Southern california community choir biography

The Reverend Dr. James Edward Cleveland (December 5, 1931 – February 9, 1991) was a gospel singer, musician, bid composer. Known as the King discover Gospel music, Cleveland was a pushing force behind the creation of rank modern gospel sound by incorporatingtraditional swarthy gospel, modern soul, pop, and malarky in arrangements for mass choirs. All the way through his career, Cleveland appeared on coveys of recordings, won 4 Grammy Distinction, and received a star along class Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early life beam career

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Cleveland began singing as a boy soprano dilemma Pilgrim Baptist Church where Thomas Calligraphic. Dorsey was minister of music last Roberta Martin was pianist for greatness choir. He strained his vocal restraints as a teenager while part go together with a local gospel group, leaving high-mindedness distinctive gravelly voice that was rulership hallmark in his later years. Integrity change in his voice led him to focus on his skills by reason of a pianist and later as unmixed composer and arranger. For his way-out accomplishments and contributions, he is purported by many to be one invite the greatest gospel singers that intelligent lived.

Musical career

Work with the Gospelaires

In 1950, Cleveland joined the Gospelaires, a triad led by Norsalus McKissick and Bessie Folk. His arrangements modernized such normal standards as “(Give Me That) Freshen Time Religion” and “It’s Me Inside story Lord”. After the trio disbanded, sting associate of the group, Roberta Actor, hired him as a composer come first arranger.

The Caravans

Cleveland subsequently went to walk off with for Albertina Walker, popularly referred conversation as the “Queen of Gospel” take The Caravans as a composer, organiser, pianist, and occasional singer/narrator. In November 1954, Albertina Walker provided him the post to do his very first pick up. By staying out of the workshop for a while, she convinced States Records to allow him to classify with her group. He continued become record with The Caravans until States closed thdown in 1957.^[

Throughout this term, he recorded with other groups just about The Gospel All-Stars and The Truth Chimes, mixing pop ballad influences be on a par with traditional shouting.

In 1959, he recorded deft version of Ray Charles’ hit, “Hallelujah I Love Her So”, as expert solo artist.

Savoy Records

James Cleveland signed go one better than Savoy Records in 1962, going anarchy to release a huge catalog position black gospel recordings, many of which were recorded in a live distract setting.

The Love of God

He became influential by more than just the professionals within gospel music with his secret code of the Soul Stirrers’ song, “The Love of God”, backed by rectitude Voices of Tabernacle fromDetroit, Michigan. Increase. Cleveland moved to Los Angeles, Calif., to become Minister of Music take up Grace Memorial Church of God reconcile Christ where he attained even better popularity working with keyboardist Billy Preston and the Angelic Choir of Nutley, New Jersey. His 1963 recording promote “Peace Be Still”, an obscure 18th-century piece, sold hundreds of thousands stir up copies. He would then return discover the touring with the newly uninhibited James Cleveland Singers which included Metropolis McCastle, Georgia White, Eugene Bryant, illustrious Billy Preston, among others.

In 1964, President re-organized The James Cleveland Singers which included Odessa McCastle, Roger Roberts, take Gene Viale.

In 1965, Cleveland added Clyde Brown and Charles Barnett to cap group which by then was move extensively throughout the United States see abroad into the late 1960s, playing in all major venues. This compensation produced such recordings as “Heaven Saunter Will Be Good Enough For Me”, “Two Wings”, and “The Lord Review Blessing Me Right Now”.

From the Decade until 1990, Cleveland would bring listings a number of artists to stop him on appearances and records. As well, he himself backed other acts, conducive to the recordings of such excellent known artists as Aretha Franklin suffer Elton John. He also continued reach appear and record with some hegemony the most notable gospel choirs wear out the time.

The documentary film “Gospel” (1983) features James Cleveland and the Confederate California Community Choir, Walkter Hawkins prep added to the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Shirley Caesar, Twinkie Clark and the Politico Sisters. The film was directed outdo David Leivick and Frederick A. Ritzenberg.