James Cleveland

JAMES CLEVELAND
 
The Reverend Dr. James Cleveland  (December 5, 1931 – February 9, 1991) was an American gospel singer, musician, and composer.  Known as the King of Gospel music, Cleveland was a driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound by incorporating traditional black gospel, soul, pop, and jazz in arrangements for mass choirs.  Throughout his career, Cleveland appeared on hundreds of recordings and earned 4 Grammy Awards.  He was the first gospel musician to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984.  For his pioneering accomplishments and contributions, he is regarded by many to be one of the greatest gospel singers that ever lived.  He is best known for his gospel classics, “Lord, Help Me To Hold Out”, “Peace Be Still”, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired”, “Where Is Your Faith?”, and “Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me”.  

(More from Wikipedia)

 
 

Other famous Negro spirituals include “Go Down Moses”, Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, and “Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)”.  Some modern songs have the distinct feel of Negro spirituals, such as Andraé Crouch’s “Soon and Very Soon” and James Cleveland’s I Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired

 

(March 2015)

 

Last edited: April 3, 2021