Black Music 🎶 Month Artist …
Rev. James Cleveland (1932-1991)
Gospel music legend James Cleveland was born on December 5, 1931 in Chicago. Unable to afford a piano, he crafted one out of odds and end and taught himself how to play. Cleveland sang as a boy soprano at Pilgrim Baptist Church where the music program was headed by Thomas Dorsey, whom many consider the “father” of modern gospel music.
In 1950, Cleveland joined the group known as The Gospelaires and worked on a number of arrangements including “Give Me That Old Time Religion” and “It’s Me O Lord.” The group was noticed by Roberta Martin, a well-known gospel performer, and Cleveland began composing for her, including the song “Stand By Me.” His style was considered avant garde, differing dramatically from other gospel works in this period. His composition style and unique voice drew the attention of numerous people in the music world.
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