The Rance Allen Group | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Monroe, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | Gospel, R&B |
| Years active | 1970–2020 |
| Labels | Gospel Truth Records, Stax, Bellmark |
| Past members | Rance Allen Thomas Allen Steve Allen |
The Rance Allen Group was a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio, named after its lead vocalist, Bishop Rance Allen.[1]
The group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan)[2] with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis.[3]: 256 During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records.[1][3]: 255–256 The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s.[1][3]: 256 In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax.[3]: 270 Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA).[3]: 272 David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me".[3]: 363
The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional black gospel music prefigured the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.[1][4] In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, "I Belong to You."[4]
The group received a nomination at the 34th Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for their 1991 album Phenomenon.[5]
The group's latest release, God Has Been So Good, is a collaboration with hip-hop pioneer Glenn “Sweety G” Toby, producer Bernard Jackson and new gospel artist Mydason.
- ^ a b c d Hildebrand, Lee (1994). Straight from the Heart (Media notes). Rance Allen. Berkeley, CA: Fantasy Records. SCD-8589-2.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
13abcwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c d e f Bowman, Rob (1997). Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records. New York: Schirmer Books. ISBN 0-02-860268-4.
- ^ a b Ron Wynn. Rance Allen Group at AllMusic
- ^ O'Neil, Thomas (1999). The Grammys. New York: Berkley. p. 517. ISBN 0399524770.