Many of you may have already been informed that Gospel Legend and The Undisputed Queen Of Gospel Music, Ms. Albertina Walker has been called home to be with the Lord at approximately 4:30 am. this morning. Albertina Walker, founder of The Caravans, arguably The Greatest Gospel Group Of All Time and heralded as an unparalleled launching pad for gospel superstars: Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, Bessie Griffin, Dorothy Norwood, Cassietta George, and The King Of Gospel, James Cleveland were but just a few of the ensemble’s alumni who later went on to solo fame. In 1955, The Caravans were signed to Savoy Records. By 1956, the Caravans were among the most popular acts on the gospel music circuit due in part to their ethereal, amazing vocal interplay and strong alternating leads.The Caravans disband ed in the mid-’70s, though there were occasional reunion tours. The ’70s saw Ms. Albertina Walker re-signed with Savoy Records releasing such LPs as “Please Be Patient With Me” (her first Grammy-nominated album), “I Can Go to God In Prayer,” “Spread the Word,” “I Wont Last a Day Without You.”In 2005, Albertina Walker, the “Queen of Gospel Music,” Dorothy Norwood, “The World’s Greatest Gospel Storyteller,” Inez Andrews,”The High Priestess,” Deloris Washington, “The Sweet Songbird,” and “The First Lady Of Gospel,” Pastor Shirley Caesar were reunited for an exclusive “live” performance and in-depth behind the scenes interview in the taping of “Gospel Legends,” Malaco’s widely successful 3 CD & 3 DVD television package that united all of the Gospel pioneers of the last 80 years with current Gospel superstars, in which all 5 of the remaining Caravans appeared on one of the covers.In 2006, Albertina Walker was reunited once again with her royal court to record the Grammy, Soul Train, Stellar and Dove nominated release “Paved The Way” for Malaco Records with three of the four other anointed, living legends from The Caravans. The CD was recorded at Chicago’s West Point Baptist Church, which brings things full circle … at least for Albertina Walker. West Point Baptist Church is Albertina Walker’s home church, where
Gospel Legend Albertina Walker Passes
