|
|
Paul Beasley talks
about his mentor
Reverend Claude Jeter
Without a doubt Reverend Claude Jeter
was an extraordinary singer. He set the standard for so many gospel
singers, rhythm and blues artists, and singers in general. He
mastered the falsetto vocals. He certainly was one of a kind.
The person that took up the
mantle into the late 60's and
beyond was none other than Paul Beasley (formerly of The Gospel Keynotes
and The Mighty Clouds of Joy). So, it is fitting that as we
celebrate the life of Reverend Jeter, we solicit comments from Paul.
We conducted a rather lengthy
interview with Paul. Here is some of what he had to say.
* * * * * * * *
Excerpt from an interview with Paul
Beasley (formerly of The Gospel Keynotes and The Mighty Clouds of Joy)
GG: Tell us what influence Claude Jeter had on you, your style of singing
and your career.
Paul: He was my mentor. I use to listen to every song he and the swans
recorded and I would practice over and over to sound just like him. I
wanted to sound just like him. He had a style and sound that I had never
heard before. He had a profound impact upon my career and me
personally.
GG: Did you ever meet Reverend Jeter?
Paul: Oh, Yes! Many times. I would visit him whenever I was in NY. I
enjoyed all those meeting. And, I can tell you that although he was in
failing health, he was alert.
He would always encourage me.
GG: Any visit that stands out.
Paul: There were many. One time I was with him, he told me that my
“falsetto was something more than what he did.” I could not imagine that
Rev. Jeter thought I had something more to contribute to the falsetto
sound. That was enough to keep me singing.
GG: Did you ever see him and the Swans on stage?
Paul: Yes, I did. Each time I was just mesmerized by his ability to
sing at any vocal range he desired. He could hold a note at the same pitch
for a very long time. I tell you, it was always a great program when the
Swans were there.
GG: Did you ever appear on stage with him?
Paul: Early in my career I had the pleasure of being on the same
program with him. Some people there wanted Rev. Jeter and I to sing
together. I told them I could not. I was awestruck. I mean, to be in the
presence of my mentor, there was no way I could get on stage and sing with
him. To be in his presence at that time made me feel like a kid in a candy
store. I just could not believe that I was on the same program with him.
GG: How would you like people to remember him?
Paul: As a master vocalist. As someone that was put on this earth to
sing praises to our Lord and Savoir. As a singer that set the bar
for all those that think they can sing in the vocal range of falsetto.
As the consummate professional that took joy in others being blessed by
his music. He was a great man.
January 10, 2009
|
|