Gospel Singer and Composer. Primarily known as a member of the gospel group The Caravans. Short in stature and slight of build, she astounded audiences with her thin and clear but huge voice. Her style was heavily influenced by gospel great Clara Ward. She began singing at the age of four in her father's church in Tennessee. In 1948, she was among the first to bring gospel music to the airwaves on WDIA Radio Station in Memphis, TN with the Songbirds of the South featuring Dorothy Murff, Elizabeth Darling and Julia Pruett. In 1953, she moved to Chicago, IL where she caught the eye of the Rev. James Cleveland. At his invitation, she became a member of the famous Caravans at that time featuring Johnerine Davis, Louise McDonald, Ross, Albertina Walker and James Cleveland. Years later, the group featured Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Josephine Howard, Shirley Caesar and Dolores Washington. As a member of The Caravans, she wrote and led over 40 songs, bursting the group into the number one most iconic gospel group of all times. Her most noted recordings in The Caravan legacy were "Will My Jesus Be Waiting," "Remember Me Oh Lord," "Let's Break Bread Together," "One Baptism," "To Whom Shall I Turn," "I'm Ready to Serve the Lord," "Seek Ye the Lord," "Jesus and Me," "My Religion," "Walk Around Heaven All Day," and "I'm Going To Work Until My Day Is Done." In 1965, she left The Caravans, causing it to disband in 1966, to pursue her solo career. During her solo career, she recorded 16 albums. She received two Grammy Award nominations, one in 1969 and the other in 1979. She also won a Stellar Award. Throughout her esteemed career, she wrote 108 original musical compositions, a feat that no other female gospel singer has accomplished to date.
Gospel Singer and Composer. Primarily known as a member of the gospel group The Caravans. Short in stature and slight of build, she astounded audiences with her thin and clear but huge voice. Her style was heavily influenced by gospel great Clara Ward. She began singing at the age of four in her father's church in Tennessee. In 1948, she was among the first to bring gospel music to the airwaves on WDIA Radio Station in Memphis, TN with the Songbirds of the South featuring Dorothy Murff, Elizabeth Darling and Julia Pruett. In 1953, she moved to Chicago, IL where she caught the eye of the Rev. James Cleveland. At his invitation, she became a member of the famous Caravans at that time featuring Johnerine Davis, Louise McDonald, Ross, Albertina Walker and James Cleveland. Years later, the group featured Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Josephine Howard, Shirley Caesar and Dolores Washington. As a member of The Caravans, she wrote and led over 40 songs, bursting the group into the number one most iconic gospel group of all times. Her most noted recordings in The Caravan legacy were "Will My Jesus Be Waiting," "Remember Me Oh Lord," "Let's Break Bread Together," "One Baptism," "To Whom Shall I Turn," "I'm Ready to Serve the Lord," "Seek Ye the Lord," "Jesus and Me," "My Religion," "Walk Around Heaven All Day," and "I'm Going To Work Until My Day Is Done." In 1965, she left The Caravans, causing it to disband in 1966, to pursue her solo career. During her solo career, she recorded 16 albums. She received two Grammy Award nominations, one in 1969 and the other in 1979. She also won a Stellar Award. Throughout her esteemed career, she wrote 108 original musical compositions, a feat that no other female gospel singer has accomplished to date.
Bio by: Curtis Jackson
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