The
Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955, and started recording in 1960, and have been
going strong ever since, through "triumphs and tragedies, successes and near failures,"
becoming living legends in the process of serving Jesus Christ through their unique
musical gifts, which have been showcased in their years of singing Gospel music,
taking the genre "to places it seldom, if ever had been."
The original Mighty Clouds of Joy members were made up of members from three different
Los Angeles Gospel groups. Today, the current membership is made up of two of
the original group, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, plus Johnny Valentine, Ron
Staples and Michael Cook, who have all been singing together for some time. All
members of The Mighty Clouds of Joy have similar backgrounds, beliefs and attitudes
concerning their faith and their musical efforts. "We all had similar backgrounds
-- we were all raised in the church, and we all had a like mind about the kind
of music we wanted to do. And we've remained dedicated to each other and the quality
of the music all these years." - Joe Ligon.
Empowered
by the Holy Spirit, their music has transcended and endured many musical trends,
popular with our society. "We're a versatile group, and we've done many styles
of music over the years, but our roots are in the traditional style," comments
Joe Ligon. Another one of the well-loved characteristics of their music which
added to and expanded their message is Joe Ligon's singing style, which was inspired
by a radio preacher, Reverend C.L. Franklin, who had "this preaching kind of thing
in his style. I did this preaching kind of thing in his style to go along with
our singing. That was different from what anybody else was doing, and it became
our trademark," Joe Ligon explains.
They were
the first Gospel group to add bass, drums and keyboards to the traditional solo
electrical guitar, commonly used by Gospel music. They also were the first to
add a full rhythm section. In the 1970's, they had great success in adapting Gospel
music sound in the popular disco dance genre. They were the first Gospel group
to be invited onto the secular show, 'Soul Train,' where they performed their
hit, 'Mighty High.' They continued to evolve in their presentation of their own
unique style of Gospel music.
This changing,
unique Gospel style music which they evolved, pioneered and created, was first
called at one point, "funkified" Gospel, and has been gradually accepted as a
standard part of Gospel music. Though their style
of Gospel music was at first criticized by tradional Gospel music lovers, The
Mighty Clouds of Joy found that their unique kind of innovative Gospel music reached
out to a wider and wider audience, taking The Mighty Clouds of Joy and their Gospel
message to performances in such places as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall,
the Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, the Astro Dome, on nearly every major
T.V. show in America, including "The Grammy Awards"
Over their years together, they have earned 10 Grammy Award nominations, of which
they won three. Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, were recently presented with the
Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Gospel Superfest in Jacksonville, Florida.
"They are some of the most incredible artists of all time.; Real soul stirring
gospel artists," comments actor/singer Clifton Davis, host of this yearıs Gospel
Superfest television show.
The Mighty Clouds
of Joy's new album, I Want to Thank You, is a project that they helped to produce
for the first time, offering a delightful, exciting range of Gospel music, something
for everyone, reaching a large audience to share their love, hope and faith in
Jesus Christ in a most uplifting, encouraging, personal way. Performed in their
well-developed, unique gospel quartet style, along with the strong inspiring,
gifted, soul-stirring vocals of Joe Ligon and friends, the sound is sometimes
soulful, sometimes exuberant, but always perfect to express the feeling / mood
of the song. They inspire their audience with both traditional style Gospel songs,
which transform the listener "into a roof-raising church service, and contemporary
Gospel songs, with elements of R & B thrown in, with "fresh, high-spirited pulsating
rhythms."
In creating this wonderful CD, I
Want to Thank You, The Mighty Clouds of Joy enlisted the help of some major composers
/ producers in todays contemporary Gospel / R& B / music ranks. Fred Hammond,
Steven Ford, J. Moss and Paul Allen of P.A.J.A.M., Sanchez Harley are all on board,
along with William Becton, who all contibuted in a variety of songs, working with
Joe Ligon, Ron Staples, Eddie Alford, Johnny Valentine & Alphonzo McCain to provide
the kind of music that The Mighty Clouds of Joy can reach an audience that enjoys
not only traditional Gospel, but the more contemporary Gospel sound as well.
Whether traditional or contemporary, all these songs have a very strong Gospel
message, offering both a great introduction to Gospel music for those new to the
genre and also a most gratifying listening experience for avid Gospel music lovers,
as their music is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is exciting and inspiring for
their expanding audience.
Samples of the Songs
on I Want to Thank You CD
* * * +1) HOOK UP
- An energetic praise song, done Gospel style. A favorite of this reviewer. Composed
by Michael Robinson, Kyle Richardson, Mason Weathersby. Produced by Sanchez Harley
- Backup music cooks with pulsating, syncopated rhythm carried by horns, piano,
organ, guitar and together with the drums keep the energy cooking throughout the
song. Fine energetic vocals by Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Lyrical
Samples: 1) Several years ago, I came across a friend....He said he'd lost his
family and he had no peace within....Tried to regain his strength and heal his
pain....I said don't worry my friend, let me recommend...
Chorus:
I got the hook up! (oh yeah!) Jesus!! (Oh, yeah, he's a friend of mine). I got
the hook up! (let me tell you about my friend) Jesus! (If you don't know him,
you need to get to know him.) I love the name Jesus! (yeah, Whooo!)
2) Now let me tell you about my daily walk...When I get weary and my path is dark....When
my way gets blocked and I lose my course...I pray and I'm connected to my power
source.Chorus
Spoken
by Joe Ligon: ( If you trust the Lord, everything will be okay, He'll make everything
right for you. Come on felllas, go to church with me)
Bridge:
You can't tell it like I can, what He's done for me... If you're looking for a
friend, he's the one I recommend...Jesus.
2).
* * * + GOD CAN - Composed by Paul Lawrence Kelly, and produced by Joe Ligon,
Ron Staples and Alphonso McClain. Described as an old school, extended workout
Gospel song with traditional, soulful vocals and nicely arranged Gospel music,
using piano / organ/ keyboard chords in various slow - fast rhythms, nice backup
melody by guitars, easy drums.
Joe Ligon comments
on this song:"God gave mankind a lot of wisdom, but there are just some things
men cannot do.But nothing is too hard for God."
Lyrical Samples: There are things, that man can do...He can sail through the air
in his plane...though man can do a lot of things, he is limited....Now tell me...
Chorus: Can you catch the wind, can you make
the world spin...Can you pull the sun down...Can you raise man from the ground...Oh
no, but I know who can....God can....God can....God can.....God can.....
There's
a master for everything, for every kingdom...There's a king, though man can do
just about anything...God is still the Master, and He's always gonna be the King.
(There was a man that came to this earth....Over two thousand years ago....this
man had power, He had power...More power than any man... He can heal the sick
with just a touch of His hand... Let me tell you what elese this man can do.....)
3) * * * I WANT TO THANK YOU - Composed by
Johnny Valentine. Produced by Joe Ligon and Johnny Valentine). Rousing Gospel
praise song, that helps the listener be thankful as well, for all the blessings
the Lord has given,and remember all the trials He has seen them through.
Lyrical
Samples: I know You've been blessing me, since my childhood days... No matter
how hard I try, I just can't count the ways...You're always a prayer away....You're
always a prayer away.... Through everyone one of my ups and downs...A friend in
You I truly found...Oh Lord! I want to thank You.
Chorus: Oh Lord! I want to thank You, Oh Lord, I want to thank You...Well You
woke me up this morning, started me on my way...Oh Lord, I want to thank You,
Oh Lord, I want to thank You...
4) * * * SEEKING
THE FIRE - Composed by James Moss, and produced by PAJAM. A snappy, contemporary
Gospel song, reminding us to depend on the Lord's strength through his Holy Spirit.
Christians need to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit in order to serve Jesus
in their daily walk. We need to make time with the Lord in prayer, quiet time
and studying His Word. Moss's style of having rhythmic contemporary backgrounds
is evident in interesting patterns using plucking of strings, short rhythmc draw
bow action on cello, etc. short measures of broken chords of electric guitar/
piano keyboard, all held together by the syncopated rhythm of percussion, and
supports the vocals very well. Vocals alone carry the melody, a fine job by Ron
Staples and background vocals by The Mighty Clouds of Joy and J. Moss himself.
Lyrical Samples: 1). I don't want to offend anybody...but listen to me as I state
my pleas...I been saved for a while now...But I'm feeling like something is missing...don't
get me wrong, I'm happy like oooh whee... I think I need to be closer, I want
the fire to be burning in me.
Chorus. Seeking
the fire, seeking the fire... I wanna go higher...Lord let the Holy Ghost come
and reside with me...Seeking the fire, seeking the fire...I never retire, until
I'm living with the Holy Ghost fire in me.
2).I wanna be like the disciples...When they went into the upper room...They stayed
for a while now...And they prayed like they were on a mission..Don't get me wrong,
I have blemishes...But He renewed me... I think I need to be closer, I need the
fire to be burning in me.
5). * * * + HE WILL
DO IT - by Michael Robinson, Kyle Richardson, Mason Weathersby and Sanchez Harley.
Produced by Sanchez Harley. Main vocals powerfully, inspirationally sung / spoken
by Joe Ligon and Dottie Peoples. Slow Waltz time feel to the music. It is a song
that would feel right at home at a church service. Chords of piano, guitars hold
the rhythm, along with drums, plus embellishments all add umph to the wonderful
heartfelt vocals of Joe and Dottie Peoples. A favorite of this reviewer! A song
to bolster one's faith and courage during little and big trials. Their soulful,
spirit-filled performances speak to and encourage the listener, not matter what
emotional condition one is in. Great traditional Gospel Music.
Joe and Dottie start the song by speaking the introduction with much feeling,
taking turns, sometimes commenting on what the other has said. Main script: (God
is a good God, and He's a merciful God... there are times when things don't always
go right in our lives...We're worried about this and that, sickness is on us,
our children are acting up.... But if we would just fall on our knees and cry
out to God, He'll come and see about us... He honors the prayers of the righteous,
if you would just trust and obey...Keep the faith and hold on to His unchanging
hand; He'll be there I know He will.
First
Chorus: He will do it (Just ask Him and you will receive) He will do it (No matter
what the problem may be) He will do it (He will take away all your pain), He will
do it (He will do it over and over), He will do it over and over again.
Lyrical Samples: 2). The doctor said it's over, prepare, for there is no cure....Once
again your faith is being tested, yes it is, you don't know how much more you
can endure....You're wondering if your prayers were in vain, and how you're gonna
make it through the rain. Bridge: Well, my God is looking down, He can take the
pain and turn it around,just believe and call out to Him.
Second Chorus: He will do it (My doctor's name is Doctor Jesus, and I know He'll
fix it), he will do it (How do I know it I tried Him along time ago) he will do
it (when it gets too hard for me, its just right for Jesus), He will do it (Yes,
he'll take away all your pain), He'll (God is a man who will not lie. He said
He'll be there, through the storm and the rain),Yes He did. (I don't care what
the problem is, my God can fix it).........................
6) RIGHT HERE WAITING, (COME SEE ABOUT ME) - Composed by Marc Harris / Bebe Winan.
Produced by Marc Harris. R & B infused in this Gospel song, with "blues-inflected
vocals and guitars, in a swing style gospel beat.
Lyrical
Samples: Who do I turn to when all hope is gone...Who can I call on, when there's
nobody home...Feelin' forsaken not a love one I see...I'm askin' You, Jesus, please
come see about me.
Chorus: I'm right here
waitin', come see about me....heart anticipating, come see about me. My soul look
back and wonders, How I made it over...Come hear about the love of my life.
7) * * * + JESUS MADE A WAY FOR ME - Composed by Alphonse McCain. Produced by
Alphonse McCain & Joe Ligon. A joyful, lively praise song. Fast swing beat, lively
drums, guitars really cook, along with the horns, organ, piano and keyboards.
Another favorite of this reviewer.
Lyrical
Samples:
Chorus: My Jesus made a way for me....Oh,
my Jesus made a way for me....when I was down and out, I couldn't see my way...My
Jesus made a way for me.
1) When I was lost,
and couldn't see my way... My Jesus made a way for me...I want to thank Him, for
showing me which way to go, My Jesus made a way for me...
You
know what He did, He brought me out of darkness, into the marvelous light...set
my feet on straight street, now I can see the light... I want to thank Him for
showing me which way to go....
8) * * * HE
CHOSE ME - by James Cleveland, produced by Sanchez Harley. Lovely quartet harmony,
smooth musical, harmonious support of organ, piano, guitars, easy drums and keyboards.
Great dynamics. Soulful vocals by Joe bring this hym-like gospel song to life.
Lyrical Samples: ( Someone asked: Am I good enough to be used?...) Use me Lord
in Thy services, draw me nearer every day, Lord I'm willing to run all the way...If
I stumble while I'm trying, don't be angry Lord, let me stay....I'm willing to
run all the way....
I give You my heart, I
give You my soul, I give You my life, complete control.
Chorus:
He chose me, He chose me out of all that He could have used....He chose me, He
chose me, he can use me 'til He use me up.
Thank you Jesus, for choosing me.. .....use me up, I don't mind......
9) THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN - Composed by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton. Produced by Eddie
"Spanky" Alford. Song has pretty musical accompaniement. Nice acoustic guitar
& electric / bass guitar with keyboards, easy drums. Strong lead vocals by Joe
Ligon and Ron Staples.
Lyrical Sample: Well,
I gave Him my old filthy garment... He gave me a robe pure and white... Now I'm
feasting on manna from heaven...And that's why I'm happy tonight.
Joy in the morning, joy all the time...I'm so happy that I have this joy, and
it's mine all mine.
Chorus: The windows of
heaven are open...Blessings are falling tonight...There is joy in my heart, there
is joy in my soul...Jesus made everything right.
10)* * * + BAD NEWS GOOD NEWS- Soulful, bluesy Gospel, with a rock beat; drums,
electric guitars, organ, keyboard all cook in the background. Vocals by Joe Ligon,
in top form using his singing / preaching style, backed up by the marvelous voices
of The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
The three verses
deal with three national horrors, events considered real bad news. The Calobine
High School killings, The drowning of five children in a bathtub in Houston, and
the 9-1-1 attacks in New York. Despite all the awful things that are happening
around us, believers can hold onto the hope in Jesus Christ, who is coming back
to call up His believers, riding on the clouds, bringing good news, and reuniting
loved ones.
Lyrical
Samples:
Chorus: Bad news everywhere, Bad
news everywhere...Bad news everywhere, I'll be so glad when Jesus comes.
2)
There's another thing fellas....when I think about my hometown in Houston Texas...There
was five beautiful little children one day....Playing around in the house and
the devil got busy...Yes he did...One by one that woman took those five little
children...And they all had Bible names...A little girl named Mary, a little boy
named Luke....and another one named John.....but oh, she took them, all five of
them...She'd taken them one by one...and drowned them in the bathtub.......that
oldest little boy wanted to live so bad...But he couldn't figure out what was
goin; on....but they all lost their lives, you know what that was. Chorus.
Let me close this thing now...One of these days Jesus is coming back...Looks like
I can see Him riding on a cloud....Telling His people, "Y'all get ready...It's
getting ready to be good news." Good News, Good News!
Looka here, Jesus will call his people... Those five little Houston children are
gonna rise up on wings on a eagle, those children in Colorado are going to get
up, all my loved ones that have left me here......
11)
* * * +NEW CREATURE - Composed by Paul Allen / James Moss. Produced by PAJAM.
Exciting composition mixing elements of old time gospel with some interesting
use of organ/piano sound, steady beat of snare on first & 3rd beat of song, crreating
a real hand clapper / foot stomper!! Another favorite of this reviewer. Interesting
vocals have both elements of traditional and contemporary Gospel. Chorus joins
in on the second part of the phrases in 1 & 2, after Joe sings 1 and 2 alone.
Lyrical
Samples:
1) If any man be in Christ, He is
a new creature....Old things are passed away, and all things are new...Put away
what's in the past, and reach up ahead....Forget about old things, because the
past is dead.
2) But what you need to do,
is take the time to think about...Your life He saved, 'cause, if He did it for
you yesterday...He can do the same thing today.
Joe Ligon: ( I feel my hip coming on...Let's take this thing to church... come
on!)
Faster tempo, both Joe and backup vocals:
I am a new creature, I am not the same...I am a new creature, old things are passed
away.
12) * * * HE DIDN'T BRING ME THIS FAR
- Composed by Terrell Gatlin. Produced by: Joe Ligon, Ron Staples and & Alphonso
McCain. Solumn, classic Gospel song, with piano and organ, keyboards, guitar,
light drums, nice chord progressions. Has great dynamics.
Chorus:
He didn't bring me this far, just to leave me alone... .For I come, come this
far by faith, Oh Lord.... If I trust him and never doubt, God will surely bring
me out. He didn't bring me this far, just to leave me alone.
Now
I see a lot of mothers and fathers...Struggling and straining, trying to make
ends meet...But what they didn't know, is to keep trusting Jesus...Is more than
you can ask for at His feet....if you be strong and hold on, keep the faith....Don't
ever stop running this race. He didn't bring me this far, just to leave me alone...
Pesonal testimony about his stroke in Oklahoma city, done in his singing/ preaching
style, with chorus singing: "He didn't bring me this far, just to leave me alone."
Reviewed by Julie Carr. mailto:Appearinglive@aol.com
Visit their Web-Site at http://www.mightycloudsofjoy.com/
