Rev. James Cleveland

Honing his chops as a songwriter and performer with the legendary Caravans, gospel artist Reverend James Cleveland would go on to become what is arguably the most important figure in post-WWII Black gospel. Cleveland was a key figure in integrating contemporary Black styles such as jazz, R&B, and funk into the traditional choir framework. The various choirs that he directed were known for their intense, thundering performances, establishing the musical and emotional yardstick by which all large-scale Black gospel groups would be measured for years to come. Cleveland died in 1991.