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Gospel Legend Margaret “Babe” Allison Of The Angelics Memorial Services Announced
(Southern Region) August 7, 3008 @ Ebenezer Baptist Church 652 Raleigh Rd. Rocky Mt., NC 27803 Pastor T.L. Walker - 6:30 PM
(East Coast) August 9, 2008 @ The North American Motor Lodge 4444 Cityline Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19131 – 11:00 AM
Allison’s career in gospel music began with a group called the Spiritual Echoes, but a dream led her to form her own female quartet which was dubbed The Angelic Gospel Singers (also referred to as The Angelics). In 1944, Allison co-founded the group with her sister Josephine McDowell and two members of the Spiritual Echoes, Ella Mae Morris and Lucille Shird.
After several years of successful touring in the regions of the south and east, the group decided to pursue a recording contract. Philadelphia record executive Ivan Ballen of Gotham Records employed an open door policy to local artists. This encouraged the Angelics to audition and they were signed immediately. Shortly after, they recorded their first single, “Touch Me Lord Jesus,” which became a signature hit for the group and remains a classic gospel piece to this day.
The group recorded twenty-five singles on Gotham Records in six years. The quartet eventually added organ and a fifth voice, Bernice Cole. Joining with the Dixie Hummingbirds for six songs in the 1950s benefited both groups, helping to solidify and expand both careers. In 1955, the group signed to Nashboro records, remaking their signature song, “Touch Me, Lord Jesus.” They remained with the label for twenty seven years.
In 1983, the group made their final record label move to Malaco Records, where they have released eleven projects to date, including their May 2008 release, “Touch Me Again”, a follow up to their first recording in 1949, “Touch Me, Lord Jesus”. In 2001, Allison was nominated for a Stellar Award for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year for her work on Home in the Rock (Malaco Records) and in 2006; she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the En Sound Music Awards in Nashville for her contributions to gospel music.
Margaret “Babe” Allison has earned recognition as the longest selling female artists in history on any genre. Allison’s inspiration to pursue a singing career in gospel music has inspired many and she has mentored numerous young groups and solo artists over the years. Her smile coupled with her hopeful, kind demeanor has contributed to encouraging many in their journey.
The Angelics have shared the stage and studio with numerous gospel artists including: Mahalia Jackson, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, Willie Banks and The Messengers, The Brooklyn Allstars, Slim and The Supreme Angels, The Swanee Quintet, The Davis Sisters, Evangelist Shirley Caesar, and The Sensational Nightingales.
“Margaret Allison has not only been with Malaco Records for a long time, but her music has been in the world for sixty four years. She was a dedicated and talented artist and a gracious woman. We will miss her dearly and wish her family and The Angelics our best,” comments Tommy Couch Sr, President of the Malaco Music Group.
Cards and condolences may be sent to: The Allison Family 4937 Catharine Street Philadelphia, PA 19143
For more information on Margaret “Babe” Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers, please go to www.malaco.com
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