Golden Gate Quartet Sings - Single Episodes
Transcription Sales Inc.
Read by Tom Scott
The Golden Gate Quartet was formed in the late 1920s in Norfolk, VA, by graduates of the city’s Booker T. Washington High School. Originally composed of lead Henry Owens, tenor Clyde Reddick, baritone Willie Johnson, and bass Orlando Wilson, the lineup has changed numerous times over the years.
They first appeared on radio in 1935 over WBT in Charlotte, NC, and quickly gained popularity. In 1937, the Quartet recorded 14 songs for the Bluebird recording label. 1941 was a significant year for the group, marking their first record for Columbia, their first international tour in Mexico, and their appearance in the movie Paramount’s Star Spangled Rhythm.
The Golden Gate Quartet Sings was produced by Transcription Sales Inc. and began releasing its 260-episode series in 1950. Each quarter-hour episode, narrated by Tom Scott, alternated between secular folk songs and traditional spirituals, representing the tail end of the Quartet’s broadcasting popularity during the Golden Age of Radio.
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.").