Mighty Clouds of Joy


The Mighty Clouds of Joy were an American traditional gospel music quartet.
WWW themightycloudsofjoy.org

Career

The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles as a tradition-based style group. 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. In a break with tradition, the groups sound incorporated Soul, R&B, and Rock; all of which flourishes in their musical mix without diluting the religious essence of their material. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly — they used the same tailor as the Temptations — and worked slick choreography into their act Thus, not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come, they became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. 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.
The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. Their pictures are even on display in the Apollo Theater.
Based in Los Angeles, the original group members included Joe Ligon, Johnny Martin, Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis Turnbough, Elmeo Franklin, Richard Wallace, Leon Polk, and David Walker.
Joe Ligon died on December 11, 2016, at age 80.
While reviewing the group's 1974 crossover LP It's Time, Robert Christgau wrote in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies, "You'd figure the showiest of all gospel groups would sell out with some flair, but the vocal transfigurations — that old Wilson Pickett unhh born again — aren't the only reason this is one of the best LPs ever to come out of Philadelphia. For once, the songs — many of them from producer Dave Crawford, whose spirit must have been moved — include virtually no filler, not even the one that takes off from the group's name. Nicest conceit: how hard it is to be soft in a 'Stoned World.'"

Discography

Albums

  • 1964: Family Circle PLP 114
  • 1965: A Bright Side PLP 121
  • 1966: Live at Music Hall PLP 134
  • 1966: Presenting the Untouchable PLP 151
  • 1972: Mighty Clouds of Joy Live
  • 1974: It's Time
  • 1975: Kickin
  • 1977: The Truth is the Power
  • 1977: Live and Direct
  • 1979: Changing Times
  • 1980: Cloudburst
  • 1982: Miracle Man
  • 1983: Sing and Shout
  • 1987: Catching On
  • 1989: Night Song
  • 1990: Pray for Me
  • 1995: Power
  • 1996: Live in Charleston
  • 1999: It Was You
  • 2002: I Want to Thank You
  • 2005: In the House of the Lord: Live in Houston
  • 2007: Movin
  • 2010: At the Revival
  • 2011: 50-Year Celebration
  • 2013: All That I Am Chapter 1
  • 2014: Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2
  • 2016: ''Rebirth''

Compilation albums

  • 1973: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy
  • 1978: The Very Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy
  • 1982: Request Line
  • 1994: Faith, Mercy, Glory
  • 2002: ''20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy''

Singles