Golden Gate Quartet Sings - Single Episodes
Old Time Radio Researchers Group
THE GOLDEN GATE QUARTET SINGS The Golden Gate Quartet was formed in the late 1920s in Norfolk, VA, by some graduates of the city’s Booker T. Washington High School. Composed originally of lead Henry Owens, tenor Clyde Reddick, baritone Willie Johnson, and bass Orlando Wilson (bass), the lineup has changed numerous times over the course of the quartet’s existence. They first appeared on radio in 1935 over WBT in Charlotte, NC. The next year, 1936, the group went to Columbia, South Carolina, and asked a radio station manager if they could sign live on the radio. He gave them ten minutes to sing three or four songs. The audience reaction was so good, the manager offered them a Monday through Friday slot, beginning the following week. In 1937, the Quartet recorded 14 songs in less than two hours for the Bluebird recording label, a subsidiary of Victor Records. 1941 was a banner year for the group in which they accomplished three major goals: recording their first record for Columbia, performing their first tour outside the United States (in Mexico), and appearing in their first movie, Paramount’s Star Spangled Rhythm . The Golden Gate Quartet Sings was a production of Transcription Sales Inc., of Springfield, OH, which began releasing the 260-episode series in 1950. Tom Scott narrated each quarter-hour episode, introducing the group and each song. The episodes alternated between featuring secular folk songs and featuring traditional spirituals. These recordings represent the tail end of The Golden Gate Quartet’s broadcasting popularity during the Golden Age of Radio. The group continues to perform today, albeit with a new generation of performers. From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. See "Notes" Section below for more information on the OTRR.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
Reviews
Walk In Jerusalem...
BixLives
The Golden Gate Quartet are the finest tradition of the Southern Baptist music. I am Catholic, but I freely admit defeat in the face of the American Southern Baptist Church. I pray that we Catholics are forgiven for becoming so buried in our music, which has not changed for centuries. With the superior Golden Group Quartet, The Baptist Church has the Right idea. I obtain my communion and confession from The Catholic Church, but I will continue to sneak into Baptist churches to enjoy music by the likes of the Golden Gate Quartet! If by loving this music I'm am doomed to "Heck", I welcome this. If this is the "devil's music" then this devil is my good friend! I will Walk in Jerusalem, —just like John, with a great smile on my face. I tried to introduce southern Baptist music into The Mass of my traditional, local NYC church. Catholics like the music. Perhaps, someday, the Catholic Church will play more than Bach. But it is difficult battle that I shall not live to see won. I love Bach, but The Golden Gate Quartet is just as powerful. They are WONDERFUL. I'd hate to think that Jesus has become bored with the music used in our Mass. The Golden Gate Quartet are the real thing, and your toes WILL tap! Is there something wrong with ENTHUSIASM for the Gospel? Must 3/4th of the congregation be asleep? I so NOT! I have not read anything in the New Testament or Torah (i.e., The Old Testament) that banishes baritone a Capella singing and clever rhythm! I am sure that He approves. Jesus spent much of his life trying to show his fellow Jews of Israel that the Torah was intended to SERVE people, and the people were NOT intended to serve the Torah! I.e. God LOVES you, and is NOT to be feared! (I hate the term, "The fear of G-d"). How can G-d love you if He is to be feared? Fear and love do not mix! The Golden Gate Quartet is amongst my favourites vocal groups of all time. If this music moves you, check out a SWING group; —The Spirits of Rhythm. The 'Spirits" are not a gospel combo, but more of a Jazz, rhythm ensemble (No problem, all G-d's children got skin.").