When I was young, my father used to listen to many gospel artists, there were some I liked and some I just couldn't get into. He did however, turned me on to Reverend James Cleveland. Rev. James Cleveland voice was like no other during his period. His truly blessed voiced soar over our stereo and drew me near. I would later sing a song made famous by him in our church choir. I did a decent job, but there's only one James Cleveland. he went on to create the Gospel Workshop of America, He worked with Aretha Franklin on her groundbreaking gospel Cd "Amazing Grace" and worked with some of the best choir ever.
This month we celebrate his legacy and his outstanding work.
JAMES CLEVELAND was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 5, 1931 to Rosie Lee and Benjamin Cleveland during the height of the greatest depression. James’ grandmother attended Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir. James had no choice but to attend these rehearsals with his grandmother and found himself sitting through these choir rehearsals – bored stiff!! Eventually James decided he would conquer the boredom through attempting to sing along with the choir. It was in one of these rehearsal that James’ singing was noticed and he was made choir mascot. The choir director, Thomas A. Dorsey wrote a song for him which launched the career of what was the be a long line of performances. Through Dorsey’s teaching and directing young James was influenced in a great way.
Find out more about this talent man here.
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