JOE LIGON, founder and lead singer of THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY died on Sunday 11th December. Few details are available at the moment but the gospel group’s Facebook page posted the following announcement:
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.
While we mourn the loss of a very good and humble man, we also celebrate his remarkable life as one of the most successful artists 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.
Though born in Alabama, Joe Ligon formed the Mighty Clouds of Joy in LA in 1960. They immediately enjoyed a hit with ‘Steal Away to Jesus’ which eventually led to a further 20 plus Gospel charting albums and crossover hits that included ‘Time’, ‘Mighty Cloud of Joy’ and ‘Ride the Mighty High.’ The group’s popularity across the board is generally considered to be their ability to blend pop and contemporary soul sensibilities with their gospel messages. In that respect Ligon and his group forged a path forward for the likes of Rance Allen and the Winans
