It was followed by A Bright Side in 1965. This will go to the welfare of his children. 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. Mighty Clouds of Joy | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. 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). BREAKING NEWS: Mighty Clouds of Joy member dies The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Biography - IMDb The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: The quartet veterans speak of the mighty long 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. 12/13/2016. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1961 and started out in a tradition-based style. To God be the glory for giving the talents to these men to lift their voices in praise. 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. 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 JGM extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and many fans of the late Richard Wallace. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. During a subsequent interview, Ligon explained "We wanted to go back to our roots in the '60s, singing songs we were known for before the contemporary music came in.". The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Self: Soul Train. It also reached no. According to essays by Opal Nations, Richard Edward Wallace was born June 9, 1940, in Austin, Texas. Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away Cook has been a member of the group for more than 20 years. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Let it play in the background as you study and immerse yourself in this topic! As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. Bass guitarist Richard Wallace, the last original member, and Leader of the group, diedon Monday, July 27, 2020, in Tyler, Texas. @rustychalfont Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members include Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr., Artis . Cards can be sent to Valerie Cook, PO Box 273, Jessup, MD 20794. Rest easy mr. wallace. Its been a while since I posted Im kind of in limbo right now with entertainment writing, as Ive made the move to animals and faith. We love you! The Best of The Dixie Hummingbirds. 11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard . More By The Mighty Clouds of Joy Pray for Me. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography. Mighty Clouds Of Joy. Forming a vocal quartet, the four teenagers were taken under the wing of a neighbor who tutored them in the art of four-part harmonizing. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. Ligon had eight daughters, named: Ericka, La Tonya, Dawn, La Tisha, Patricia, Adrenia, Clarice, and Debra. The Mighty Clouds of Joy developed a fan base much like the soul Pop and R&B groups. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Gospel Music Hall Of Fame Greetings, dear Beliefnet readers! Mighty Clouds of Joy Bio - ChristianMusic.com 2014. 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. Based in Los Angeles, California, the original group members included Joe Ligon (d. 2016), Johnny Martin (d. 1987), Ermant Franklin Jr. (d. 1996), Artis Turnbough (d. 1999), Elmeo Franklin (d. 2008), Richard Wallace (d. 2020), Leon Polk (d. 1998) and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name Bunker Hill). You can read more on my personal blog,Notes From The Funny Farmand follow some fun stuff on my dog Bandits blog. Jones, Kim. Invited to join a vocal group formed by his cousins, he was persuaded by his mother to accept the invitation. 20072023 Blackpast.org. 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. 2011. Ligon earned most of his wealth from being part of The Mighty Clouds of Joy. 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. 23 talking about this. The group was influenced by The Temptations, an American vocal group that released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles. I meet all the Mighty Clouds, personally on multiple occasions as a child in the 60s and 70s. 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. 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. Trivia (1) Members have included Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Johnny Valentine, Ron Staples, Tim Woodson, Johnny Martin, June Richmond. Go directly to shout page. He moved to Los Angeles to live with his uncle when he was in his early teens. Although shyness prevented him from singing in public, he sang constantly. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Shortly thereafter, the quartet signed a long-term contract with Peacock Records, leaving one Mighty off their name. 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. . Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama, but moved to Los Angeles and started the gospel quartet in the 1950s. God bless his family! Hes some were around God Throne. In 1960, the ensemble released Steal Away to Jesus on the Peacock label and in 1961 they recorded their debut album, Family Circlet. 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. My condolences to his family and many friends. Successful gospel group who fused the traditional quartet style with modern, R&B-influenced musical arrangements. Mr. Wallace was the creator of one of Gospel Quartet Musics iconic bass lines. The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Singles that are picks of the week are singled out for their quality. We dont have any upcoming events for this artist right now. Mighty Clouds Of Joy hometown, lineup, biography | Last.fm 2, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:29. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696. 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. While lineup changes plagued the Mighty Clouds throughout their career, they remained active into the new millennium; in addition to co-founders Ligon and Wallace, their latter-day incarnation also included Paul Beasley, Michael McCowin, Wilbert Williams, Johnny Valentine, and Ron Staples. Joe Ligon died in December 2016 at the age of 80. He added: And we got stoned for it.. THE MIGHTY CLOUDS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! Ligon was born . 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. Im so sorry.my condolences to his famiky and friends. Traveling to California to visit an uncle, at the age of 14 Ligon remained in the city for a year. Format: Record. (2021, February 8). Their first recording was "Build Me a Cabin in Glory" on the Elko label in 1957. He will be surely missed. Elmant Franklin Jr. died on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. 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. Over the years, however, he took that style to a new level. 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. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. The original group members included: David Walker; Ligon; Leon Polk; Richard Wallace; Elmo Franklin; Artis Turnbough; Ermant Franklin Jr.; Johnny Martin. 1990. RIP: Richard Wallace of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Glenn Dale, MD 20769 Although I was in the church I was not living saved, but then God saved me. Friday, July 25th 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy have shared the stage with Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, andThe Rolling Stones. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday . Another great one is gone but now they are all together again up there singing and praising the Lord! Ligon died Sunday in Georgia, his manager, Isaac Lindsey, said. December 20, 2020 at 12:16 a.m. Eventually they added soul, R&B read more Similar Artists Play all Eddie Ruth Bradford 2,873 listeners Lee Williams And The Spiritual QC's 3,274 listeners Douglas Miller 3,849 listeners Im saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Wallace. Gospel singers dont retire, you know, they just die doing what they do, he said. 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. 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.. All Rights Reserved. Mighty Clouds of Joy - Wikipedia The . 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. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. Fly high above the clouds another ?.gone so soon. Biography. 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. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Singer Joe Ligon, the dynamic frontman of the Grammy-winning gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, has died. Mighty Clouds Of Joy music, videos, stats, and photos | Last.fm Mighty Clouds of Joy on Apple Music 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 Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." He was a people person. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. So sorry to hear of Richards passing. Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. Mighty Clouds of Joy's Michael Cook Passes Away Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile. The two started singing together and founded the group, pulling from other popular gospel groups in the area to round out the line-up. Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. Their crossover success brought them added recognition, and they opened for the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was one of the first groups in urban gospel to incorporate choreographed moves into their act. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - IMDb The Mighty Clouds of Joy went on to win GRAMMY Awards and become one of the top quartets of the 1960s and 1970s. Joe Ligon, frontman for gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy, dies at 80 The Mighty Clouds of Joy. 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography - Learn Religions Their moves earned them "The Temptations of Gospel" moniker. 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. Do you find this information helpful? I would like to offer my condolences to the family. When I first heard his voice I thought theRev CL Franklin had joined a Quartet Group their voices were so close. The groups signature songs included Walk Around Heaven, Nearer My God to Thee, and Ive Been in the Storm Too Long. Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1954 and started out in a tradition-based style. 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). Thank you, Debra they are singing in glory, indeed! The Mighty Clouds of Joy formed in 1955 in Los Angeles and still includes two of its original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. A new version of Last.fm is available, to keep everything running smoothly, please reload the site. As the years advanced, Ligon took a more supportive singing role, with lead vocals performed by ex-Gospel Keynotes vocalist Paul Beasley. The three finalists Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, and Melanie Amaro pulled out all of the stops for their final performances. Elmo Franklin died in 2008 at the age of 71. Thank you for visitingGospel Soundcheckpage. 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. The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been awarded numerous accolades including eightGrammy nominations and three awards. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. 2002. The group's first break came when they caught the ear of a local gospel disc jockey, who agreed to produce several demo tapes. Ligons death also was confirmed by his former booking agent Ricky DeRae. Franklin, Willie Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace and Johnny Martin were the four founding members of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Aliases The Mighty Clouds of Joy Country United States Comments Gospel vocal group formed in 1955 in Los Angeles by Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace. $16.99. 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. 32 on the Billboard R&B chart and 102 on the Billboard US Hot 100 chart. 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 who often performed as Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, was a gospel quartet established in Los Angeles, California in 1955. 3x Grammy Award-Winning gospel group ft. Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine, Dale Staples, Tim Woodson & Derrick Staples -. Their first recording was Build Me a Cabin in Glory on the Elko label in 1957. Nominated for numerous Grammy Awards, the group received Grammys for several albums, including Live & Direct in 1978, Changing Times in 1979, and Power in 1993. The original members were Walter Ligon, Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmer Franklin. However at a little [], Davy Jones dies and I say goodbye to my childhood. 47 on the R&B chart. For more informaiton, visit the Mighty Clouds of Joy website. by Dixie Hummingbirds Audio CD. Ligon told the AP that at the age of 56 he could hit every note that he could at the age of 18. Jones, Kim. At age 14, Ligon moved to LA to live with his uncle. Thanks for the update.. Joe Ligon, Singer Of Gospel Group Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Dies at 80 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm not if anybody can tell me have Joe look on song on the same show with Sam Cooke and the soul stirrers and mighty clouds, James Oliver (The FAYETTE Spiritual Aires), Joe was the greatest. 69 on Billboard Hot 100. Learn Religions. 8262 Lokus Road It was their first crossover success. Thanks for the story. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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"). Home Joe Ligon Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography, Sparc Mac Net Worth, Girlfriend, YouTube, Biography, Gabrielle Bernstein Net Worth, Husband, Quotes, Books, Biography. All Rights Reserved. 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. Joe died on December 11, 2016, at age 80. 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. 2005. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1955 in Los Angeles, California. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy | Discography | Discogs Shouting, troubles over. May he forever Rest In Paradise.. Verdie Maynus When the Peacock Records label heard these tapes, the group was quickly signed to a recording contract. The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Apple Music 1 on the Disco/Dance chart and remained charted for five weeks. Rest with God! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MIGHTY CLOUDS OF HARMONY press photo 8" x 10" publicity GOSPEL at the best online prices at eBay! They were influenced by R&B groups such as The Temptations, as well as the Rev. Artist: Mighty Clouds of Joy | SecondHandSongs In a break with tradition, the groups sound incorporated Soul, R&B, and Rock; all of which 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. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well. $11.99. Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform. 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. 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). 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. I am so y to hear of Richards passing. Richard and the Clouds were truly a group of great guys who I counted as really good friends. The resulting sound turned the Mighty Clouds of Joy into the most commercially successful gospel group. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Jones, Kim. 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. The mighty clouds has always been one if my favorite Quartets. His manager, Isaac Lindsey, said Monday that Ligon died on Sunday in Georgia. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Ligon says, When Mike joined the group, he fit our vocal style like a glove. In the years that followed, the Mighty Clouds joined the ranks of gospel's greatest showmen; one of the first groups to incorporate choreographed moves into their act, their nimble footwork and bright, color-coordinated outfits earned them the sobriquet "The Temptations of Gospel.". My Dad and my sisters sung gospil and this gave me a unique opportunity to meet many of icons gospil. The group was also inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame. In the House of the Lord - Live In Houston. Free shipping for many products! The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in LA in 1959. RIH, Sir! Joe Ligon - Net Worth, Wife, Death, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Biography https://www.learnreligions.com/mighty-clouds-of-joy-biography-710696 (accessed March 4, 2023). "Mighty Clouds of Joy Biography." The Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012) - BlackPast.org sending my condolences 5:00 PM 9:00 PM The Mighty Clouds of Joy were an American traditional gospel music quartet. They sang their original composition, Time from their album Its Time which peaked at no. 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. 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. The following year, 1958, they produced In Lord, You Woke Me Up This Morning on the Proverb label. 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 . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. So inspirational and touched by so many hearts. In 1964, The Mighty Clouds of Joy released their debut album, called Family Circle via Peacock Records. They became one of the most influential gospel groups in the US. The other original members of the group were Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (aka Bunker Hill). Release Title:---Record Size: 7" Style: Classic R&B, Gospel. 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. Unlike other gospel groups, its members dressed stylishly they used the same tailor as the Temptations and worked slick choreography into their act. Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. Press Photo Music Group The Mighty Clouds of Joy - afx16019 Elmo Franklin of the Mighty Clouds of Joy Passes Away The X Factor final performances - care to predict a winner. The Mighty Clouds of Joy was formed in 1959 in Los Angeles, CA as a traditional-based style group. R.I.P. Joe Ligon Of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy 1936-2016