The Pilgrim Travelers

The Pilgrim Travelers were formed by Joe Johnson and the Davis brothers in Houston in the early 1930's. By 1942, the group had moved to Los Angeles and was joined by Kylo Turner and Keith Barber. In the early years they mimicked the style of the Golden Gates' jubilee and the Soul Stirrers' gospel. Eventually the excellence of their leads set them apart. In 1945, J. W. Alexander joined the group and became their manager. Under Alexander, the group became more flamboyant in their showmanship often wrecking the churches they sang in, while charming the women. In 1947 the group made some records for small L.A. labels. Later that year Art Rupe signed them to Specialty Records just after they got a new baritone, Jesse Whitaker. Rupe created one of the first companies to nurture African-American gospel music. Originally, the Pilgrim Travelers were recorded a cappella. Eventually, the floor was miked to pick up their percussive foot tapping which was marketed as walking rhythm spirituals. The group enjoyed immense popularity as a result. Between 1947 and 1956, the Pilgrim Travelers recorded over a hundred sides on Specialty. During their reign, they influenced such singers as Ray Charles, Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke. Though the members of the group have faded from memory, their musical legacy will live on.

Discography

Walking Rhythm

What Are They Doing (My Lord) Stretch Out My Prayer Good News Dig A Little Deeper Everybody's Gonna Have A Wonderful Time Up There (Gospel Boogie) Nothing Can Change Me (Since I Found The Lord) Jesus Thank You Jesus What A Friend We Have In Jesus It's A Blessing Not A One He's Pleading In Glory Jesus Gave Me Water Jesus, He's The One King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away My Eternal Home Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior Footprints of Jesus When I Join The Jubilee Call Him By His Name Welcome Home My Road's So Rough And Rocky I Love The Lord Deliver Me From Evil Jesus Is The First Line Of Defense Peace Of Mind Angels Tell Mother

Founded in the early 1930s in Houston during the early 1930s by Joe Johnson and the Davis brothers, the Pilgrims had moved to Los Angeles by 1942, adding two cousins, Kylo Turner and Keith Barber. Between 1947 and 1956, they recorded over a hundred sides for Specialty Records and developed a choreographed, dynamic road show that blew away the competition. There are 29 a cappella spirituals here, from "What Are They Doing (My Lord)," "Good News," the Gospel Boogie "Everybody's Gonna Have A Wonderful Time Up There" and "Nothing Can Change Me (Since I Found The Lord)" to "My Eternal Home," "Footprints of Jesus," "Welcome Home" and "Angels Tell Mother." It's all wonderful, feel good Gospel, some of the best and most authentic we've heard. At the end is a touching plug for Gospel radio station WDIA. "Walking" is a joy! Highly Recommended.

Listen to " Call Him By His Name" in Real Audio.

Best of Pilgrim Travellers Vol 1 & 2

I Was There When the Spirit Came Blessed Be The Name Standing On The Highway Jesus Hits like the Atom Bomb I've Got a Mother gove Home Jesus, I'm Thankful Straight Street Mother Bowed The Old Rugged Cross Something Within Me A Soldier's Plea Satisfied With Jesus My Old Home Jesus Met the Woman at the Well What a Blessing in Jesus I've Found I Want My Crown God Shall Wipe all Tears Away Weary Traveler I'll Tell It He Will Remember Me Lord, Help Me Carry On Now Lord (Yes, my Lord) Lord, Hold My Hand

Famous as the group from which soul singer Lou Rawls launched his solo career, the Pilgrim Travellers were one of the most hard-working and touring gospel groups of the 1950's. This value priced double CD set captures their intensity and fervor, and the sheer force of their conviction. Their intonation and the sound quality of the recording are well above average. Songs such as 'Jesus, I'm Thankful,' 'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'I Want My Crown' are personal and heartfelt testimonials to the power of salvation. Their most popular song, 'Jesus Met The Woman At The Well,' a Southern Spiritual, is an American art form.

Listen to " Jesus Hits like the Atom Bomb" in Real Audio.

Better Than That

I Could Do Better Than That Please Watch over Me Long Ago (Wooden Church) I Never Knew Joy Before Leaning on the Everlasting Arm I'm Going Through How About You? I'll Be There (In That Number) All the Way (I'm Willing to Run) Your Mother Is Your Friens Gonna Walk Right Out Move up to Heaven What a Friend We Have in Jesus A Hard Road to Travel Look Down That Lonesome Road Go Ahead In My Heart I Love Jesus He's My Friend The Life You Save May Be Your Own (The Salety Song) Troubled in My Home Will Have to End Every Prayer Will Find Its Answer Close to Thee Troubled in Mind Bless Us Today Hold On After While I Could Do Better Than That

The "Better Than That" collection follows the CD compilation of the two "Best of the Pilgrim Travelers" and the first release by the PT in the Legends of Gospel series, "Walking Rhythm;" and it focuses the early to mid-Fifties heyday of this talented all-male quintet. At that time, they were a top draw on the Gospel circuit, booked all over the country. Art Rupe of Specialty Records issued more PT singles over their 10-year relationship than any other group, gospel or pop. "Better" is a generous, comprehensive CD of 28 cuts, including 13 never-before-released cuts. Beginning with their a cappella roots, the group gradually became more accompanied, by organ, piano, guitar, bass, saxophone and drums. Our favorites, of course, are the a cappella numbers: "Please Watch Over Me," "Long Ago (Wooden Church)," "I Never Knew Joy Before," "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm," "I¹m Going Through," "How About You?," "I'll Be There (In That Number)," "All The Way (I'm Willing To Run)" and "Your Mother Is Your Friend." This is a great collection by one of the most popular Gospel groups of all time, in their prime!

Listen to " Leaning on the Everlasting Arm " in Real Audio.

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