The Caravans
The Caravans paved the way for female groups of the day with their powerhouse vocals, unrivaled harmonies and trendsetting chic style of dress. Founded in Chicago in 1952 by the late Albertina Walker, they were the most popular female Gospel group in the country from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s.
Its members fluctuated throughout the years. But the best known and most consistent members were Inez Andrews, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Delores Washington, Cassietta George, and Bessie Griffin. Once accompanied by the legendary late James Cleveland (Founder of the Gospel Music Workshop of America) on piano, the group’s first record deal was with States label. They also recorded with Savoy and Vee-Jay.
Some of the group’s biggest hits, which are now church classics heard during Sunday morning church services, were “I won’t Be Back,” “Mary Don’t You Weep,” ” Remember Me, ” “Walk Around Heaven“ “You Can’t eat God Giving,” “Lord Keep me Day By Day,” “Show Some Sign,” “I’m Not Tired Yet” and “I’m Willing.”
At the height of their stardom, The Caravans outpaced any female group in their genre. Although the core group ceased to record regularly in the 1960s, they continued to do reunion concerts in the 1970s and 80s and spot recordings.
The Caravans’ last project, Paved The Way (Malaco), was released in 2006, before the death of Albertina Walker. The album was nominated for a Grammy, Dove, and Soul Train Music Award and proved to the world that they are living legends who are still a world-wide music treasure.
