CD: James Cleveland-The King of Gospel Music The Life & Music-Hardcover Book & 4 CD

"The King of Gospel Music: The Life and Music of Reverend James Cleveland" (Hardcover Book And Accompanying 4 CD Music Collection

Hardcover Book And Accompanying 4 CD Music Collection From Malaco Records)

Not since Thomas A. Dorsey had one individual introduced as many unforgettable songs to the gospel music songbook as he did. Nor had any single artist so skillfully and incrementally broadened the boundaries of church music while remaining faithful to its traditional foundation as Cleveland did. Most gospel stars—and many pop artists, for that matter—can trace some aspect of their artistic formation, directly or indirectly, to his influence as a songwriter, arranger, musician, singer, director, producer, and teacher.

Malaco Music Group’s The King of Gospel Music assembles in one package some of Cleveland’s finest recordings spanning four decades—from his Janu - ary 1951 lead vocal with the Gospelaires to his final session in 1990, just months before his untimely passing in February 1991 at age 59. In between are samples of his solo work as well as collaborations with the Voices of Tabernacle, Gospel All Stars, Gospel Chimes, Angelic Choir, Caravans, Charles Fold Singers, Southern California Community Choir, Voices of Cornerstone, L. A. Gospel Messengers, and many others. Added to these are highlights from Savoy Records’ James Cleveland Presents series—several tracks appearing on CD for the first time.

Robert M. Marovich, a gospel music historian and 2019 GRAMMY Award nominee, Best Album Notes, for The Gospel According to Malaco, traces Cleveland’s story from his humble beginnings in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood to his many achievements, including his work with Aretha Franklin on her 1972 double platinum Amazing Grace and founding the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The narrative is enriched by personal reflections from Cleveland’s family, friends, fellow singers and musicians, and others who walked alongside him as he shared his vision of Christianity with the world. The book contains rare photos and never-before[1]published insights into the man whose contributions to gospel music still reverberate more than thirty years after