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