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James Edward Cleveland (December 5, 1931 – February 9, 1991) was an American gospel singer, musician, and composer. Known as the "King of Gospel," Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs.
James Cleveland, the “Crown Prince of Gospel,” left an indelible mark on the world of gospel music. His powerful voice and inspiring compositions touched the hearts of millions. But behind the scenes of his remarkable career were struggles, controversies, and triumphs that defined his journey.
A new biopic of Aretha Franklin’s life sheds light on her mentor Rev James Cleveland, who pulled the singer out of her darkest moments.
Mar 22, 2012 · James Cleveland invented the modern gospel choir, taught piano to Aretha Franklin, wrote more than 400 songs, appeared on more than 100 albums, and lost track of how many went gold. By the time he died at age 59, he'd been the King of Gospel for thirty years.
- For The Record…
- Compositions
- Selected Discography
- Sources
Born December 23, 1932 (some sources say 1931), in Chicago, III.; son of Ben Cleveland (a WPA worker); children: LaShone (daughter). Minister and gospel singer, songwriter, and pianist. Singer with The Thorn Gospel Crusaders, 1940s; The Gospelaires, 1940s; Mahalia Jackson, early 1950s; The Caravans, beginning in 1954; The Gospel All Stars, late 195...
Composer of numerous gospel songs, including “Grace is Sufficient,” “Jesus,” “The Man,” “He’s Using Me,” and “God Specializes.”
Albums; released by Savoy Records
All You Need At the Cross Bread of Heaven Christ Is the Answer Down Memory Lane Everything Will Be All Right Free At Last Give Me My Flowers God’s Promises Grace of God Greatest Love Story Hark the Voice He’s Working It Out Heaven Is Good Enough His Name Is Wonderful How Great Thou Art I Stood on the Banks I Walk With God If I Perish I’ll Do His Will I’m One of Them It’s Real Jesus Is the Best Thing Live at Carnegie Hall Lord, Do It Lord, Help Me Lord Let Me Be an Instrument Merry Christmas M...
Books
Broughton, Viv, Black Gospel: An Illustrated History of the Gospel Sound, Blandford Press, 1985. Heilbut, Tony, The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times, Simon & Schuster, 1971.
Periodicals
Billboard, September 27, 1980. Ebony, December, 1984. Village Voice, April 16, 1979.
Other
Baker, Barbara, “Black Gospel Music Styles: 1942-1979,” Ph.D. dissertation, University of Maryland, 1978. Casey, M. E., “The Contributions of James Cleveland,”thesis, Howard University, 1980. —Nancy H. Evans
Dec 19, 2009 · Gospel music composer, conductor, pianist, and singer James Cleveland was born James Edward Cleveland on December 5, 1931, on the south side of Chicago, Illinois to Benjamin Cleveland, a retired Army sergeant, and Rosie Lee.
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Dec 20, 2021 · Reverend James Cleveland was and remains one of the most influential figures in gospel music, bar none. Today we'll learn more about this musical giant thanks to my guest, Robert Marovich, a...
