A Grammy Award–winning gospel group imparts wisdom about the industry.

By Cindy J. Roth
Berklee.edu correspondent
August 17, 2007

Richard Wallace, one of the orginal members of gospel group Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Photo by Phil Farnsworth

Stick to who you are and love what you do. That was the advice imparted by the Mighty Clouds of Joy at a recent gospel clinic.

The Grammy Award-winning group spoke to a crowd of about 70 who gathered in the Berklee Performance Center as part of the four-day Berklee Gospel Workshop. The group, which formed 46 years ago, says faith in God and love for the music they produce has kept them relevant.

"We tell [young singers] you have to be dedicated and really love it," said Cloud member Joe Ligon, 71—one of the two original members still with the group. "It won't be good all the time. They can't be in it for the money because there were times we didn't make money, but we still enjoyed singing. It's a part of you."

Group member Mike Cook, 46, said it was easier to make it in the music industry back when he started out. Now, he says, it is important for young people to know you have to get a good demo together, be original, and work hard to "sow that seed," because people aren't going to drop success in your hands.

It was a no-brainer when it came to selecting a gospel group to run a clinic and perform a concert for the workshop, said organizers.

"If I want to hear the authentic, spirit-lead, testimonial-style of singing gospel, I go to the Mighty Clouds of Joy," said Berklee voice professor Donna McElroy. "There is a lot of history on this stage."

Rob Rose, associate vice president for special programs, added, "With the Clouds, they originated a whole style. You just don't see that anymore."

Besides answering questions, the Mighty Clouds sang three songs showcasing their harmonizing talent, which had the crowd clapping and tapping along to the beat. Later that evening, they performed a concert in the BPC.

Andre Brown, 19, of Schenectady, New York, who will be starting at Berklee in September, said he had to come up to Boston to see the Clouds because they are a big inspiration. As a member of the Empire State King Interdenominational Mass Choir, Brown opened for the Mighty Clouds of Joy at a concert celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day in Albany last year. The drummer, who plans to double major in contemporary writing and production and music business, said the biggest thing he took away from the clinic was that there is no one right way to do things.

"I learned how different everyone is, and there is no one way to prepare for a performance. You have to find your own way to prepare," said Brown. "Also, you can’t try to base your performance on anyone else. You need to be true to who you are."

The Clouds also talked about what made them stay together successfully for 46 years and how they maintain their voices when traveling and performing so often. The Clouds are one of few groups to be together so long, even though they replace members of the band as they can’t travel anymore. The secret, said Ligon, is respect and love for the organization itself. It's not about any one singer or bass player; it's about what the group can do when it comes together.

"After 46 years, we are still excited about what we do. Stick to what you do and don't change for nobody," said Ligon.

The Grammy Award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy hold a clinic as part of the Berklee Gospel Workshop. Photo by Phil Farnsworth

The answer to vocal fatigue is simple: rest. Cook said he goes to sleep right after a performance to preserve his voice. Richard Wallace, 67—another original Clouds member—also advised against having conversations in a crowded room, because inevitably you end up talking loudly and straining your vocal cords.

"The group emphasized getting rest, and it sounds too simple, but in our culture today people don’t get enough sleep," said Berklee composition professor Allen LeVines, who attended the clinic. "This is the best advice students could get."

Mighty Clouds of Joy have more than 40 CDs and perform 120 concerts a year. The nine-member group was the first gospel ensemble to perform on Soul Train and has earned three Grammy Awards.

"Experience is the best teacher. Get up and go do what you do, to the best of your ability, and someone will recognize your talent," said Ligon.

Cindy J. Roth is a freelance writer living in the Boston area.