mighty clouds of joy original members

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mighty clouds of joy original members

Thank you for visitingGospel Soundcheckpage. Although they increasingly veered toward a heavy, dance-inspiring sound, Ligon and the Mighty Clouds of Joy returned to their earliest roots with the album Live in Charleston, recorded during a concert at the Abundance Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 7, 1996. Shop the Jonathan DesVerney Gospel Channel store $14.99 Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic He loved everyone. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Joe Ligon, frontman for gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies at 80 Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. I knew he was the last original. Do you find this information helpful? The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Classic 3 - Amazon.com Music Mighty Clouds of one of my favorite groups Joe Jim and Joan Richard Johnny Martin known as choked Emirate Franklin The Mighty Clouds of my favorite groups Joe Jimmy Jones Johnny Martin Richard Wallace Emirate Franklin and Elmo Franklin they were the best as far as I am concerned after the Dixie Hummingbirds our group the silver stars of Raleigh song a lot of The Mighty Clouds of Joy song Especially make a step, Mr. Richard Wallace will be missed by many condolences go out to his family from the silver stars of Raleigh North Carolina. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. This will go to the welfare of his children. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. The group's first break came when they caught the ear of a local gospel disc jockey, who agreed to produce several demo tapes. He was 80. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. Living Waters Worship Center He is survived by his wife Valerie and three children, ages 8, 11 and 16. R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016 The Mighty Clouds of Joy was one of the first groups in urban gospel to incorporate choreographed moves into their act. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. I always remembered him from way back when I was a child. Richard Wallace was such a cool and soft spoken, and nice man that was very approacable. 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account. 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). Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. 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. It also reached no. . Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2021, Joe Ligon was an American gospel singer best known asthe dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy.. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. Mighty Clouds of Joy's Michael Cook Passes Away Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. Some user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. Rest with the almighty my friend! Steal Away to Jesus was their first recording in 1960, with their first album debuting in 1961 on Peacock Records. I would like to offer my condolences to the family. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. $16.99. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Read Full Biography, Contemporary gospel's preeminent group, the Mighty Clouds of Joy carried the torch for the traditional quartet vocal style throughout an era dominated by solo acts and choirs; pioneering a distinctively funky sound that over time gained grudging acceptance even among purists, they pushed spiritual music in new and unexpected directions, even scoring a major disco hit. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. I missed sharing [], Tonight was the final performance episode of this first season of The X Factor in the US, and what a way to end the competition. 8262 Lokus Road Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Speed: 45 RPM. Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music Sometime that same year, Wallace, along with members of the Sensational Wonders quartet Ermant Franklin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk, David Walker, and former Clouds member-turned-Sensational-Wonder Willie Joe Ligon, joined Johnny Martin in a reconstituted version of the Mighty Mighty Clouds of Joy. What was the name of your family group? Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! They were organized in 1955 in Los Angeles, California by group founders Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, along with High School friends Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name "Bunker Hill"). Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, The Rance Allen Group, and more 11 Songs Mama Used to Sing II Various Artists Updated 5 days ago Mix - Mighty Clouds of Joy Mighty. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 at the best online prices at eBay! Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Material . His legacy will live forever, I HAD THE HONOR OF SPENDING AN HOUR AND A HALF,HE WAS A VERY SMART MAN AND KNEW THE BUSINESS, Mr Joe Ligon inspired me to sing Quartet . Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. In 1990, they released the album Pray for Me. In 1992, The Mighty Clouds of Joy received another Grammy Award for best traditional soul gospel album (Pray for Me). I was always a die hard quartet fan HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED. In 1979, the group won a Grammy for Best Soul Gospel Performance, Traditional for theirLive And Directalbum followed by the song Changing Times in 1980 forBest Soul Gospel Performance, Traditional. In 1992, they were awarded a Grammy for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Albumfor Pray For Me.In 1998, the group had a disco hit, Mighty High, that peaked at no. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." Jones, Kim. Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Biography - IMDb 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. Therefore, at the time of his death, gospel singer Joe Ligon had an estimated net worth of $3 million. He's Real To Me Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Last.fm Another first, the Mighty Clouds was the first gospel act ever to appear on television's Soul Train, where they performed their disco smash "Mighty High.". The X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the most successful Artists in Gospel Music History, said Ligons manager, Pastor Isaac Lindsey. See also. 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. '"[2], Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies, Willie Joe Ligon of Beaumont, Texas | 1936 - 2016 | Obituary, An interview with Joe Ligon at Soul Express in July 2013, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mighty_Clouds_of_Joy&oldid=1139105309, 1960: "Steal Away to Jesus" (Peacock Records), 1975: "Amazing Grace"; R&B#4 UK#15 US Hot Dance Club Play No. Johnny Martin - the founding member died in 1987 at the age of 46. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. But when I heard Mr lLigon he also had that growl , which made me feel so much better about singing and Ive been trying to sing every since. IT WAS A PLEASURE FOR ME TO SING WITH RICHARD FOR TWO YEARS AS THE LEAD SINGER OF HIS MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY AND I BEGAN TO LOVE LOVE HIM HE SHOWED ME MANY THINGS ABOUT THE ROAD SHOW ME PLACES IN FLY ME PLACES I NEVER BEEN BEFORE SO I HONOR RICHARD WALLACE AS TAKING ME IN AS TO BE THE LEAD SINGER WHEN HE SEPARATED FOR THAT MOMENT FROM JOLLA HES THE BEST FRIEND THAT I KNOW AND HE WILL CALL MY WIFE DIDNT KNOW WHETHER TO GET IN CONTACT WITH ME BECAUSE ITS HARD TO CATCH ME BUT TO THE WILD FAMILY FROM ME AND MY WIFE EBONY STAPLES WE PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND RICHARD YOU ALL WILL BE MISSED. In 1977, the band released two albums, Live and Direct and The Truth Is the Power.. The Greatest Hits by The Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music Reid Temple AME Church The . I grew up with gospel music in my blood and on my mind.. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy and its Affiliates lies with the story's original source or writer. The Death of Dottie Rambo, Southern Gospel Legend, American Idol Finalists Who are Christian, The World's Best Christian Hard Rock Bands, The 27 Biggest Female Artists in Christian Music, Top 16 Christian Contemporary Pop Bands and Artists. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 1990. 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. Franklin, soon became a trademark of the Mighty Clouds of Joy's records. 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. As a young man I didnt have that smooth voice like most young boys had My voice was always hard and rough, People would say I had a growl and sounded like I had rocks in my mouth when I sang. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States. JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. They were also the first group to add bass, drums and keyboards to their music (the "standard" for quartets/groups at the time was a solo guitar). This blog is no longer being updated. About THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY Founding Members: Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace Long-time Members: Mike Cook, Ron Staples and Johnny Valentine The original Mighty Clouds of Joy members were made up of members from three different Los Angeles Gospel groups. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. 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. First, each performed a duet with a star, [], Rock fans and women around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief: Jon Bon Jovi is not dead. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Learn Religions. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. The Mighty Clouds of Joy went through many personnel changes in their decades-long career, with Ligon and Wallace ultimately the two remaining original members. Mighty Clouds Of Joy music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm The single Mighty Clouds of Joy from that same album reached no. He was my vocal backbone in the group. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Apple Music 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. . It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. He was 65; Elmeo Franklin died on May 7, 2008, in Los Angeles at the age of 71; Willie Joe Ligon died on December 11, 2016, in Los Angeles. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. All user-contributed text on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Reviews of gospel DVDs, often in conjunction with the audio CD. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Joe Ligon Albertina Walker Ncandweni Christ Ambassodors Winston Mankunku Ngozi Jonas Gwangwa Mthunzi Namba Stimela The Jackson Southernaires Israel Mosehla At his uncle's insistence, he agreed to enroll in the local high school. See original listing. Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away He was a people person. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. 1990 Albums Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2 2014 All That I Am: Chapter 1 2011 At the Revival 2010 Movin' In 1979, The Mighty Clouds of Joy received a Grammy Award for the album Live and Direct. In the same year, they released the album Changing Times, which also earned them a Grammy Award. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. He was 80. Ligon's fiery preaching, inspired by the radio broadcasts of Reverend C.L. Menu. Artist: Mighty Clouds of Joy | SecondHandSongs He was born on October 11, 1936, in Troy, Alabama, USA, as Willie Joe Ligon. Go directly to shout page. They can even be found on display in the Apollo Theater. The Mighty Clouds' career stretches back to the early 60s, when the original members were Junior High School kids in LA, and still in their teenage years. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Michael Cook Trust Fund and can be made at any Bank of America Branch. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography - Learn Religions As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Beasley. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard 2011. The long-lived group flourished into the 21th century, scoring numerous Grammy wins and nominations and hit albums along the way. 2005. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. 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. The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. Eventually they added soul, R&B, and rock flourishes into their musical mix (one of their early hits was produced by Gamble and Huff) w read more View all tracks Albums Changing Times For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. 2002. $3.98. Im not going to say goodbye but I will say see ya later! Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. After 44 years and 35 albums, three Grammys and trophy-case full of almost every award imaginable; shows that have run a gamut from the church-house to the White House, and top-billings with a dazzling roster of superstar artists from nearly every genre of popular music (the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luther Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. 4. by Five Blind Boys Of Alabama Audio CD. Singing for God on the stage but not living for Him after I left the stage. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. He was 80. Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 Zelenskyy on Anniversary of Russian War. I am so y to hear of Richards passing. Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. He was 46. Jones, Kim. Thanks for the update.. A Michael Cook Tribute will be held: 69 on Billboard Hot 100. Younger fans loved it while older, more traditional fans did not. My condolences to his family and many friends. We were one of the first groups to do contemporary gospel. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. Who is going down in the grave with me and He s able are classic s from Richard Wallace, I barely listen to the lyrics lol. Artist descriptions on Last.fm are editable by everyone. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. The founding members were Willie Joe Ligon (October 11, 1936), Johnny Martin (February 2, 1941), Bass Guitarist Richard Wallace (June 9, 1940), and brother guitarists Ermant Franklin, Jr. (March 20, 1931) and Elmo Franklin (October 8, 1936). Greetings, dear Beliefnet readers! December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. Mighty Clouds of Joy | Encyclopedia.com Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. Before his passing My group was privileged to have recorded a song with him that I will hold dear to my heart till that day I see him again in Glory. Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act to ever appear on "Soul Train," which earned them criticism among traditional gospel music fans. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. Hes some were around God Throne. The Next Edition, Mighty Clouds of Joy | Los Angeles CA - Facebook https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). . God bless his family! Ligon was born . His grandfather was a preacher, while his father sang in a gospel quartet. 12/13/2016. The line-up was drawn from three of the hottest gospel groups in LA at the time, as Richard recalls, "I used to have a singing group called the Stars Of Bethel. He inspired so many gospel groups. He and his brother Lee ODaniel migrated west to Los Angeles and, in 1956, joined the Stars of Bethel, a quartet that included cousins from Texas who had moved to LA ahead of them. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 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. Such a loss to us all.. The original members of the band include Johnny Martin, Elmo and Ermant Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Nearer My God to Thee - YouTube The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. Interestingly, Wallace had recorded for Peacock two years prior to the signing, when he played guitar behind the Alpha-Omega Singers 1958 sides for the Houston-based imprint. Thus not realizing they were setting a standard and paving a way for future gospel soul groups for decades to come. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. Feel free to contribute! As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. 22 on the Billboard Soul Music chart and peaked at no. The Mighty Clouds of Joy used declamations of traditional African American ministers and were one of the earliest groups to use an electrified rhythm section to enhance classic Gospel vocals. Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. This was when they came to South Carolina. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. He had been a member of the group for 20 years. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: The quartet veterans speak of the mighty long . Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. 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. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . Mighty Clouds of Joy is an American traditional gospel music quartet. The quartet later changed its name to the Stars of Bethlehem and cut an album for Ensign Records in 1960. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy-mn0000893234/biography, https://www.malaco.com/artists/gospel/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy/, https://us.napster.com/artist/the-mighty-clouds-of-joy, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. 2014. Just Us Guys' live performance is sure to honor the memory of beloved founding members Wallace Hedgspeth and James Lunsford, who passed on in 2017 and 2018, respectively. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In 2005, Wallace told Clint Yeatts of KLTV that he got saved while a member of the Clouds. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. Gods Grace and Mercy will carry you thru, To God be the glory. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google, Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Kodak Black Ordered Into Rehab By Florida Judge, Kodak Black Arrest Warrant Issued in Florida Over Failed Drug Test, Brad Paisley Drops Song Featuring Ukrainian Pres. It was their first crossover success. @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. The following year, the group recorded their debut album, Family Circle. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. 20072023 Blackpast.org. All Rights Reserved. Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! The Greatest Singer Ever, Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Lee Marvin Net Worth | Wife, Children, Cause of Death. 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 The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy who helped bring gospel music up to modern standards. In 1960, the group released a single, titled Steal Away to Jesus.. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. 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).