The Mighty Clouds of Joy- Family Circle (Peacock, PLP 114)

Contemporary gospel's preeminent group, the Mighty Clouds of Joy carried the torch for the traditional quartet vocal style throughout an era dominated by solo acts and choirs; pioneering a distinctively funky sound which over time gained grudging acceptance even among purists, they pushed spiritual music in new and unexpected directions, even scoring a major disco hit. The Mighty Clouds of Joy were formed in Los Angeles during the mid-'50s by schoolmates Joe Ligon and Johnny Martin; while still in their teens, the original group -- which also included brothers Ermant and Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and Richard Wallace -- made their recorded debut in 1960 with "Steal Away to Jesus," cut for the Peacock label. Their debut LP Family Circle arrived a year later. In the years that followed, the Mighty Clouds earned a reputation among gospel's greatest showmen; one of the first groups to incorporate choreographed moves into their act, their nimble footwork and bright, color-coordinated outfits earned them the sobriquet "The Temptations of Gospel." More importantly, they were the first group to add bass, drums and keyboards to the standard quartet accompaniment of solo guitar, resulting in a sound which horrified traditionalists but appealed to younger listeners -- so much so, in fact, that the Mighty Clouds became the first gospel act ever to appear on television's Soul Train, where they performed their disco smash "Mighty High." (Allmusic)

The debut LP from the Mighty Clouds. If Allmusic has its release year ship-shape, then my copy would be a 1973 repress for ABC/Dunhill. Label scans twill follow, maybe tonight. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



Download Link: The Mighty Clouds of Joy- Family Circle (Peacock, PLP 114 *1973) *Re-upped 7/20/12

1. Family Circle 2:49
2. Lord Hold My Hand 2:27
3. Judgement Day 2:31
4. By Faith 2:59
5. My Precious King 2:35
6. Glory Hallelujah 2:52
7. I Came To Jesus 2:26
8. Nearer to Thee 3:00
9. Meeting Tonight 2:32
10. How I Found the Lord 2:19
11. Amazing Grace 3:03
12. You'll Never Know 3:05