The following are short descriptions of the groups and organizations which have contributed to the shaping of African American history. These encyclopedia entries serve as a starting point for much more inclusive descriptions and discussions that appear in other sources. For additional information please consult the print or website sources cited in the entry.
Kirk Franklin and the Family, an ensemble that comprised 23 singers and musicians who were biologically related or friends, was spearheaded and directed by contemporary gospel Grammy Award recipient Kirk Franklin (born January 26, 1970, in Dallas, Texas). This informal musical collaboration became an official … Read MoreKirk Franklin and the Family (1992-2010)
The Golden Gate Quartet was formed in 1934 in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Golden Gate Jubilee Singers by four teenage students at Booker T. Washington High School. The founders were bass Orlandus Wilson who was born on August 27, 1917, in South Norfolk, arranger/ baritone … Read MoreThe Golden Gate Quartet (1934- )
Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz was a hip-hop duo composed of rappers Sean “Lord Tariq” Hamilton and Peter “Peter Gunz” Pankey. The group is best known for their 1997 single “Déjà vu (Uptown Baby).” The duo was established in 1996 in New York City, New … Read MoreLord Tariq and Peter Gunz (1996-1999)
A cappella doo-wop, gospel sextet Take 6 was formed on the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Seventh Day Adventist campus of Oakwood University in 1980 in Huntsville, Alabama. The ensemble’s repertoire includes jazz, doo-wop, Contemporary R&B, Negro Spirituals, and Classical European genres of … Read MoreTake 6 (1980- )
The Dixie Hummingbirds, a gospel music group, was formed in 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina, by lyricist/vocalist/guitarist James B. Davis, (born June 6, 1916, in Greenville), when he was 12. He was assisted by Barney Parks (born August 17, 1916) and Claude A. Jeter (born … Read MoreDixie Hummingbirds (1928- )
Funk and R&B band Raydio was formed in 1977 in Detroit, Michigan by composer/guitarist/vocalist Ray Erskine Parker Jr., vocalist/bassist Jerry Ernest Knight, pianist/guitarist/drummer Vincent Bohnam, and lead vocalist/Guitarist/lyricist Arnell Derek Carmichael. Ray Erskine Parker Jr., the lead musician, was born on May 1, 1954, in … Read MoreRaydio (1977-1981; 2014- )
The R&B/ Rap Force MDs (Musical Diversity) started as The LDs, then connected with DJ Dr. Rock (Roger Daniels), who was born September 12, 1962, and performed as Dr. Rock & the Force MCs, a quintet, before establishing themselves in 1981 as Force MDs in … Read MoreForce MDs (1981- )
The S.O.S. Band (Sounds of Success), a rhythm and blues and electro-funk ensemble, began as Santa Monica Band in 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia. The group was “discovered” by Milton Lamar, an Atlanta nightclub owner, who became their manager. The founding members were lead vocalist Mary … Read MoreS.O.S. Band (1977-1995)
The Mighty Clouds of Joy who often performed as Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy, was a gospel quartet established in Los Angeles, California in 1955. The founding members were Willie Joe Ligon (October 11, 1936), Johnny Martin (February 2, 1941), Bass Guitarist … Read MoreThe Mighty Clouds of Joy (1955-2012)
Mary Mary has emerged as the most successful gospel duo of the 21st Century. In 1998, sisters and Erica Monique Atkins Campbell, born April 29, 1972, and Trecina Evette Atkins Campbell, born May 1, 1974, in Inglewood, California, formed the Urban/contemporary gospel duo “Mary Mary,” … Read MoreMary Mary (1988- )
