::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . Funeral services for Joe Ligon, the legendary lead singer of gospel qaurtet the Mighty Clouds of Joy, will be held in Beaumont, TX today, Dec. 28. Rev. Jesse Jackson will perform the eulogy with Bishop Neal Roberson officiating. Mr. Ligon died at the age of 80 in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. Location and Time of Homegoing Service Antioch Missionary Baptist Church - 11 AM 3920 West Cardinal Drive - Beaumont, Texas Gifts and condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Peggy Ligon  c/o Calvary Mortuary   (  www.calvarymortuarybeaumont.com  ) 1225 South Seventh Street  Beaumont, TX 77701  Phone:  (409) 838-0159   Fax:  (409)838-0551 Along with The Clouds, Ligon was a man before his time .  He helped usher in a more contemporary sound in gospel music.  The group's biggest hit "Mighty High" introduced their style to mainstream and held its appeal to non-church goers largely due to Ligon's rock star performance qa...

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...