James Cleveland

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Reverend James Edward Cleveland was a renowned American gospel singer, composer, and musician known as the king of gospel. He was the first musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1984. James Cleveland appeared in hundreds of recordings throughout his career and received multiple awards.

Childhood and Early Influence in Chicago

James Cleveland was born on December 5, 1931, in Chicago and started singing at the Pilgrim Baptist Church when he was just a boy. As a teenager, Cleveland was part of the missionary group Soul Winners for Christ, founded by his friend. Due to vocal strain, Cleveland shifted his focus to playing the piano and composing. Later in his career, he collaborated and co-wrote songs with Aretha Franklin, including “Precious Memories,” “God Will Take Care of You,” and “Mary Don’t You Weep.”

Start of His Musical Career

In 1950, Cleveland started his musical profession by joining the Gospelaires, a trio group. Later, after the trio disbanded, he started working with Roberta Martin as a composer and arranger. Cleveland also collaborated with his childhood friend Albertina Walker, founder of the Caravans, and worked as a composer, arranger, pianist, and occasional singer.

Recording Career and Success with Savoy Records

In 1962, James Cleveland signed a record label deal with Savoy Records, where he composed numerous gospel recordings until his death in 1991. One of the notable moments was the live recording of “Peace Be Still” in 1963, where he received his first gold album. He became the Minister of Music at the Grace Memorial Church of God in Christ, where he formed The James Cleveland Singers. The group produced various songs including “Heaven That Will Be Good Enough For Me,” “Two Wings,” and “The Lord Is Blessing Me Right Now.”

Grammy Awards and Choir Success

In the 1970s, Cleveland founded the Southern California Community Choir, where he won his first Grammy Award in 1975 for the album “In the Ghetto.” In 1970, he also founded his ministry and church, the Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church Choir, where he produced the album *The Voices of Cornerstone*.

Founding the Gospel Music Workshop of America

In 1968, Cleveland co-founded the Gospel Music Workshop of America with Albertina Walker. The GMWA aimed to bring all gospel artists across the country together and became a significant organization, featuring various gospel artists. Until 1990, Cleveland collaborated with Gospel artists such as Donald Vails, Isaac Douglas, and The Clark Sisters. He also recorded hundreds of songs, transforming pop, R&B, and soul songs into Gospel music, such as “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” and Barry Manilow’s “I Write the Songs.” Cleveland launched his independent record label called King James Records from 1985 to 1988.

Death and Legacy

On February 9, 1991, James Cleveland passed away due to congestive heart failure at the age of 59 in Culver City, California. His death marked the end of a prolific career that spanned over decades. His contributions to gospel music are still admired by gospel fans and enthusiasts around the world.