Featured In
ALBUMGospel GreatsRev. James Cleveland
Albums by Rev. James Cleveland
ALBUMGospel GreatsRev. James Cleveland
ALBUMWho Will AnswerRev. James Cleveland
ALBUMCertainly LordRev. James Cleveland
ALBUMGreater DayRev. James Cleveland
ALBUMGlad TidingsJim Norman & Rev. James Cleveland
ALBUMPlatinum Gospel - Rev. James ClevelandRev. James Cleveland
ALBUMBehind the CurtainRev. James Cleveland & Gospel Music Workshop of America
ALBUMStanding in the Need of a BlessingRev. James Cleveland & Gospel Music Workshop of America
ALBUMIt's a New DayRev. James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir
ALBUMHaving ChurchRev. James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir
Artist Biography
Honing his chops as a songwriter and performer with the legendary Caravans, gospel artist Reverend James Cleveland would go on to become what is arguably the most important figure in post-WWII Black gospel. Cleveland was a key figure in integrating contemporary Black styles such as jazz, R&B, and funk into the traditional choir framework. The various choirs that he directed were known for their intense, thundering performances, establishing the musical and emotional yardstick by which all large-scale Black gospel groups would be measured for years to come. Cleveland died in 1991.
Hometown
Chicago, IL, United States
Genre
Christian