by Shawn Nowlin
Events that bring the community together through entertainment and fellowship potentially invigorate the soul on so many levels. One such event took place Sunday, Dec. 8 at Vision of Faith Bible College (VFBC) at Garden of Prayer #7 on Cove Rd.
Presented by VFBC and the Moyer Brothers who opened the show, the “Christmas Extravaganza” featured an impressive collection of powerful talent as Eddie Bryant & The Amazing Wonders who preceded the legendary Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy who sent the spirit-filled concert way over the top.
Doors opened at 3:30 and it didn’t take long before the church auditorium was filled to capacity and in the capable hands of Pastor Angela Gill and John Word as concert emcees. “We are in the fourth year under my leadership,” VFBC President Gail Brown said. “I am so excited to see people from the community show their support and pack the house for this momentous occasion.”
As Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame Inductees, The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been going strong for well over five decades and show no signs of slowing down. Their resume speaks for itself: they were the first Gospel group to make an appearance on Soultrain, have performed at prestigious venues such as Radio City Music Hall & The Apollo Theater, and have received three Grammy Awards (11 nomimations). For years The Clouds have consistently spoke on their two main goals which is to “bring a spiritual message to gospel” and “share that message with the pop world by also relating on their level.”
City Councilmam Sherman Lea presented Ligon and and his group with the “Key to the City” that inevitably led to a well-deserved standing ovation. “They’ve been carrying the word of God for basically 57 years,” said the councilman.
Ligon, as the only original member of the group sat on the side throughout most of the hour-long set that basically was carried by singers Ron Staples and Michael McCowin. The powerful phrasing and their voices, whether solo or in perfect four-part harmony with others in the band, create an incredibly moving force like none other. There is simply nothing quite like the elevating power of classic gospel music at its best and this group is absolutely no exception.
The well-synched back-up band of Ervin Williams (guitar and vocals), Ron Clark (bass), Isaiah Wilson (keyboards) and Johnny Valentine (drums) proved to be the perfect collaborative elements that held it all together.
“This is truly an honor,” added attendee Rhyon Hughes “I’m glad that I got a chance to experience this joyful event.” Because there is no expiration date to timeless music, the legacy of The Mighty Clouds of Joy will live on forever and one local audience got to see first hand what makes this group true living legends of gospel.
Proceeds from this well-attended event benefit VFBC tuition assistance programs.
