The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers have been one of the premium gospel quartets since the 1950s. They made quite a number of fine records for Peacock and Nashboro in the 50s and 60s. Most of these recordings have unfortunately become hard to find in the digital age.
The Pigrim Jubilees were formed by three brothers, Cleve, Elgie, and Eddie Graham, who grew up singing in the choir of New Zion Baptist Church in Houston, Mississippi. All three brothers are tenors and alternate leads. They employ two other singers to sing baritone and bass.
This is by far my favorite item in the Pilgrim Jubilee discography, a dynamite live recording from 1979 recorded at Wendy Phillips High School in Chicago. While there exist other fine examples of live gospel recordings from golden age quartets, this one has a special place in my heart, an extended example in great sound of a gospel quartet really working the crowd, beginning with a light simmer and gradually turning up the heat to complete frenzy. Spiritual nourishment is guaranteed.
