News
Press Release
September 23, 2008
Original Kings Of Quartet - The Soul Stirrers Now In Stores!
Jackson, MS-The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce that the long awaited album release A Soul Stirring Reunion by The Original Kings Of Quartet Gospel Music – The Soul Stirrers, is now available in stores.
Say the name 'Soul Stirrers,' not just in gospel circles, but in the wide world of R&B and Rock and there is instant recognition. The Soul Stirrers, as pioneers, trendsetters and trailblazers, have inspired church congregations, concert hall audiences and festival-goers for a remarkable eight decades. Former Soul Stirrers renowned vocal giants include Rebert H. Harris, Sam Cooke, J. J. Farley, and Johnnie Taylor.
At times during their rich history, the Soul Stirrers featured vocalists Paul Foster, Martin Jacox and Julius Cheeks. Honored in 1989 by the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as one of ‘Rock’s Early Influences’, The Soul Stirrers are justifiably remembered as one of gospel music’s premier vocal quartets. The good news for their many longtime admirers and fans is that The Soul Stirrers are back with a brand new album.
Appropriately titled, A Soul Stirring Reunion, the Malaco Records' project features many of the great classics that have kept The Soul Stirrers at the forefront of traditional gospel since their 1926 formation by Silas Roy Crain. The line-up for A Soul Stirring Reunion consists of longtime member LeRoy Crume who first joined the Stirrers in 1955, brother Arthur Crume who began playing guitar with the group in 1965, Eddie Huffman, a Soul Stirrer off and on since 1973, Willie Rogers, a member at different times since 1965, and Rev. Luther Gamble, who first joined the group in 1974.
The first single to be released brings new life to the much-loved Soul Stirrers perennial, “The Love Of God.” The song is a standout, featuring the lead vocals of special guest Floyd Taylor, son of the late Johnnie Taylor, a member of The Soul Stirrers from 1957 until 1961.
Other music benchmarks include “Be With Me Jesus,” “Nearer To Thee,” “Wade In The Water” and “Lord Remember Me,” all staples in The Soul Stirrers’ vast repertoire. Other highlights include “Oh What A Meeting,” “Restin’ Easy” and two songs originally arranged by Sam Cooke—“Stand By Me Father” and “The Last Mile of the Way.” A true jewel is the wonderful, heartfelt rendition by Reverend Luther Gamble of the memorable, “Peace Be Still.” Johnnie Taylor was featured on the original of “When The Gates Swing Open,” revived on this new album with a blues-tinged rendition by Eddie Huffman. The famous Soul Stirrers harmonies that set the trend for so many others in the gospel world are also reflected in the stirring new upbeat original tracks—“Going To A Meeting,” and “I’m Still Here”—both written by project producer and guest vocalist, Darrell Luster of The Sensational Nightingales.
A Soul Stirring Reunion is another milestone in a career that has truly helped shape both traditional and contemporary Gospel as well as Rock & Roll, for decades. It is a timely reminder of The Soul Stirrers’ stature in the genre, a welcome return for longtime fans, and a wonderful introduction of the timeless group to a whole new generation.
BILLBOARD MAGAZINE REVIEWS
Pull Your Pants Up!
by Dooney Da Priest
It's difficult to know whether to address this as art, socio-political commentary, a frantic public health bulletin or the matrix of a moral and political maelstrom that has touched raw nerves across America. The fact is, it's all of the above. And Duwayne "Da Priest" Brown (an ordained minister and staffer at T.D. Jakes' Potter's House) has without question stirred a fire in the furnace of "culture ways" that smolders across this country. Da Priest, who wrote and produced the album's 12 songs, lays his raps atop solid, streetwise grooves. Having publicly retracted implications of gay bashing, Da Priest pulls no punches in his treatise directed at what he decries as the wanton excesses and dangers certain aspects and off-shoots of the hip-hop culture have spawned. Like him, loathe him or any point in between, Da Priest has started a discussion that may well continue for some time to come. —Gordon Ely, Billboard Magazine
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3if01d9e91f82d7f29b9dae66fc45caeb4
EUCLID GRAY HITS TOP 30
UNLEASHED GETS TOP REVIEWS
Programmers,
The first single “Let Me Praise Him” by Euclid Gray has pressed its way onto the Mediabase Top 30 Gospel songs chart…
Unleashed Receives top reviews. Check out the link on Gospelflava.com!
Just Click Below:
http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/euclidgrayunleashed.html
Hear the single:
http://www.malaco.com/Catalog/Gospel/Euclid-Gray/Item/1979/Unleashed.php
Watch for the "Let Me Praise Him" concept video coming soon!
PROGRAMMERS!
September 4, 2008
Dorothy Norwood Hosts Mahalia Sings on Gospel Music Channel
This September marks the first Gospel Music Heritage Month!
tune into
The Gospel Music Channel
Program airs the following dates and times:
September 7, 14, 21
7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
For more info go to <http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/>
www.gospelmusicchannel.com
For more info on the legendary music ministry of Ms. Dorothy Norwood go to
www.malaco.com <http://www.malaco.com/>
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2008
Memorial Services Announced
Gospel Legend Margaret "Babe" Allison Of The Angelics
Jackson, MS. August 6, 2008--At 4:45 in the morning on July 30th, the world lost a gospel music treasure while heaven opened its gates to receive her. Margaret "Babe" Allison was born September 25, 1922 in McCormick, South Carolina and is world renowned for her work as the co-founder, singer, pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and director of the legendary Angelic Gospel Singers. Allison passed away leaving a legacy behind her that has inspired generations. Two memorial services will be held in her honor.
Southern Region:
August 7th, 6:30 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
652 Raleigh Rd. Rocky Mt., NC 27803
Pastor T.L. Walker
East Coast:
August 9th, 11:00 a.m.
The North American Motor Lodge
4444 Cityline Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19131
Allison's career in gospel music began with a group called the Spiritual Echoes, but a dream led her to form her own female quartet which was dubbed The Angelic Gospel Singers (also referred to as The Angelics). In 1944, Allison co-founded the group with her sister Josephine McDowell and two members of the Spiritual Echoes, Ella Mae Morris and Lucille Shird.
After several years of successful touring in the regions of the south and east, the group decided to pursue a recording contract. Philadelphia record executive Ivan Ballen of Gotham Records employed an open door policy to local artists. This encouraged the Angelics to audition; they were signed immediately. Shortly after, they recorded their first single, "Touch Me Lord Jesus," which became a signature hit for the group and remains a classic gospel piece to this day.
The group recorded twenty-five singles on Gotham Records in six years. The quartet eventually added organ and a fifth voice, Bernice Cole. Joining with the Dixie Hummingbirds for six songs in the 1950s benefited both groups, helping to solidify and expand both careers. In 1955, the group signed to Nashboro records, remaking their signature song, "Touch Me, Lord Jesus." They remained with the label for twenty seven years.
In 1983, the group made their final record label move to Malaco Records, where they have released eleven projects to date, including their May 2008 release, Touch Me Again, a follow up to their first recording in 1949, "Touch Me, Lord Jesus". In 2001, Allison was nominated for a Stellar Award for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year for her work on Home in the Rock (Malaco Records) and in 2006 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the En Sound Music Awards in Nashville for her contributions to gospel music.
Margaret "Babe" Allison and The Angelics have earned recognition as the longest selling female artist (group) in history from any genre. Allison's inspiration to pursue a singing career in gospel music has inspired many and she has mentored numerous young groups and solo artists over the years. Her smile coupled with her hopeful, kind demeanor has contributed to encouraging many in their journey.
The Angelics have shared the stage and studio with numerous gospel artists including: Mahalia Jackson, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, Willie Banks and The Messengers, The Brooklyn Allstars, Slim and The Supreme Angels, The Swanee Quintet, The Davis Sisters, Evangelist Shirley Caesar, and The Sensational Nightingales.
"Margaret Allison has not only been with Malaco Records for a long time, but her music has been in the world for sixty-four years. She was a dedicated and talented artist and a gracious woman. We will miss her dearly and wish her family and The Angelics our best," comments Tommy Couch Sr, President of the Malaco Music Group.
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
The Allison Family
4937 Catharine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
For more information on Margaret "Babe" Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers, please go to www.malaco.com.
###
