1927): Member of the Stanley Brothers, bluegrass pioneer, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" - Beckie Sugden, Mick Jenkins The original members ofthe bandinclude Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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.Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill). 1. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were formed in Los Angeles during the '50s by schoolmates Joe Ligon and Johnny Martin; while still in their teens, the original group -- which also included Leon Polk, Richard Wallace, and brothers Ermant and Elmo Franklin -- made their recorded debut in 1960 with "Steal Away to Jesus," cut for the Peacock label. 1948): Singer-songwriter, co-founding member of The Eagles. They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 and 1979 for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 for best traditional soul gospel album. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. He will be deeply missed by all of us. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. 1938): Singer-songwriter became most famous for his work as a producer, shaping ska and reggae. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook Joey Feek (b. I've Been In The Storm Too Long. And we got stoned for it," Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. 1937): Producer and songwriter who worked with Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and scores of others. They were influenced by R&B groups like The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Cards and memorials may be sent to Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace, 2209 Woodlands Drive, Tyler, TX 75703. "We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. The Mighty Clouds of Joy who often performed as Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, was a gospel quartet established in Los Angeles, California in 1955. He was my vocal backbone in the group. Mighty Clouds Of Joy Live In Charleston. They played for President Jimmy Carter and toured extensively overseas. Our pledge is to elevate solutions, share successes, and amplify the experiences of Black people. Learn More{{/message}}. ", In a broadcast interview with Ligon that played to a hushed crowd straining to hear his responses to questions, Ligon explained that at first, he didn't care for the song, which was written by the Rev. For those who may ask what they can do to honor Richard, we have a simple request. He was 80. Their . Julius Cheeks And The Nightingales, Bright Night / The Mighty Clouds Of Joy In Concert, Memory Lane - Best Of: Recordings From 1960-1993, Together As One: A Tribute To The Heritage Of Quartet Music. "Steal Away to Jesus" was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. Richard Wallace, founding member of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, passes on Cleveland was influenced by Chicago's Pilgrim Baptist Church choir director Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the "Father of Gospel Music.". Take it Down: teen tool to remove negative posts, Houston Reads Day sheds light on literacy crisis, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Joe Ligon, whose raspy, throbbing vocals and preaching style helped make the Mighty Clouds of Joy one of the most successful gospel quartets of all time, died Sunday. Career. 1975): Right, country singer-songwriter in husband/wife duo Joey + Rory. Joe Ligon could have gone for fame and fortune under the guidance of the legendary Sam Cooke, who himself crossed the river separating gospel from what came to be called soul. Chips Moman (b. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train, which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. The Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel quartet formed in 1961 and based in Los Angeles, California, USA. We kindly ask everyone to please respect the familys privacy during this time of bereavement. Original content may not be reproduced or cited without proper attribution to the author and Gospel Music Fever. Long John Hunter (b. Otis Clay (b. The Celebration of Life service will take place at 12 PM (CT) on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at the Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX. Franklin and his daughter, Aretha, helped propel the fusion of blues, the workingman's music, with gospel, the sound of salvation. of The Stereotypes, Jonathan Yip Julius Cheeks, a Los Angeles singer known for his baritone voice and onstage antics. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced . (P) (C) 2009 EMI Gospel. - Mitch Schneider & Kelly Walsh, Mammoth, Inc. Ligon was born . Paul Kantner (b. Alphonse Mouzon (b. Bernie Worrell (b. Red Simpson (b. Graton Resort & Casino / Graton Resort and Casino. The Sensational Wonders (a.k.a. Mighty Clouds of Joy's Michael Cook Passes Away Most notably, Taylor's song "Be Ever Wonderful" was sampled by Ludacris in "Splash Waterfalls" from his 2003, fourth studio album, Chicken-n-Beer. December 12, 2016, 5:21 PM. Beginning with their 1960 hit Steal Away to Jesus, the Mighty Clouds blazed a trail that few before them had, especially stylistically. 1970): Rapper, co-founding member of legendary ensemble A Tribe Called Quest. [4][5] Although he had several regional hits, and released an album, Ted Taylor Sings, on Warwick in 1963, he did not achieve national commercial success until his 1965 recording on Okeh Records of "Stay Away From My Baby" reached number 14 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 99 on the pop chart, his only national pop chart entry. Photo taken Wednesday 12/28/16 Ryan Pelham/The Enterprise, Peggy Ligon with family members after the funeral for her husband, the late gospel singer Joe Ligon, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont on Wednesday. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. They began as a Gospel act only, and they charted more than two dozen albums on the Gospel charts, most hitting the Top 10. 1922): A pioneer of jazz harmonica who played with Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and others, while also recording frequently himself. He loved everyone. Taylor was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and moved to California in 1952. mighty clouds of joy member dies - thefeldmancompanies.com Music video by The Mighty Clouds Of Joy performing If Jesus Can't Fix It. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Joe Ligon, the longest remaining member of the group, died on December 11, 2016, two months after his 80th birthday. After forming a partnership with songwriter Kevin Wood, the two entered Sweetwater Studios in 2018 . 1948): Jazz fusion drummer who played with Larry Coryell and Weather Report. )Click this link to order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YuSwaNThis DVD is a rare collector's item, and there is a very limited supply.Produced and hosted by Sid Ordower, Jubilee Showcase aired on ABC's Chicago affiliate television station, WLS Channel 7, from 1963 to 1984, and won an Emmy Award for a Pioneering Project in television. - Beckie Sugden, Mac Ayres They become the first gospel act to ever appear on Soul Train,which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Joe Ligon, gospel singer, founder of Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies - SFGATE Jackson framed current conditions within the song "I've in the Storm Too Long" and railed against voter laws that he said try to suppress, shrinking access to health care and the appointment of Jeff Sessions, who Jackson claims was an ally to segregationist George Wallace, to lead the Justice Department in the next administration. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Thank you! Michael Cook, member of the legendary Gospel group The Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday morning July 18th as a result of a massive coronary. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes . Paul Bley (b. (December 11, 2016) We are sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death, at age 80, of legendary Gospel great, Joe Ligon, founder and lead singer of The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Denise Matthews aka Vanity (b. He was born in Newport, Kentucky, United States. Joe Ligon, frontman for gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies at 80 Billy Paul (b. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. Dan Wallach is a reporter with the Beaumont Enterprise. 1932): Houston native, accordionist, composer, musical theorist and philosopher. "With gospel, you go down, but you get up again and again. Click through for more sadness from the past year George Martin (b. Joe Ligon R.I.P.The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. SoulTracks is a registered trademark of SoulTracks, LLC. The official statement reads: We are heartbroken to share the news that the worlds greatest gospel bass guitarist and baritone singer, Brother Richard Wallace of the three-time Grammy Award-winning group The Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California, passed away today, Monday, July 27, 2020, at the UT Health Center in Tyler, Texas surrounded by his wife and family. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on, 10th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards Return To Nashvilles Opry House, CAIN Hosting, FOR KING + COUNTRY Announce 31-City What Are We Waiting For Tour Part II, Tamela Mann Performing at 2023 BET Her Awards, Amy Grant To Release First New Music In Ten Years, Steven Curtis Chapman Makes History with 50th No. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Among Mighty Clouds of Joys most popular songs: Time, which crossed over to the R&B charts in 1974, and Mighty High, a 1975 disco hit. But the Mighty Clouds took their expansive sound to chart on the Pop, Soul and Disco charts. Martin Luther King Jr. to prominence as the effort to secure civil rights burst forward. By Bob Marovich. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Out of this cultural lineage came Joe Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.". Photo taken Wednesday 12/28/16 Ryan Pelham/The Enterprise. Ligon, 80, died Dec. 11, and the Troy, Alabama, native, who grew up in Los Angeles, went to his "homegoing" Wednesday at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church with burial at Magnolia Cemetery. And Still no better GOSPEL 2LISTEN 2, 05-22-22. Greatest Hits Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Last.fm Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, mentor, and friend to so many who loved him dearly. Please, check your inbox! He was 46. "Gospel singers don't retire, you know, they just die doing what they do," he said. An account was already registered with this email. With a singing style derived from Southern Baptist churches, Ligon would shout, scream and jump into the crowds, which he called cuttin the fool, and would deliver sermons in between songs. The group has won three Grammy Awards, several Stellar Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, with more nominations and top selling hit albums along the way. We kindly ask everyone to please respect the Familys privacy during this time of bereavement. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Singer Michael McCowin and Songwriter Kevin Wood "Shine" at Sweetwater Dont miss out! C.L. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. Maurice White (b. He was 80 . The same group recorded as both The Cadets on Modern and The Jacks on the subsidiary RPM label. For those who may ask what they can do to honor Joe, we have a simple request. Tony Conrad (b. The band released 31 albums, including - Down Memory Lane, In the House of the Lord: Live in Houston, Pray for Me, Sing and Shout, The Truth Is the Power, Mighty Clouds of Joy Live, Live at Music Hall, and Family Circle. David Bowie (b. . [3] He remained on the label for seven years, and had several further R&B chart hits including "It's Too Late" (1969), "Something Strange is Going On in My House" (1970), and "How's Your Love Life Baby" (1971). Before there were nationally celebrated athletes and other luminaries of African-American culture, black people could only sing of emancipation and salvation, hiding their hopes in lyrics from songs like the group's first recording, "Steal Away Jesus," which was released in 1960, said Jackson. Wrote "A Song for You" and co-wrote "Superstar.". His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . Andy Kirk (musician) - Wikipedia Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. by | Jun 30, 2022 | tanner buchanan instagram | jasmine nguyen client relations manager | Jun 30, 2022 | tanner buchanan instagram | jasmine nguyen client relations manager [1] At Duke, he made the first recording of the ballad "Be Ever Wonderful" in 1959. 1941): Upper left corner, played fiddle in influential British folk group Fairport Convention. !, 1st saw the M.C.of J. Dwn Town CHAS-SC. One of the most successful and best-known gospel quartets of all time, the Mighty Clouds of Joy has remained relevant by integrating the latest musical styles with Biblically inspired messages. [3], He was influenced by such singers as Little Willie John, Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson. 12/13/2016. "Joe was telling the poorest people there is a brighter side somewhere where the wicked will cease from troubling and all will be at rest.". Played with Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond and more. Starting out in a tradition-based style, eventually elements of soul, R&B, and rock were added into their musical mix. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. - Beckie Sugden, Joe Kay Starting out in a tradition-based style, eventually elements of soul, R&B, and rock were added into their musical mix. Co-wrote "Luckenbach, Texas," "Do Right Woman," "Dark End of the Street" and others. 1941): Funk and R&B great and founder of Earth Wind & Fire. A joyful noise arose from the Antioch gathering and tributes from other artists and the church's choir filled the three-hour service. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. "When it's dark, you can see the stars more clearly," he said. Unauthorized reproduction is a violat. Richard Wallace. Joe Ligon R.I.P.The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. 1952): Virtuoso bassist had long associations with Lou Reed and Bob Weir among dozens of other credits, in addition to a successful solo career. The Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012) - BlackPast.org 1931): Louisiana born blues singer-songwriter and guitarist made his name in Texas starting in the 1950s. Curly Putman (b. 1959): Singer for '80s hitmakers Dead or Alive. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant . 23 talking about this. He was 80. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. And we got stoned for it," Ligon told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. Guy Clark (b. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. The Head and the Heart / The Head & the Heart, Multi-Instrumentalist and Session Musician David Lindley Dead at 78, LAST DAY! Sharon Jones (b. CelebrityAccess provides in-depth Artist Analytics for over 250k+ Celebrities Worldwide - and unparalleled, detailed information on over 100k Entertainers Speakers, Celebrities, and their Representatives, as well as hundreds of thousands of Records for Venues, Agents and Managers, including their Direct Phone Numbers and Emails Addresses. !, Thxs so very much 4SHARING The GOSPEL all My LIFE!! In 1955, the Soul Seekers approached Maxwell Davis at Modern Records for a recording deal, and he persuaded them to concentrate on secular R&B music. R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 1942): Argentinian saxophonistplayed free jazz in the '60s and Latin jazz in the '70s. It featured everyone from the youngest church performers to the most famous gospel recording artists of the time including: James Cleveland; Grammy Award winner Albertina Walker \u0026 the Caravans; Andrae Crouch \u0026 The Disciples; the Mighty Clouds of Joy; the Soul Stirrers; the Staple Singers and the Barrett Sisters - all gospel music pioneers. This tradition is where Ligon's talents took root, Jackson said. Wilbert Williams. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill . The Mighty Clouds Of Joy), Sing Songs Of Rev. Ted Taylor (singer) - Wikipedia Ligon was buried in Beaumont because it is his wife's home. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. All Rights Reserved. Joy Bogonko talks debut EP, shares best advice shes ever gotten, Donald Lawrence to be inducted into NC Music Hall of Fame. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy Pray For Me. The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon (born Willie Joe Ligon) helped bring gospel music up to modern standards.Under Ligon's leadership, the Mighty Clouds of Joy changed the standard gospel lineup from a vocal quartet backed by a sole electric guitar to a full-fledged, R&B-influenced group complete with bass, drums, and keyboards. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements. Carlos Walker aka Shawty Lo (1976): Atlanta rapper. 1942): Singer, songwriter, bandleader, pianist, worked with Phil Spector, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson and others. )Cli. He was 46. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Michael had been a member for over two decades. Among Mighty Clouds of Joys most popular songs: Time, which crossed over to the R&B charts in 1974, and Mighty High, a 1975 disco hit. Over the next seven years, he recorded singles for a succession of labels including Ebb, Duke, Top Rank International, Laurie (where several of his records were credited to Austin Taylor), Warwick, Gold Eagle, Soncraft, and Apt. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. Among Mighty Clouds of Joy's most popular songs: "Time," which crossed over to the R&B charts in 1974, and "Mighty High," a 1975 disco hit. - Jimmie Allen, Andrew Millsaps They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 and 1979 for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 for best traditional soul gospel album. 1942): Outsider country songwriter who penned "Seven Bridges Road," which became an Eagles standard, and "Lonesome On'ry and Mean," a Waylon Jennings staple. The official statement reads: We are heartbroken to share the news that the world's greatest gospel bass guitarist and baritone singer, Brother Richard Wallace of the three-time Grammy Award-winning group The Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California, passed away today, Monday, July 27, 2020, at the UT Health Center in Tyler, Texas . Pauline Oliveros (b. JGM was saddened to learn from Debra Ligon and Libra Boyd's post that singer and guitarist Richard Wallace of the Mighty Clouds of Joy passed away Monday, July 27, 2020.. He and his brother Lee O'Daniel migrated west to Los Angeles and, in 1956, joined the Stars of Bethel . Ted Taylor. Clarence Reid aka Blowfly (b. 1940): Avant garde artist best known for his musical work in minimalism with the Dream Syndicate, which nurtured a young John Cale from the Velvet Underground. contributor. Lonnie Mack (b. - Marcee Rondan, The Spinners Mighty Clouds Of Joy music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm 1959): Prince protege and pop singer in Vanity 6. Get concert tickets, news and more! Joe Ligon Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Members can instantly access 500k+ Dates of Live Bands on Tour, Artist Avails, News Archives, and UNLIMITED Box Office without worrying about Pay-More Restrictions! Leonard Cohen (b. Jones.". Sogumm 1994): Contestant on the sixth season of "The Voice.". THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY: Medley - YouTube He was 80. Andrew Dewey Kirk (May 28, 1898 - December 11, 1992) was an American jazz saxophonist and tubist who led the Twelve Clouds of Joy, a band popular during the swing era.. There was even an appearance by the acknowledged inventor of gospel music, Thomas Dorsey. The #Greatest #GOSPEL GROUP 2Ever Live; #NON-BUT-THERIGHTEOUS #THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY!! Singer Joe Ligon of gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy dies - Yahoo! Jesse Jackson talks with mourners after gospel singer Joe Ligon's funeral at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont on Wednesday. Taylor's song "I Can't Fake It Anymore" from his 1978 album, Keeping My Head Above Water, was sampled by the hip-hop duo Dead Prez in their song "The Hood" (sometimes referred to as "For the Hood")[12] from an advance version of their 2004, second studio album, RBG: Revolutionary but Gangsta. Cecil Campbell aka Prince Buster (b. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. Wayne Jackson (b. ", Sonny James (b. 1931): Elvis sideman, electric guitar innovator. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography - Learn Religions 1932): Prolific pianist played on jazz recordings starting in the early 1950s but made his greatest mark on the avant garde scene of the '60s and '70s. He was 80. They become the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. Photo taken Wednesday 12/28/16 Ryan Pelham/The Enterprise, Mourners leave the funeral for gospel singer Joe Ligon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont on Wednesday. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. Copyright 2011-2023 Libra Boyd. Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away [email protected] Twitter.com/dwallach. Out of this cultural lineage came Joe Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy." The original members of the band include . Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. Prince (b. NASHVILLE, Tenn., (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) Michael Cook, a member of the legendary Gospel group the Mighty Clouds of Joy for more than 20 years died Friday morning July 18th as a result of a massive coronary. Ligon, 80, died Dec. 11, and . And when times are hard, they'd turn to a sound of hope, like the signature song of the Mighty Clouds of Joy called "I've Been in the Storm Too Long. As much as Richard cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of goodwill from people around the world and from all walks of life. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. The following statement was issued this evening on the Mighty Clouds of Joy Facebook Page: We are heartbroken to share the news that the Worlds Greatest Male Gospel Singer Willie Joe Ligon, Founder and Lead Singer of the three time Grammy Award winning group The Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California passed away today Sunday, December 11, 2016. He was 80. 1942): Jazz pianist turned one-hit-wonder in 1969, he led Thunderclap Newman, a band put together by Pete Townshend who had a hit with "Something in the Air. We cannot do it alone. Following that, Taylor's "Be Ever Wonderful" was sampled by Kendrick Lamar in "DUCKWORTH", from his Pulitzer Prize winning[10][11] 2017, fourth studio album, DAMN. - Beckie Sugden, formerly of Primary Talent International, Ghostemane Oh Mary, Dont You Weep Why Am I Treated So Bad? The Mighty Clouds of Joy Are Forever Lived, 50+ Years Later. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. James Cleveland, who became known as the "King of Gospel Music." Get the top Black headlines in Houston/Texas/America in your inbox Monday-Saturday. [1] He became a member of the Mighty Clouds of Joy gospel group, before joining the Santa Monica Soul Seekers as a tenor singer. Leon Heywood (b. With a singing style derived from Southern Baptist churches, Ligon would shout, scream and jump into the crowds, which he called cuttin the fool, and would deliver sermons in between songs. Steve Young (b. Long time member Joe Ligon commented, "Michael Cook was a dedicated member of The Mighty Clouds of Joy for 24 years before his untimely passing on July 18th. The Mighty Clouds of Joy (themightycloudsofjoy) on Myspace The quartet formed in the mid-1950s as a hard-shouting quartet in keeping with the style of the times, and through the intercession of RnB artist turned gospel DJ Brother Henderson, came to the attention of Peacock Records. Theodore Taylor (February 16, 1934 October 23, 1987)[1] was an American blues singer. While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the founding members of one of the most successful groups in gospel music history, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.