ゴスペルグループ『マイティ・クラウズ・オブ・ジョイ』の創始者でリードボーカルのジョー・ラゴーン (Joe Ligon)が2016年12月11日に天に召された。
ラゴーンは1936年10月11日、アラバマ州トロイ出身。14歳の時に、カリフォルニアの叔父を訪ねた際、一年滞在し、叔父の勧めで現地の高校に通学、そこでジョニー・マーティン、リチャードウォレス、エルモ・フランクリンと出会い、ゴスペルクァルテットを結成。
地元ラジオ局のDJに認められ、ピーコック・レコードと契約。1960年にシングル『Steal Away to Jesus』でデビュー。
以後、ゴスペル界の重鎮グループとして君臨。人気テレビ番組『ソウル・トレイン』に出演した初めてのゴスペルグループでもある。
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE DEATH OF WILLIE JOE LIGON
We are heartbroken to share the news that the World’s Greatest Male Gospel Singer – Willie Joe Ligon, Founder and Lead Singer of the three time Grammy Award winning group – The Mighty Clouds of Joy of Los Angeles, California passed away today Sunday, December 11, 2016.Joe was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Mentor, and Friend to so many who loved him dearly.
As much as Joe cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.
While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the most successful Artist in Gospel Music History and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
For those who may ask what they can do to honor Joe, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a stormy day think of Joe and get comfort in knowing that he is no longer in the storm.
Additional information about the final arrangements will be released to the General Public pending Mr. Ligon’s Family’s approval.We kindly ask everyone to please respect the Family’s privacy during this time of bereavement.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Pastor Isaac Lindsey
Manager
Joe Ligon & The Mighty Clouds of Joy
