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Robert Marovich Collection, 2007-2013

A Guide to his Interviews at the Indiana University Archives of African American Music and Culture

Finding aid prepared by AAAMC Staff

Summary Information

Repository
Indiana University, Archives of African American Music and Culture (AAAMC)
Smith Research Center, Rooms 180-181
2805 E. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN 47408-2601
Phone: 812-855-8547
Fax: 812-856-0333
Email: aaamc@indiana.edu
https://aaamc.indiana.edu

Creator
Marovich, Robert M.

Title
Robert Marovich Collection, 2007-2013

Collection No.
SC 82

Extent
64 audiocassettes + transcripts

Language
Materials are in English.

Abstract
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. This collection consists of one series made up of recordings and transcripts of interviews that Marovich conducted with a variety of gospel music pioneers while writing A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music. The interviews discuss the musicians' lives and careers, as well as spirituality and the gospel genre as a whole.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research. In most instances, copyright has not been assigned to the AAAMC. All requests for permission to publish or quote from this collections must be submitted in writing. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the AAAMC as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained. Online access to audio content and transcripts may be limited to authorized access. Contact the AAAMC for details.

Biographical Note

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. He founded the Journal of Gospel Music blog (formerly The Black Gospel Blog) and is producer and host of the Gospel Memories Radio Show. Marovich is a member of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild and the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy, and serves on the board of the Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum. He holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Arrangement

Arranged in one series:
  • Series 1: Interviews

Scope and Content Note

This collection includes transcripts from interviews Marovich conducted with a variety of gospel music pioneers while writing A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information
Donated to the AAAMC by Marovich in 2015.
Usage Restrictions
All requests for copying and publishing materials must be submitted in writing to the Archives of African American Music and Culture. Some publication requests may also require the written permission of the interviewer, interviewees, and/or performers.
Preferred Citation
Robert Marovich Collection, SC 82, Archives of African American Music and Culture, Indiana University, Bloomington.
Processing Information
Processed by AAAMC Staff.

Completed in 2018

Collection Inventory


Series: 1. Interviews, 2007-2013 

64 audiocassettes + transcripts


Alexander, Sen. Ethel, November 8, 2007 

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2802

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (16 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview, Alexander and Marovich discuss key tenets of Spiritualist faith, Alexander’s continued involvement with First Deliverance and the church’s choir, her relationship with the church during her legislative tenure, details about the church’s congregation and social mission, and the historic church building. They also discuss the church’s radio broadcast and recordings by members of the church, including Alexander’s group the Freemanettes. Key figures mentioned include Reverend Clarence H. Cobbs, Julia May Kennedy, Ralph Goodpasteur; Myrtle Jackson, Elizabeth Hall, Fred Nelson, as well as celebrities who attended the church, such as Dinah Washington and Fatha Hines.


Austin, Leonard, March 20, 2007 

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2803

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (16 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Homestead (Fla.) (via telephone)

Content

This interview deals primarily with Austin’s early life as the son of gospel singer Roberta Martin and James Austin, who provided many of the arrangements for Martin, with Austin elaborating upon his early life and his parent’s involvement in his life and education. Austin and Marovich discuss Martin’s life and work, with Austin discussing problems with how his mother’s music has been used after her death and his quest to regain control of the music. They discuss Austin’s mother’s death, inaccuracies in her birthdate, and his father’s remarriage after Martin’s death to gospel singer Catherine Beamon.


Bailey, Rev. Harold, February 19, 2007 

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2804-2805

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (27 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview Bailey and Marovich discuss Bailey’s early life and musical experiences, early rehearsals, recordings and performances with the Harold Bailey Singers, including difficulties while touring the south; Bailey’s personal opinions on contemporary gospel music, and Marovich’s radio show. They address key figures such as Roberta Martin, Dr. Louis Rawls, James Cleveland, Harold Levinsky, Shirley Caesar, Billy Preston, Olivia Payne, and Ed Robinson.


Barnes, Frances Pace, October 15, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2806

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (10 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview Frances Pace Barnes and Marovich discuss the life and music of Charles Henry Pace. Topics include Pace’s composition and arranging processes, home life, including Pace’s prior careers and marriages, and issues of Pace’s arrangements and copyright. Key figures mentioned include Josephine Inniss, Clara Higginbotham and several of Pace’s celebrity friends, including W.C. Handy, Louis Armstrong, Roberta Martin, and Clara Ward and the Ward singers. They also discuss Pace’s involvement with Thomas Dorsey and the Pace singers.


Bell, George, June 20, 2008

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2807

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (13 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview with George Bell primarily highlights Bell’s resume as a pianist and organist, including work for churches, nightclubs, funeral homes, and school graduations. Several key figures and churches for whom Bell worked play into this conversation. Key Figures Mentioned: Ralph Goodpasteur; Rev. Cobbs; Julia Mae Kennedy; Rev. J.H.L. Smith; Rev. Edmond Blair; Mabel Sanford Lewis (one of Bell’s organ teachers); Rev. Clay Evans; Anna Crockett Ford; Rev. A.E. Williams; John Rogers; Eugene Smith; Roberta Margin Key Churches Mentioned: Ebenezer Baptist Church, First Church of Deliverance (and the church’s radio broadcasts); 44th Street Baptist Church; Omega Baptist Church; Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church; Stone Temple Baptist Church; Fellowship Baptist Church; Lily of the Valley Spiritual Church; Union Tabernacle Church of God in Christ; Antioch Baptist Church.


Berryhill, Dr. Ray Allen, April 8, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2808

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (20 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Dr. Ray Allen Berryhill, Marovich and Berryhill discuss Beryhill’s early musical experiences, his work with Sammy Lewis and the tensions that resulted between the two, the role of classically trained musicians in church music, various gospel music competitions, including the “battle of the ships” between Fellowship and New Friendship, and cross-pollination between the musical styles and musicians of various churches and denominations. Key figures and churches mentioned include: Tim McGee, Reverend Sammy Lewis, “Gatemouth” Moore, Jimmy and Luke Austin, Ora Lee Hopkins, Gladys Beaman Gregory, Lucy Rogers, John Bowen, The Tommies, The Treadwell Singers, New Hope Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel Spiritual Church, Herman Baptist, Union Baptist, Fellowship Baptist Church, New Friendship Baptist Church.


Burks, Jerome, November 13, 2013

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2809

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (8 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Jerome Burks, Marovich and Burks discuss Burk’s family and early life, his experiences working and traveling with Mahalia Jackson, Jackson’s funeral, and various groups of which Burks was a member. Key figures and groups mentioned include Mahalia Jackson, Reverend Jerry Goodloe, The Lux Singers, and The Heaven Bound Trio. Key churches include Fellowship Baptist Church, First Church of Deliverance, and Lighthouse Baptist Church.


Burton, Deacon Reuben, May 11, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2810

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (28 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Deacon Reuben Burton, Marovich and Burton discuss Burton’s involvement in gospel quartets, primarily through his activity with the Victory travelers. They discuss the group’s repertoire and performances, recording and radio experiences, the popularity of quartets in the south, and other groups with whom the quartet sang and life on the road. Further, they discuss the lifespan of a quartet, typical business arrangements for the Victory Travelers, the group’s name, sound, and current popularity. They also discuss Burton’s presidency of the division of the American Gospel Quartet division in Chicago, women’s gospel quartets, and quartet conventions. Key figures and groups mentioned include Norfolk Singers, Glory Records, Dixie Hummingbirds, Mississippi Blind Boys, Alabama Blind Boys, Soul Stirrers, Alonzo Price (Booking Agent), The Jubilaires, The Clesiastics, The Holy Wonders, Johnny Woolfalk, The Kelly Brothers, The Traveling Kings, The Kingdom Bounds, The Golden Harps, Willie Dixon, and New Bethlehem Baptist Church.


Butts, Rev. Walter J, October 1, 2008

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2811

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (12 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Reverend Walter J Butts, Marovich and Butts discuss Butts’s involvement in church and church music as a child and throughout his life, some early musical and personal influences, including James Cleveland, Butt’s recording history as a solo artist and with the Mount Carmel boys, Marovich’s show (with Butts presenting Marovich with some recordings to play on it), tension and competition between west side and south side churches, key elements of the distinctive Chicago gospel sound, artists who Butts believes should have gained more recognition and other local groups, and how Butts pulled musical influences from a wide variety of churches. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include: James Cleveland, Magnolia Lewis Butts, Albertina Walker, Isabel Joseph Johnson, The Soul Stirrers, The Argo singers, and First Church of Deliverance.


Campbell, DeLois Barrett, March 22, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2812

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (19 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with DeLois Barrett Campbell, Marovich and Campbell discuss Campbell’s early life and musical experiences, how she became involved with the Roberta Martin Singers, travelling with Martin’s groups and her personal life. They also discuss Campbell’s work after Martin’s groups, including her recordings with the Barrett sisters, singing at high profile funerals, and what performances Campbell is still taking. Other topics include how Campbell wants to be known, some of her favorite current artists, her past television experiences, and European audiences’ fondness for gospel music. Key figures mentioned include Roberta Martin, Members of the Roberta Martin singers: Norsalus McKissick, Willie Webb, Bessie Folk, as well as Myrtle Scott, Archie Dennis, Robert Anderson, Mahalia Jackson, and Thomas A. Dorsey.


Cathey, Chedwick Allen, December 3, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2813

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcipt (24 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Chedwick Allen Cathey, Marovich and Cathey discuss Cathey’s early life and church experiences, his tenure as director of Cosmopolitan’s choir, including the radio broadcasts and records before and during his time with the group, the process of crafting the choir’s arrangements, top vocalists out of Cosmopolitan, recent awards, and how the group came to be called The Warriors. They also discuss more general issues, such as the distinctive Chicago gospel choir sound, Chicago as the capital of gospel music, how choirs learned from each other, and how Cathey would “broadcast hop,” attending multiple churches that were broadcasting over the radio. Key figures, churches, and groups mentioned include: Cosmopolitan, Hyde Park Bible Church, Charles Clency, Shelby Wills, Voices of Tabernacle, and Marion Gaines.


Clency, Dr. Charles #1, April 5, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2814

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (10 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Evanston (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Dr. Charles Clency, Marovich and Clency discuss his relationship to the Barrett sisters through Columbia Records, some of his early musical experiences, his music degrees, and playing for Mahalia Jackson. They also discuss his time at Cosmopolitan, including the recording and broadcasts during his tenure as well as the church’s growth in popularity during the mid-1960s. Key figures and churches mentioned include: the Barrett Sisters, Mahalia Jackson, Cosmopolitan, Antioch Baptist Church, Greater Metropolitan, Morning Star, and Julia Mae Kennedy.


Clency, Dr. Charles #2, December 3, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2815

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (22 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with Dr. Charles Clency, Marovich and Clency discuss Clency’s early family life including his father and grandfather as preachers and church builders, musicians Clency admired and tried to emulate in his youth, how the musical style of the First Church of deliverance was received in other churches, and memorable moments from working with Mahalia Jackson. They also discuss more general issues, such as how Charles Craig and James Cleveland expanded the harmonic language and arrangement potential of gospel, the Chicago gospel sound and how the influence of Detroit groups changed that sound, and the distinction between gospel choir and senior choir in most churches. Key figures and churches mentioned include Wiley C. Jackson, Thomas Theodore Frye, Julia Mae Kennedy, First Church of Deliverance, Greater Metropolitan; Arlanda Mitchell, Mount Calvary Church, the Voices of Melody; Antioch Baptist Church, Voices of Tabernacle, Charles Craig, James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Allen Cathey; Glenn Burleigh, Joseph Henderson, Dave Weston, Harold Smith, and Edward Robinson.


Cole, Deacon Dennis, February 2, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2816

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (11 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Deacon Dennis Cole, Marovich and Cole discuss Cole’s childhood church and musical experiences, listening to radio broadcasts and broadcast hopping among churches, and how Cole bought sheet music in his youth in order to teach to his church choir. They pivot to his work as a broadcast announcer, how he came about founding the Chicago Area Announcers Guild, the role of gospel announcers at that time, and changes taking place in the Gospel industry. Key figures and churches discussed include James Cleveland, Greater Harvest, Hyde Park Bible Church, Omega, Cosmopolitan, The Caravans, the Tommies, and the New City Mass choir.


Curtis, Zadella "Mama", June 18, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2817

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (21 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Zadella Curtis, Marovich and Curtis discuss Curtis’s early life and musical experiences, her initial involvement with quartet music and continued advocacy of the genre, the responsibility of radio programmers to program educationally, difficulties that quartets experienced on the road, differences between female and male quartets lack of airplay for quartets, and trouble promoting live performances. They also discuss Curtis’s work with choirs, including her early experiences with them, the Chicago gospel sound, her time leading the gospel choir at Hyde Park High School, her involvement with local clergy though her participation in choirs, and the use of drilling as a rehearsal procedure for choirs. They also discuss various other issues, such as Curtis’s work with the Chicago Announcers guild, her honorary doctorate degree, how older musicians tended to stay at one church for a long time, and the importance of maintaining the legacy of more traditional gospel styles. Key figures mentioned include Father Hayes, Maceo Woods, and Willie Webb.


Davis, Prof. L. Stanley, March 1, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2818-2819

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 2 transcripts (20 pages; 18 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Stanley Davis, Marovich and Davis discuss Davis’s early life and exposure to gospel music in the Baltimore/D.C. area, the importance of Mahalia Jackson as a key figure for Davis, the introduction of the Hammond organ to First Church of Deliverance, the relationship between the musical style of Holiness churches and gospel, Baptist and Methodist disdain for Holiness/Pentecostal worship styles, and the figures whom Davis believes are the top pianists and organists in Chicago. Further, they discuss the distinctive Chicago gospel sound, upcoming gospel conferences, where people could buy gospel records in Chicago during the fifties and sixties, the decline of sheet music, personal record collections, choirs as places to build community, and the format for church service radio broadcasts. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Mahalia Jackson, Sallie Martin, First Church of Deliverance, Willie Webb, Little Lucy, Geraldine Gay, Eddie Robinson, Harold Freeman, Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers, and the Tommies. In the second part of this interview, Marovich and Davis discuss how choir directors often stress the importance of having a large choir, the onset of praise and worship music, the typical format of broadcast church services, First Church’s radio syndication, legendary gospel broadcasters in Chicago, the relationship between Pentecostals and gospel styles that draw on secular genres and modes of presentation, broadcasting, artists who Davis believed deserve more recognition, and gospel music as an art form that becomes exploited and appropriated for commercial gain. Key figures mentioned include Ray Berryhill, Issac Whitman, Myrtle Jackson, Rosetta Park, Myrtle Scott, LIttle Lucy, Herbert Williams, Dana Williams, and Lucy Rogers.


Dixon, Robert, August 13, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2820

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (23 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Oak Park (Ill.)

Content

In this interview, Marovich and Dixon discuss Dixon’s early life and musical experiences, his work with the Salem Travelers, recording for Chess records, songs dealing with social issues and their reception from live and radio audiences, difficulties of working as a quartet singer, including hard traveling and balancing day jobs with traveling, trouble recording, and getting radio play, quartets’ fan bases, and some of the intricacies of live performances.


Evans, Rev. Dr. Clay, January 18, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2821

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (16 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, Marovich and Evans discuss Evans’s early life and musical experiences, his move from Tennessee to Chicago at 21 in search of opportunity, his vocal groups and choirs, the participation of Evans’s family members in his choirs, and the recording process. They also discuss issues of more general relevance, including the distinctive Chicago Gospel choir sound, the distinction between Baptist and Missionary Baptist churches, what Evans considers to be Fellowship’s greatest accomplishment--helping people, Gospel music as being about humankind’s relationship with God analogous to how blues is about the relationships people have with one another. Evans also laments what he sees as irreverence in contemporary music that he feels is more oriented toward entertainment than worship. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Willie Webb, Ben Branch, Mahalia Jackson, the Lux Singers, the Soul Revivers, the Soul Stirrers, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church.


Gay, Geraldine and Donald, August 30, 2008

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2822

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (26 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Geraldine Gay Hambric, Donald Gay, and Gregory Gay, Marovich and the Gays discuss the family’s early life and musical experiences, Geraldine’s skill at writing and playing introductions to songs, why the fifties have been called “The Golden Age of Gospel,” differences between Sanctified and Baptist musical styles, other musicians who frequented the Gay house in the 50s and 60s, performing at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo as well as on the Jubilee Showcase Program, and recording for Chess in the 1960s. They talk about problems traveling to perform in the 50s and 60s, particularly in terms of not getting adequate compensation for their performances and experiencing discrimination in the south. Key figures discussed include other family members: brother Robert and sister Evelyn Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, the Staple Singers, the Anna Crockett Singers, James Cleveland and the Lux Singers, and Jessy Dixon.


Goodloe, Bishop Jerry, September 26, 2013

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2823

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (15 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Bishop Jerry Goodloe, Marovich and Goodloe discuss Goodloe’s early life and move to Chicago, being part of First Church’s radio broadcast choir, starting Lighthouse Baptist Church and growing it, traveling with his choir, his church’s sound system which other artists frequently used for recording, attending the National Baptist Convention, the gospel community in Chicago, and what Goodloe considers to be the distinctive Chicago gospel sound. Key figures and churches discussed include Liberty Baptist Church, First Church of Deliverance, Lighthouse Baptist Church, Reverend Cobbs, Julia Mae Kennedy, Sallie Martin, Albertina Walker, and James Cleveland.


Harris, Ethel (Albertina Walker's ass't.), December 1, 2011

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2824

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (17 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Ethyl Harris, who was Albertina Walker’s assistant late in her life, Marovich and Harris primarily discuss Harris and Walker’s relationship and Walker’s personality, focusing on her friendliness, humility, and outgoing personality, including her sense of humor. Harris expounds upon several elements of Walker’s life with which she is familiar, including her start in gospel music despite originally wanting to sing secular styles, her love of food and traveling, and the impact that walker had upon Harris’s life, especially through her gratitude. Key figures discussed include Mahalia Jackson, Willie Webb, James Cleveland, Inez Andrews, and Delois Barrett Campbell.


Hayes, Dr. Charles G, February 11, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2825

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (25 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Dr. Charles Hayes, Marovich and Hayes discuss Hayes’s recordings for Righteous and Savoy records, touring with his groups, arrangements of several of their songs, the tight-knit Chicago gospel community, his church’s television and radio broadcasts, and the distinct Chicago gospel sound. They also discuss Hayes’s first discovery of gospel music as a child, founding his first church and choir, fires set at his churches, some of his church’s earliest members, and his belief that many young people come to church primarily as a source of entertainment. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include James Cleveland, Shelby Wells, Curtis Fondren, Jack F. Cooper, the Warriors, First Church of Deliverance, Hyde Park Bible Church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer, and Tabernacle Mission, which was renamed Universal Kingdom of Christ.


Herndon, Rev. James, October 20, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2826

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (12 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Durham (NC) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with James Herndon, Marovich and Herndon discuss Herndon’s early life and musical experiences, joining the Caravans and moving to Chicago, challenges as a lone instrumentalist in large venues, and some church members frowning on groups that sang in nightclubs. They also discuss songs that Herndon wrote and his songwriting process that focused on the role of scripture in song texts, rehearsals and recordings, the group’s musical interaction and their ability to musically communicate, the number of solo artists who emerged from the caravans, starting the James Herndon Singers, problems of traveling with these groups, particularly in the segregated south, and the Chicago gospel sound. Key figures and groups discussed include the Caravans, Shirley Caesar, the Ward Singers, Johneron Davis, Josephine Howard, Louise McDonald, Gloria Griffin, Cassietta George, Delores Washington, Inez Andrews, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Bessie Griffin, and Sallie Martin.


Jenkins, Margaret Aikens, May 21, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2827

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (23 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Hawthorne (Calif.)

Content

In this interview with Margaret Aikens Jenkins, Marovich and Jenkins discuss Jenkins’s early life and musical experience singing in the children’s choir at her church, growing up in an interracial family, why families moved from the south to Chicago, and how Jenkins learned to play piano from her sister Ora. They discuss Jenkins’s husbands, the record label and publishing companies she was involved with, Mag-Oil Records and Aikens and Lafayette Publishing, and her relationship with Mahalia Jackson, including how Jackson came to sing many of Jenkins’s songs. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Mahalia Jackson, Celeste Scott, Ollie Lafayette Etta James, Helen Robinson and the Helen Robinson Choir, the Meltones, the Ladies of Song, and Morgan Park Assembly.


Jones, James, April 10, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2828

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (15 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Gary (Ind.)

Content

In this interview with James Jones, Marovich and Jones discuss Jones’s early life and musical experiences, working with big name quartets, Traveling regionally for performances, his groups and their experiences as a member of the Indiana Quartet Union, singing on radio broadcasts, strategies that Jones’s groups used to advertise their concerts, old groups that are still performing, Jones’s groups’ relationships with other groups, and the day jobs that Jones held while singing. Key figures, groups and churches discussed include John Ford--promoter and president of the Five Trumpets, Bud Pressner--Gary’s main recording engineer, Rev. Joiner, Starlights of Harmony (Jones’s first group), the Silhouettes, the Five Trumpets, the Spaniels, the Spiritual Stars, the sounds of Soul, and Christ Temple Church in Gary, IN.


Keeble, Rev. Dr. Stanley, February 22, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2829-2830

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (24 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Reverend Stanley Keeble, Marovich and Keeble discuss Keeble’s early life and family, performing on radio broadcasts, top churches in Chicago during the 1960s, playing for quartets, recording with the Fellowship choir, and touring with Inez Andrews. They also discuss the importance of gospel musicians providing uplifting music for congregations, selecting singers for and rehearsing his choir, the distinct Chicago gospel sound and the changes it has undergone, the relationship between Chicago gospel music and blues, and Keeble’s recording successes. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Willie Webb, Lou Della Evans, Charles Taylor, Alex Bradford, Inez Andrews, Voices of Triumph, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, and Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist church.


Lee, Antoinette, October 27, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2831

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (8 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Minneapolis (Minn.) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with Antoinette Lee, Marovich and Lee primarily discuss Elliott Beal, Lee’s cousin. They talk about his early life and musical experiences, classical piano training, relationship with Mahalia Jackson--both before and after she became famous, and touch on Beal’s relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr. Lee also mentions Archie Reynolds, another of her cousins, who is also a key figure in gospel music.


Lenox, Aldrea, January 8, 2011

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2832

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (29 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Alrea Lenox, Marovich and Lenox discuss Lenox’s early life and musical experiences, her recording activity--focusing upon a famous Vee Jay session with Maceo Woods, meeting her husband through her involvement with the Thompson Community singers, being a member of both the Lockhart Singers and the Tommies at different points, musicians who haven’t gotten the recognition they deserved, performing on “Jubilee Showcase,” Singing with Paul Simon, and traveling with Dorothy Norwood. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Reverend Charles Walker, A.A. Childs Woodrow Walker, Maceo Woods (and the Maceo Woods Singers), Dorothy Norwood (and the Dorothy Norwood Singers), Mahalia Jackson, Paul Simon, “Little Esther” Smith, the Lux Singers, Lockhart Singers, The Thompson Community singers, Clay Evans Fellowship, Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ, and Evangelist Temple.


Lenox, Elder Lamont, March 24, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2833

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (23 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Pastor Lamont Lenox, Marovich and Lenox discuss several of Lenox’s family members who were heavily involved in gospel music in Chicago, including his grandparents, Eleazar and Trusillia; his parents James and Aldrea; and his sister, Queenie. They discuss his grandfather Eleazar’s association with the Church of God in Christ, the process of naming churches after their street addresses, the racial makeup his grandparents’ church and its neighborhood in the 20s-40s, and Lenox’s memories of his grandfather. They discuss Lenox’s father, James, and his involvement with the Chicago Pentecostal choir, including his rehearsal strategy of teaching songs by rote and his mother’s career as a gospel singer with several key groups. They also talk about Lenox’s experiences playing and directing groups professionally and during college, including directing the Interdenominational Youth Choir and working at various churches. They address issues of church leadership bridging across denominational divides, and radio broadcasts at Holy Temple. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Eleazar, Trusillia, James, Aldra, and Queenie Lenox, Chicago Pentecostal Choir, the Lockhart Singers, the Tommies, the Dorothy Norwood singers, Paul Simon, the Jessy Dixon singers, the Interdenominational Youth choir, the Evangelistics, and Holy Temple Church of God in Christ.


Lester, Betty, March 12, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2834

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (33 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Betty Lester, Marovich and Lester discuss Lester’s early life and her original desire to be a blues singer, her involvement with the Youth Federation, joining a community gospel choir from the South Chicago community center at age 12, why gospel singers of previous eras didn’t make recordings--they thought it was necessary to have record label backing to go into the studio, Lester’s songwriting process and recording activity, including her self-produced records and singers she has admired. They also discuss her time at New Friendship, with James Cleveland starting a workshop there and Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahalia Jackson visiting the church, the battle of the “Ships.” She also discusses Chicago gospel styles, how musicians transcended denominational boundaries, how the gospel community encourages musicians, the troubles of trying to get paid for performing in the 50s and 60s, empathizing with artists who crossed over. She critiques contemporary music and elaborates upon the intrinsic value she finds in helping people with her music as well. Key figures and churches discussed include James Cleveland, Ora Lee Hopkins, Eddie Robinson, New Friendship Baptist Church, and Pilgrim Baptist Church.


Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. Mack, May 28, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2835

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (20 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview mainly deals with the life of Mack Marshall’s uncle, Theodore Frye. Marovich and the Marshalls discuss Frye’s personality and leadership style, his publishing company and songs that his family should be receiving compensation for but are not, his generation of gospel singers providing music for church first, with recording being a distant secondary concern, Frye’s directing style, his funeral, and his relationship to Dorsey. Key figures and churches discussed include Thomas Theodore Frye, Rance Allen, Robert Anderson, Thomas A. Dorsey, and Olivet Baptist Church.


McLin, Lena Johnson, June 15, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2836

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (8 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Dr. Lena Johnson McLin, Thomas A. Dorsey’s niece who lived with him during a formative musical period, the pair primarily discuss Dorsey’s activities during this time. They discuss McLin’s early life, memories of Dorsey’s early gospel choirs, including McLin’s favorite accompanist of Dorsey’s, pianist Charlene Burris. They also touch on McLin’s own musical activities, including her compositions and her dislike of contemporary music. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Thomas A. Dorsey, Charlene Burris, Willie Mae Ford Smith, Sallie Martin, the Dorsey Singers, and Pilgrim Baptist Church.


Melson, Bertha Burley, July 28, 2011

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2837

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (21 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview with Bertha Burley Melson and Rev. Stanley Keeble is primarily about Melson’s life and musical activities. The trio discuss Melson’s early life and musical experiences, attending musicals at Shiloh Baptist church, how recording wasn’t a priority for the groups of which Melson was a member, singers that she admired and those who didn’t get the recognition they deserved, the Lux Singers’ unorthodox style and their performances on the First Church broadcasts, as well as how groups and individuals would cross denominational boundaries. Key figures, discussed include Reverend Joseph A. Winters, Cora Winters Swift, Bishop A.A. Childs, James Cleveland (with whom Melson was childhood friends), Beatrice Lux, Aldrea Lenox, Clay Evans, Sam Cooke, Spencer Jackson, and Oralee Hopkins. Key groups and churches mentioned include The Lux Singers, Progressive Community Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, Sacred Heart Spiritual Church, By Way of the Cross Spiritual Church, and First Church of Deliverance.


Minter, Rev. Cleve, March 10, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2838

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (15 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Rev. Dr. Cleve Minter, Marovich and Minter primarily discuss Minter’s work with the Pilgrim Harmonizers. They discuss recording and performing professionally with the group, including trouble breaking even on performances at times, performing on “Jubilee Showcase,” trouble while traveling to performances, selling records at performances, and the group’s rehearsal process. They also discuss Minter’s initial move to Chicago, closeness among people in the Chicago quartet community, how quartets began adding guitar players in the early 50s, and the relationship of quartets both to choirs and to other quartets. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Major Roberson, Willie Dixon, The Soul Stirrers, Southern Faith Singers, Greater Whitestone Missionary Baptist Church, and Christian Fellowship Baptist Church.


Mobley, Rev. Wealthy L., April 10, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2839

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (12 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Rev. Dr. Wealthy L. Mobley, Marovich and Mobley discuss Mobley's early life, moving from Mississippi to Chicago, various churches that Mobley pastored, starting his own church, Gospel Truth, in 1988 and moving that church around before settling the location in 1995; and programs that were put on at various churches Mobley attended. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include H.R. Jelks, Sam Cooke and the Cooke family, Dr. J.H.L. Smith, the Jelks Ensemble, the Soul Stirrers, Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Gospel Truth Missionary Baptist Church, Pleasant Green Baptist Church, First Church of Deliverance, and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.


Montgomery, Pastor Louis, November 16, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2840

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (13 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Pastor Louis Montgomery, Marovich and Montgomery discuss Montgomery’s early life and move to Chicago, his group the Universal Jubilaires, which emerged from Universal Baptist church, the group’s early musical influences and songwriting process, traveling for weekend performances, recording experiences and radio play, recently reissued recordings of the group, and performance opportunities around Chicago on radio programs and at the DuSable Museum of African American History.


Moore, Rev. John Wesley, April 5, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2841

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (24 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Reverend John W. Moore, Marovich and Moore discuss Moore’s early life and musical experiences, his recording experiences with a number of groups, his involvement with a Saturday night gospel hour with the Wyatt Choral Ensemble, various radio broadcasts he has been involved with, the variety of gospel musicians that have come out of Tabernacle Baptist church, broadcast hopping, the commercialization of contemporary gospel music, and his father, who sung in the Golden Echoes with Pops Staples. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Maceo Woods, Dr. Louis Rawls and Lou Rawls (whom Moore says are of no relation, despite the fact that many think they are related), Sam Cooke, Henry Rush, Pops Staples, Dukes of Harmony, Wyatt Choral Ensemble, South Side Community Choir, the Golden Echoes, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church.


Morson, Bossie Jr., October 11, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2842

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (15 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Bossie Morson Jr, Marovich and Morson discuss Morson’s early life and move to Chicago, his initial involvement with quartets in Chicago, recording for Vee Jay, Broadcasting on the radio with DJ Rudy Roach, singing in quartet battles, the group’s membership in the National Quartet Convention of America, traveling for performances, selling records and photos on the road, the fact that quartet singing didn’t pay the bills for most singers, and differences in quartet activity on the West and South sides of Chicago. Key figures and groups mentioned include Sam Cooke, Johnnie Taylor, Spencer Taylor, the Kingdom Bound Singers, Bossie and the Forever Bound Singers, the Soul Stirrers, and the QCs.


Ordower, Myrna and Cheryl, June 6, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2843

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (31 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Myrna and Cheryl Ordower, the wife and daughter of the late Sid Ordower, the Ordowers and Marovich discuss the Jubilee Showcase broadcasts at Abrams Pontiac, both on radio and television, groups that regularly appeared on the show, including the Norfleet Brothers, the Barrett Sisters, Sally Martin, Jesse Dixon, and Albertina Walker; Sid’s perfectionism when it came to the show, donating the film to the Harold Washington Library, and a similar program in the early 60s titled TV Gospel Time. They also discussed Sid’s life and activities more generally, including his family life, other professional activities and political activism. Key figures and groups mentioned include Sally Martin, Jesse Dixon, Albertina Walker, the Staple Singers, the Emotions (later being renamed the Hutchison Sunbeams), the Norfleet Brothers, and the Barrett Sisters.


Ordower, Steven, March 29, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2844-2845

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (23 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview with Steve Ordower is primarily about his father, Sid, and the Jubilee Showcase television program. Ordower and Marovich discuss Sid’s life experiences that led to his political involvement, and various causes with which he was involved throughout the course of his career particularly advocacy work with and involvement in Chicago’s black communities, as well as his religious life--although Jewish, he attended church more than he did synagogue and he had an unconventional funeral. The bulk of this conversation is about the program itself--key topics include significant artists who performed on the program, Ordower’s perfectionism when producing the show, highlights from the show, Jubilee Showcase as a launchpad for artists who crossed over into secular music, and extant episodes of the program. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Lena McLin, Albertina Walker, Jessy Dixon, Herman Lubinsky, Willie Dixon, James Cleveland, Pop Staples, the Soul Stirrers, the barrett Sisters, the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Caravans, the Helen Robinson Youth Chorus, the Wooten Chorale Ensemble, and Liberty Baptist Church.


Price, Vernon Oliver, April 11, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2846

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (22 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Vernon Oliver Price, Marovich and Price discuss Price’s early life, church, and musical experiences, broadcast hopping and singing on the radio with the St. Paul Choir, her family singing group, Sister Vernon Oliver Price and the Price boys; traveling nationally and internationally with various groups, performing on Jubilee Showcase, the relative unimportance of recording for gospel groups in the 40s and 50s, how gospel musicians often crossed denominational boundaries, and the fact that Price was not as widely recognized as some other gospel singers, perhaps in part because she didn’t record much. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Rev. William Roberts, Bishop Louis Henry Ford, Anna Broy Crockett, Willie Webb, Rebert and Jeanette Harris, who were Price’s relatives and members of the Soul Stirrers and the Golden Harps, respectively, Sister Vernon Oliver Price and the Price Boys, the Duncanaires, the Jackson Singers, the Lux Singers, the Tommies, Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, and St. Paul Church of God in Christ.


Reed, Rev. Darryl, April 17, 2011

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2847

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (8 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview is predominantly about Reed’s mother, Ora Lee Hopkins. Reed and Marovich discuss Hopkins’s early life, musical, and church experiences, her work with several prominent gospel groups, radio broadcasts at New Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, gospel singers who would visit the family home when Reed was growing up, and Hopkins’s performance style. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Willie Webb, the Caravans, the Robert Anderson Singers, New Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, and 44th Street Baptist Church.


Roberts, Mother Alva, March 5, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2848-2849

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (23 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Mother Alva Roberts, Marovich and Roberts discuss her early life, musical experiences and her family’s initial involvement with the Church of God in Christ, moving with her family to Chicago at age 11, the death of her first husband and meeting Isaiah Roberts, her second husband; Isaiah’s talk and musical radio program, May I Help You and his rise from DJ to pastor to Bishop in the Church of God in Christ. They also discuss her mother’s musical involvement at Roberts Temple as organist and Emmett Till’s funeral, which was held at the church. Key Figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Rev. Ford Washington McGee, Jack Cooper (early black DJ in Chicago), Lorenza Brown Porter, Mahalia Jackson, Arizona Dranes, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Lucy Smith Collier, Charles Price Jones, Bishop Louis Henry Ford, the Sunshine Band, the Gay Sisters, and Roberts Temple Church of God.


Robinson, Roscoe, June 4, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2850

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (18 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Birmingham (Ala.) (via telephone

Content

In this interview with Roscoe Robinson, Marovich and Robinson discuss Robinson’s early life and musical experiences, including his experience singing with a family group and in church while growing up in Dermott, Arkansas, and his early quartets in Gary, IN, including radio broadcasts with the Royal Quartet and his first recording experiences for Trumpet Records. They also discuss obscure information about the quartet scene, including Lou Rawls singing with the Norfolk singers in his early days and groups that never got the recognition that Robinson thinks they deserved. Robinson also talks about recording for Chess records, transitioning from singing gospel to singing R&B, and his newest R&B album. Key figures and groups mentioned include Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Leonard Chess, the Kelly Brothers, the Southern Sons, the Royal Quartet, Sam Cooke, the Fairfield Four, the silver Quintette, the Blind Boys of Mississippi, the Blind Boys of Alabama, the Norfolk singers, the Norfleet Brothers, and the Barrett Singers.


Smith, Donald, March 5, 2010

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2851

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (13 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Donald Smith, Marovich and Smith identify a photo in Marovich’s possession and discuss Smith’s life and musical experiences. They address Smith’s early life growing up on the south side of Chicago and his family’s involvement in First Church of Deliverance during his youth, working with the Maceo Woods singers, including making recordings, challenges traveling to perform in the south, working with other gospel groups such as the Staple Singers, his family’s home as a rehearsal spot for many of the Chicago gospel groups, and his illnesses when traveling to performances in the fifties. They also discuss Smith’s life after his professional performing career, including his other non-musical jobs and the fact that he doesn’t perform in public very much anymore. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Reverend Clarence Cobbs, Maceo Woods, Stanley Keeble, Geraldine Gay, the Staple singers, First Church of Deliverance and Unity in Chicago.


Smith, Eugene, January 10, 2008

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2852-2853

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (27 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Eugene Smith, Maroivch and Smith primarily discuss the latter’s work with the Roberta Martin singers. They discuss Smith’s family and early life, including being recruited by Martin into the Ebenezer Junior Chorus, the difference between Thomas A. Dorsey’s and Martin’s piano playing, the Roberta Martin Singers and the group’s loyalty to Martin, including continuing the group after her death, recording and Smith’s narrating technique during their performances. They also discuss traveling and week-long revivals with the Roberta Martin Singers, her insistence upon her musicians memorizing their music, Martin’s less well-known singing ability and her other musical endeavors such as performing an operetta with Ebenezer musicians, and her funeral and burial. Further, they talk about Smith’s brief stint as a gospel announcer. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Roberta Martin and the Roberta Martin Singers, Thomas A. Dorsey, Professor Theodore Frye, Sallie Martin, Bill Martin, Roberta’s first husband, Mabel Sanford Lewis, Alice Jones, a pianist and Dinah Washington’s mother, Maceo Woods, Mahalia Jackson, the Martin and Frye Singers, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, and St. Paul Baptist Church.


Smith, Nellie Grace Daniels/Bernadette S., July 12, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2854

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (30 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Decatur (Ga.)

Content

In this interview with Nellie Grace Daniels Smith, Marovich, Smith, and her daughter Bernadette discuss Smith’s musical career and many of the figures she knew in the Chicago gospel scene. They talk about her time with the Robert Anderson Singers and the caravans, addressing the group’s name change, songs Smith wrote or helped Anderson write or arrange, the tight-knit gospel community in Chicago, working a day job at some points during her life, and traveling to performances, especially difficulties the groups faced while traveling in the south. They also discuss some of Smith’s activities outside of gospel, including auditioning for Duke Ellington, appearing on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, and the jazz records that Smith recorded. Key figures, groups and churches mentioned include Duke Ellington, Willie Cook, Robert Anderson, George Upshaw, Reverend Clay Evans, Albertina Walker, Ora Lee Hopkins, Inez Andrews, Elyse Yancer, Irma Gwynn, Sam Cooke, James Cleveland, Gladys Beaman, Della Reese, the Good Shepherds, the Robert Anderson Singers, the Caravans, the Soul Stirrers, and St. Paul Church of God in Christ.


Sykes, Dolores "Honey", March 29, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2855

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (22 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Deloris “Honey” Sykes, Marovich and Sykes discuss Sykes’s early life growing up in Roberts Temple and early musical influences, Poppa Roberts and Sykes’s travels with him, considering him a second father. They also discuss Elder Duncan and Sykes’s experiences singing with the Duncanaires, talking about the group’s sound, the process of negotiating a record deal amongst Vee Jay, Savoy, and Riverside, eventually deciding upon Riverside; and her brief stint with the Clara Ward singers. They also talk about musicians who didn’t get the recognition they deserved, recording with a number of now-deceased legends in a session at Bill Gathier’s house, singing on Bishop Ford’s broadcast, and groups the Duncanaires appeared with. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Sister Minnie Pearl, Poppa Roberts, Arizona Dranes, Elder Duncan, Ruth Davis and the Davis Sisters, Dot Love and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, P.R. Favors, Lucy Smith, Sam Cooke, Ora Lee Hopkins, The Robert-ettes, the Duncanaires, the Tommies, and Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ.


Sykes, Doris, June 30, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2856

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (13 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Doris Sykes, Marovich and Sykes discuss Sykes’s early life, family, and musical experiences, her being a founding member of the choir at Christian Tabernacle, and traveling with the Christian Tabernacle Choir, performing on the “Gospel Supreme” concerts, some of Sykes’s favorite singers when she was coming of age, her brief time singing with the Little Lucy Singers, broadcast hopping, the Chicago Gospel sound, and awards that she has received. Key figures, groups and churches discussed include Maceo Woods, Willie Webb, Devella Tuck, Reverend James Cleveland, South Side Community Choir, Christian Tabernacle Choir, Little Lucy Singers, Antioch Baptist Church, Watley Temple, Hyde Park Bible Church, and Christian Tabernacle.


Taylor, Spencer, June 25, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2857

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (14 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Washington (D.C.) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with Spencer Taylor, Marovich and Taylor discuss Taylor’s early life, family, and musical experiences singing with the Taylor family group, his move to Chicago at age 19 including singing with a quartet out of Greater Harvest Baptist Church, and recording with the Holy Wonders. Most of this discussion centers on Taylor’s tenure as a member of the Highway QCs, including the group’s membership in the Chicago Quartet Union, singing on the radio with the group, personnel changes the group went through, recording with the Highway QCs, including the group’s hits and various labels on which they recorded, such as Savoy, Vee Jay, and Peacock, and Taylor’s decision to turn down an opportunity to sing with the Soul Stirrers in favor of continuing with the QCs. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include James Phelps, Reverend Leroy Taylor, Johnnie Taylor, the Holy Wonders, the Highway QCs, the Clefs of Calvary, the Soul Stirrers, and the Norfleet Brothers.


Watson, Romance, July 24, 2009

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2858

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (15 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Philadelphia (Pa.) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with Romance Watson, Marovich and Watson discuss Watson’s early life and family, groups he sang in prior to joining the Roberta Martin Singers, including the Watson Singers, a group his family formed; broadcasting from All Nations Pentecostal Church, and collegiality among people of varying denominations. Most of this interview focuses on Watson’s time with the Roberta Martin Singers, including how he came to join the group, his initial impressions of Martin, recording with the Roberta Martin singers, his move to Philadelphia and still singing with the group on special occasions after moving. They also discuss the gospel community in Chicago during the 40s and 50s, Watson’s continued musical activities upon his move to Philadelphia, including directing choirs and singing pop for Coral records, and growing up with James Cleveland. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Elder Lucy Smith, Little Lucy Smith, Norsalus McKissick, James Cleveland, Magnolia Lewis Butts, the Lux Singers, the Watson Singers, the Smith Trio, Willie Webb Singers, and All Nations Pentecostal Church.


Whittmon, Rev. Issac, July 6, 2008

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2859

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (22 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview with Rev. Issac Whittmon may roughly be divided into three sections. In the first section, Whittmon and Marovich discuss Whittmon’s early life and family, early musical influences and his early interest in music. They address his joining the Southside Community Choir at a very young age, singing with a group led by Whittmon’s mother, called the Murphyettes, including programs the group sang on, and his impressions from watching other groups sing. They talk about his work with the Hyde Park Choir as a soloist, and the importance of broadcasts in making churches known to the broader public. In the second portion of this interview they talk about Whittmon’s time with the Redeeming Church of Christ, including his initial calling to join the church, his work helping Bishop Anderson build the church, and his starting his own congregation at Greater Metropolitan, which led to a falling out and eventual reconciliation with Anderson. In the third portion, they discuss his work with James Cleveland, including working with the Gospel Workshop of America, recording for Savoy both with his own groups and with Cleveland, and their helping Albertina Walker record on Savoy. The pair also addresses Whittmon’s songwriting process. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include James Cleveland, Willie Webb, Bishop James L. Anderson, Myrtle Jackson, the Murphyettes, Southside Community Choir, Hyde Park Choir, the Clefs of Faith, First Church of Divine Science, Redeeming Church of Christ, and Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ.

Restricted Access Note

Portions of this interview have been redacted; access to audio is currently restricted.


Willing Four, June 11, 2012

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2860

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (33 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

This interview includes members over the span of the Willing Four’s entire career as a group, with some of the earliest members being featured alongside more recent additions. The group discusses its inception in 1951 and its early members, its uniforms, typical performance venues, including performing on Jubilee Showcase and on the radio. They also discuss groups they have shared the stage with, recording experiences with Chess, and the singles they released. The address the group’s relationship to Chicago, talking about how the city’s West Side served as a hotbed for quartet activity and noting that the group’s younger members tended to be born in Chicago, while the older members typically moved to the city from the south--this is in large part due to the family-oriented approach the group took, which engenders a level of commitment and allowed younger musicians to seamlessly join, given their existing familiarity with the repertoire. They also share a number of stories about traveling, including amusing anecdotes from the road, troubles facing discrimination while traveling in the south, and dealing with dubious concert promoters, from whom the group often did not receive the payment they were promised. They also talk about the broader gospel community, including discussing quartet competitions and their membership in the Quartet Union.


Willis, Floriene Watson, July 5, 2013

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2861

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (16 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Redwood City (Calif.) (via telephone)

Content

In this interview with Floriene Watson Willis, Marovich and Watson discuss Watson’s family and early musical experiences singing and recording with her family’s group, the Watson Family singers; and her coming of age in All Nations Pentecostal Church. They discuss her time singing with the Little Lucy Smith Singers and leaving the group upon her move to Californa, where she continued to sing and play gospel music. They also talk about musicians who didn’t get the recognition they deserved, and inter-denominational controversies, such as the fact that it wasn’t considered acceptable for Watson to attend the First Church of Deliverance broadcasts. Key figures, groups, and churches discussed include Elder Lucy Smith, Little Lucy smith, Gladys Beamon, Roberta Martin, Catherine Campbell, Sarah McKissick, James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, the Watson Family Singers, the Smith Trio, the Little Lucy Smith Singers All Nations Pentecostal Church, First Church of Deliverance, Grace Temple Church of God in Christ, and Calvary Temple Church of God in Christ (the latter two are both located in California).


Woods, Kenneth Jr. #1, February 19, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2862

Physical Description

1 audiocassette + 1 transcript (31 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Kenneth Woods, Marovich and Woods discuss Woods’s long career in gospel, focusing on his time working with Sallie Martin, discussing how Woods met Martin and his experiences playing with her for 20 years before becoming a school teacher--Woods notes that Martin was influential due to her being a key figure who introduced gospel to the West Coast. They also discuss Woods’s early life and musical experiences in Indianapolis and in the military, performing at gospel conventions, how Woods traveled with several other groups, including the Brown Singers and serving as Joe May’s driver and pianist. They also discuss the importance of orality and improvisation in gospel music, with Woods tying these attributes to Dorsey’s blues lineage and his work with Vee Jay Records. Key figures, groups, and churches mentioned include Eugene Smith, J. Robert Bradley, Margaret Aikens, Emma Jackson, Sallie Martin, Joe May, Rev. L.K. Johnson, Della Reese, Thomas A. Dorsey, Theodore Frye, James Cleveland, Clay Evans, the Brown Singers, the Lux Singers, Metropolitan Baptist Church (Indianapolis), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Restricted Access Note

Portions of this interview have been redacted; access to audio is currently restricted.


Woods, Kenneth Jr. #2, November 15, 2011

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2863-2864

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (30 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In the second part of this lengthy interview with Kenneth Woods, Marovich and Woods discuss a variety of matters pertinent to Woods’s own musical activities, such as his aversion to the recording process and the relative unimportance of recordings to Woods’s generation of musicians; the impact of studying music in university settings on Woods’s approach to arranging; and controversies around churchgoers’ attire over the years, including Woods’s own fashion sense. They also discuss more general issues, including the popularity of the Hammond B3 organ among gospel performers, the influence of praise and worship on contemporary gospel music, and urban decay in Chicago and Detroit. Further, they discuss Sallie Martin’s comparative wealth for a gospel singer. Key figures and groups mentioned include Irma Gwynn, Elizabeth Hall, Sallie Martin, Nellie Grace Daniels, Eddie Robinson, James Cleveland and the James Cleveland Singers, the Gay sisters, and the Lux Singers.

Restricted Access Note

Portions of this interview have been redacted; access to audio is currently restricted.


Wooten, Robert Sr., March 22, 2007

Shelf No(s).
CASS 2865-2866

Physical Description

2 audiocassettes + 1 transcript (12 pages) : analog

Interview Location

Chicago (Ill.)

Content

In this interview with Robert Wooten, Sr, Marovich and Wooten discuss Wooten’s approach to directing choirs and his musical activities over the years. Wooten addresses studying at the Chicago conservatory of Music while working with the Greater Harvest Radio Chorus, recording with the group, and his experiments with incorporating classical music into the church’s services (to negative responses from congregants. From these details, Wooten presents his personal philosophy of presenting music to congregants, the rules he sets for his choir members, and his emphasis on choirs being for the members and congregants rather than producing records to sell. Further, Wooten elaborates on his musical influence on his son, a gospel producer, and what he would desire his own musical legacy to be. Key figures, groups and churches mentioned include Lawrence Evans and Paula Daniels evans, former choir members; Maurice McGhee, Wooten’s predecessor at Greater Harvest; Maceo Woods; Greater Harvest Radio Chorus; Beth Eden Baptist Church, and Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church.


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