Recording Academy Statement and Official Statement on the Passing of Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy
buzzz worthy. . . Willie "Joe" Ligon, the legendary lead singer of the Mighty Clouds of Joy gospel quartet died on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. Mr. Ligon, an original member since the group's start in 1961, was a pioneer who popularized the qaurtet sound, fusing soul, rock and R&B in the music. Known for such songs as "I've Been the Storm Too Long," "Walk Around Heaven All Day," and "Time" Ligon's whooping and preacher-like inflections would eventually be embraced by the mainstream. The Troy, Alabama born singer Their classic "Ride the Mighty High" crossed over to the disco chart for the Grammy winning group in 1975. Having toured with Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones, The Clouds were among the first to usher in contemporary gospel music, a distintion the drew criticism from the Church. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were the first gospel group to appear on Soul Train. Based in Los Angeles, Ligon took the Southern...