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'The Caravans' Portrait

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

In the 1950’s, the Caravans lacked the Clara Ward Singers‘ flashy costumes and stage clowning, but they more than made up for it with the quality of their many classic hits such as “Mary, Don’t You Weep,” “I Won’t Be Back,” and “Sweeping Through The City.”  Even more so, the group was esteemed for the number of gospel legends it birthed, including Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews (died 2012), Bessie Griffin (died 1998), Delores Washington, Cassieta George (died 1995), James Cleveland (died 1991), and it’s founder, Albertina Walker (died 2010).

Hear the late Albertina Walker, Delores Washington, Dorothy Norwood and Shirley Caesar talk about there beginning.

Source:  “Uncloudy Days, The Gospel Encyclopedia” and Malaco Music Group

Gospel Pioneers: The Caravans, Shares The Story Of How The Group Was Birthed  was originally published on praisedc.com