlands. Holloway rarely participated in reunions with The Caravans, but participated in the reunion of members at Albertina Walker's funeral in 2010 with Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Gwenn Morgan, James Herndon and Delores Washington.

Memorial services for Holloway will be held in Chicago on Thursday, March 31 at Rainbow PUSH Coalition. 930 E. 50th St. Chicago, IL, 60615. The viewing will be from 1-6pm, and the memorial will be from 6-10pm.

Here's Holloway singing with The Caravans in 1969 on "Help is On The Way."