Gospel Quartet Singer. Founder & Leader of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy.
Born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama, he was the son of Joseph Ligon and Bernice Ligon. His father sang in a gospel quartet and his grandfather was a preacher. His family moved to Los Angeles, California during his youth and he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. He grew up with gospel music in his blood and on his mind, inspired by the music of Rev. Julius Cheeks and the Sensational Nightingales.
Joe and some friends started a Quartet group singing throughout the Southwest region. In 1960, he formed The Mighty Clouds of Joy by combining 3 local groups of singing rivals, his Mighty Clouds Of Joy, The Stars Of Bethel and The Sensational Wonders. The 'hybrid' group kept the Mighty Cloud name and consisted of Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Ermant Franklin and his brother Elmo, Leon Polk, Artis Turnbough, David Walker and Johnny Martin.
Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. They signed with Houston, Texas based Peacock Records later that year and released their first album, "Family Circle" in 1961. They released 13 albums for the label in the '60's and early '70's. They also recorded for ABC-Peacock, Epic, Myrrh, Word/Rejoice, Intersound, CGI-Platinum and Light Records. At the time of Joe's illness they were signed to EMI Gospel.
Their song "Time" reached the top of the R&B charts in 1974, while "Ride The Mighty High" became a major disco hit, it was nominated for numerous Grammy awards. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. They played for President Carter and toured extensively overseas. In 1974 they became the first gospel group to perform on “Soul Train. Other recordings with the group included "I've Been In The Storm Too Long", "Walk Around Heaven", "If Jesus Can Fix It" and numerous other recordings. His raspy, throbbing vocals and preaching style helped make the Mighty Clouds of Joy one of the most successful gospel groups of all time.
They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 (Live & Direct) and 1979 (Changing Times) for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 (Pray For Me) for best traditional soul gospel album. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were Inductees to Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame Inductees, Image Award winners, 11 time Grammy Nominee and 3 time Grammy award winners. They appeared in Switzerland, Spain, Japan, South Africa and The United Kingdom. He sang and traveled with The Mighty Clouds of Joy for over 50 plus years.
Joe stated that his favorite album of the 26 they recorded with him was 1979's "Changing Times". His favorite song they recorded was "I've Been In The Storm Too Long". He released his only solo project, "Old Revival Back Home" in 1985 on the Myrrh label. The album was produced by the Rev James Cleveland, as had been the "Changing Times" album in '79.
Joe married Peggy Reece in 1968.
Survivors:
Wife: Peggy Reece Ligon (48 years).
8 Daughters: La Tonya, La Tisha, Debra, Clarice, Adrenia, Patricia, Dawn and Ericka.
2 Sisters: Bonnie "Tina" Ligon and Mary Ligon Crenshaw.
3 Brothers: Clarence Ligon, Thomas Ligon and Jerry Ligon.
Friend & Manager: Pastor Isaac Tyrone Lindsey.
Several Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11 AM in the Sanctuary of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating and Rev Jesse Jackson Sr Eulogist.
Born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama, he was the son of Joseph Ligon and Bernice Ligon. His father sang in a gospel quartet and his grandfather was a preacher. His family moved to Los Angeles, California during his youth and he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. He grew up with gospel music in his blood and on his mind, inspired by the music of Rev. Julius Cheeks and the Sensational Nightingales.
Joe and some friends started a Quartet group singing throughout the Southwest region. In 1960, he formed The Mighty Clouds of Joy by combining 3 local groups of singing rivals, his Mighty Clouds Of Joy, The Stars Of Bethel and The Sensational Wonders. The 'hybrid' group kept the Mighty Cloud name and consisted of Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Ermant Franklin and his brother Elmo, Leon Polk, Artis Turnbough, David Walker and Johnny Martin.
Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. They signed with Houston, Texas based Peacock Records later that year and released their first album, "Family Circle" in 1961. They released 13 albums for the label in the '60's and early '70's. They also recorded for ABC-Peacock, Epic, Myrrh, Word/Rejoice, Intersound, CGI-Platinum and Light Records. At the time of Joe's illness they were signed to EMI Gospel.
Their song "Time" reached the top of the R&B charts in 1974, while "Ride The Mighty High" became a major disco hit, it was nominated for numerous Grammy awards. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. They played for President Carter and toured extensively overseas. In 1974 they became the first gospel group to perform on “Soul Train. Other recordings with the group included "I've Been In The Storm Too Long", "Walk Around Heaven", "If Jesus Can Fix It" and numerous other recordings. His raspy, throbbing vocals and preaching style helped make the Mighty Clouds of Joy one of the most successful gospel groups of all time.
They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 (Live & Direct) and 1979 (Changing Times) for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 (Pray For Me) for best traditional soul gospel album. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were Inductees to Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame Inductees, Image Award winners, 11 time Grammy Nominee and 3 time Grammy award winners. They appeared in Switzerland, Spain, Japan, South Africa and The United Kingdom. He sang and traveled with The Mighty Clouds of Joy for over 50 plus years.
Joe stated that his favorite album of the 26 they recorded with him was 1979's "Changing Times". His favorite song they recorded was "I've Been In The Storm Too Long". He released his only solo project, "Old Revival Back Home" in 1985 on the Myrrh label. The album was produced by the Rev James Cleveland, as had been the "Changing Times" album in '79.
Joe married Peggy Reece in 1968.
Survivors:
Wife: Peggy Reece Ligon (48 years).
8 Daughters: La Tonya, La Tisha, Debra, Clarice, Adrenia, Patricia, Dawn and Ericka.
2 Sisters: Bonnie "Tina" Ligon and Mary Ligon Crenshaw.
3 Brothers: Clarence Ligon, Thomas Ligon and Jerry Ligon.
Friend & Manager: Pastor Isaac Tyrone Lindsey.
Several Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11 AM in the Sanctuary of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating and Rev Jesse Jackson Sr Eulogist.
Gospel Quartet Singer. Founder & Leader of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy.
Born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama, he was the son of Joseph Ligon and Bernice Ligon. His father sang in a gospel quartet and his grandfather was a preacher. His family moved to Los Angeles, California during his youth and he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. He grew up with gospel music in his blood and on his mind, inspired by the music of Rev. Julius Cheeks and the Sensational Nightingales.
Joe and some friends started a Quartet group singing throughout the Southwest region. In 1960, he formed The Mighty Clouds of Joy by combining 3 local groups of singing rivals, his Mighty Clouds Of Joy, The Stars Of Bethel and The Sensational Wonders. The 'hybrid' group kept the Mighty Cloud name and consisted of Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Ermant Franklin and his brother Elmo, Leon Polk, Artis Turnbough, David Walker and Johnny Martin.
Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. They signed with Houston, Texas based Peacock Records later that year and released their first album, "Family Circle" in 1961. They released 13 albums for the label in the '60's and early '70's. They also recorded for ABC-Peacock, Epic, Myrrh, Word/Rejoice, Intersound, CGI-Platinum and Light Records. At the time of Joe's illness they were signed to EMI Gospel.
Their song "Time" reached the top of the R&B charts in 1974, while "Ride The Mighty High" became a major disco hit, it was nominated for numerous Grammy awards. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. They played for President Carter and toured extensively overseas. In 1974 they became the first gospel group to perform on “Soul Train. Other recordings with the group included "I've Been In The Storm Too Long", "Walk Around Heaven", "If Jesus Can Fix It" and numerous other recordings. His raspy, throbbing vocals and preaching style helped make the Mighty Clouds of Joy one of the most successful gospel groups of all time.
They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 (Live & Direct) and 1979 (Changing Times) for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 (Pray For Me) for best traditional soul gospel album. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were Inductees to Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame Inductees, Image Award winners, 11 time Grammy Nominee and 3 time Grammy award winners. They appeared in Switzerland, Spain, Japan, South Africa and The United Kingdom. He sang and traveled with The Mighty Clouds of Joy for over 50 plus years.
Joe stated that his favorite album of the 26 they recorded with him was 1979's "Changing Times". His favorite song they recorded was "I've Been In The Storm Too Long". He released his only solo project, "Old Revival Back Home" in 1985 on the Myrrh label. The album was produced by the Rev James Cleveland, as had been the "Changing Times" album in '79.
Joe married Peggy Reece in 1968.
Survivors:
Wife: Peggy Reece Ligon (48 years).
8 Daughters: La Tonya, La Tisha, Debra, Clarice, Adrenia, Patricia, Dawn and Ericka.
2 Sisters: Bonnie "Tina" Ligon and Mary Ligon Crenshaw.
3 Brothers: Clarence Ligon, Thomas Ligon and Jerry Ligon.
Friend & Manager: Pastor Isaac Tyrone Lindsey.
Several Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11 AM in the Sanctuary of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating and Rev Jesse Jackson Sr Eulogist.
Born Willie Joe Ligon in Troy, Alabama, he was the son of Joseph Ligon and Bernice Ligon. His father sang in a gospel quartet and his grandfather was a preacher. His family moved to Los Angeles, California during his youth and he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1955. He grew up with gospel music in his blood and on his mind, inspired by the music of Rev. Julius Cheeks and the Sensational Nightingales.
Joe and some friends started a Quartet group singing throughout the Southwest region. In 1960, he formed The Mighty Clouds of Joy by combining 3 local groups of singing rivals, his Mighty Clouds Of Joy, The Stars Of Bethel and The Sensational Wonders. The 'hybrid' group kept the Mighty Cloud name and consisted of Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Ermant Franklin and his brother Elmo, Leon Polk, Artis Turnbough, David Walker and Johnny Martin.
Their first single, "Steal Away to Jesus," was recorded in 1960. They signed with Houston, Texas based Peacock Records later that year and released their first album, "Family Circle" in 1961. They released 13 albums for the label in the '60's and early '70's. They also recorded for ABC-Peacock, Epic, Myrrh, Word/Rejoice, Intersound, CGI-Platinum and Light Records. At the time of Joe's illness they were signed to EMI Gospel.
Their song "Time" reached the top of the R&B charts in 1974, while "Ride The Mighty High" became a major disco hit, it was nominated for numerous Grammy awards. Their crossover success continued with opening slots for secular pop stars including Marvin Gaye, the Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon, whom the group backed during a monthlong stint at Madison Square Garden. They played for President Carter and toured extensively overseas. In 1974 they became the first gospel group to perform on “Soul Train. Other recordings with the group included "I've Been In The Storm Too Long", "Walk Around Heaven", "If Jesus Can Fix It" and numerous other recordings. His raspy, throbbing vocals and preaching style helped make the Mighty Clouds of Joy one of the most successful gospel groups of all time.
They won back-to-back Grammy Awards in 1978 (Live & Direct) and 1979 (Changing Times) for best soul gospel performance, traditional, and again in 1991 (Pray For Me) for best traditional soul gospel album. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were Inductees to Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame Inductees, Image Award winners, 11 time Grammy Nominee and 3 time Grammy award winners. They appeared in Switzerland, Spain, Japan, South Africa and The United Kingdom. He sang and traveled with The Mighty Clouds of Joy for over 50 plus years.
Joe stated that his favorite album of the 26 they recorded with him was 1979's "Changing Times". His favorite song they recorded was "I've Been In The Storm Too Long". He released his only solo project, "Old Revival Back Home" in 1985 on the Myrrh label. The album was produced by the Rev James Cleveland, as had been the "Changing Times" album in '79.
Joe married Peggy Reece in 1968.
Survivors:
Wife: Peggy Reece Ligon (48 years).
8 Daughters: La Tonya, La Tisha, Debra, Clarice, Adrenia, Patricia, Dawn and Ericka.
2 Sisters: Bonnie "Tina" Ligon and Mary Ligon Crenshaw.
3 Brothers: Clarence Ligon, Thomas Ligon and Jerry Ligon.
Friend & Manager: Pastor Isaac Tyrone Lindsey.
Several Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.
Services were held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11 AM in the Sanctuary of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating and Rev Jesse Jackson Sr Eulogist.
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