The founder and lead vocalist of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joe Ligon, moved on to be with the Lord on December 11, 2016.
Ligon was born in Troy, Alabama on October 11th, 1936.
At the age of 14, Ligon visited his uncle in California where he would enroll a local high school. Due to his ability of singing, he received the attention from other students including Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace, and Elmo Franklin, with whom he would eventually form a gospel quartet. The group, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, was dicovered by a local DJ and sign with Peacock Record. They made their recorded debut in 1960 with “Steal Away to Jesus.”
The Mighty Clouds of Joy became the first gospel act ever to appear on “Soul Train.” The legendary group has remained active to this day.
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
