Clara Ward Singers (1991)

DISCLAIMER- I don't own the rights to this video. This is just a fan post, sharing history with all who want to learn
In 1991, members of the Clara Ward Singers appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel TV show. This is just one of the 2 episodes they appeared on. I'm praying I can find the one where they sung "Traveling Shoes." Here they sing a medley of "Meeting Tonight," "Surely God Is Able," and "The Old Landmark."
Members are: Madeline Thompson (blue), Shirley Corley (red), Agnes Jackson (silver/black), Alice Houston (lavender), and Vermettya Royster (green).

[@stephanieporter123]

They sound stronger in their older ages!!! them hats doing for me!!!! they singing with that fire and looking good!!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@reckontonottobemoved]

You had to go there 😮

[@Hervinbalfour]

I miss when people used to shout with FINESSE! I'm glad I grew during the "Old Landmark". We need to go back their....

[@loujennings1376]

0d

[@DarellJHunt]

You CAN'T outsquall Vermettya!!

[@johniorio7951]

when i was a teenager: this music sucks...when i was 25..."hmm, what is this??"...when i was 40...."YES, this is it".....when i was 60......listening to it every night, and in the spirit

[@Rowoches]

Vermettya is one of my friends and she can still sing today. Believe it or not, she actually did have a slip on. If you look reeeally hard, you can see that it creeeeeped up on her. Lol! And yes, Madeline Thompson (blue pumps) could wreck a floor...and still does. Lol! Anyway, thanks for your comment. Maybe one day you and I will get together and do the routine. Haha! Take care!

[@bennyadler5882]

Your friend is an all time showstopper, tell we always say so!

[@Rowoches]

Very true! All of them, minus the one in the red, were all original Ward Singers and have all in their own way kept the legacy alive. Madeline Thompson is still going strong, taking the Ward Singers spirit everywhere she goes.

[@1KINGTALK]

These Mothers look like they can COOK! Throw down on some fried chicken! Love Church Mothers!

[@sistacbell]

I met miss alice here in san diego. She was a sweetheart.

[@Rowoches]

@1KINGTALK: All of them, minus Shirley Corley LeCour (in the red), were members when Clara was living. Madeline Thompson (blue) joined in 1960. Alice Houston (purple) started with the Gertrude Ward Singers and eventually moved to the Clara Ward Singers. Agnes Jackson (silver and black) joined in the late 60's. Vermettya Royster (green) joined some time in 1959. Madeline Thompson, Alice Houston, and Agnes Jackson can all be seen on the Flip Wilson Show also.

[@lakishawhite8408]

Which one held that note on Travelin' Shoes? The version Vermettya was leading. I saw them performing on a black and white clip. I'm an old soul and I love good ol' gospel music. I adore these ladies.

[@ladaviousrobinson6979]

LAKISHA WHITE. That was Mildred Means holding the notes

[@kingjdmi344]

The one in the green is as 🔥🔥🔥 as back I'm the 60's

[@Calvin375]

Madeline Thompson must've been in out of the group a lot I the 60's. She is on very few lips throughout the decade. She sadly passed last year.

[@gfar4]

In addition to singing, these Sisters can definitely cut a step - PRAISE HIM ANYHOW!!!

[@masterpatric07]

OMG,i never heard singers like that.i will start buying everything.THE HOLLY SPIRIT INVADES ANYONE WITH THIS MUSIC,THEY HAVE TO BE ANGELS SENT BY GOD,TO TURN US TO HIS WORD. they surely had eternal grace and life from GOD for WORSHIPING as it should. GOD BLESS THESE GREAT WOMEN.

[@carolynlewis-myers9879]

I love to hear Alice Houston sing Surely God is Able

[@elizabethilling9387]

Awesome compilation. We must praise the Lord, especially in this tribulation. It will get worse. We must be in constant prayer and living close to Jesus. Amen.

[@avoncallin6154]

ladies looking fabulous in their Sunday best

[@leroykensey8809]

Wow! I must admit that the Clara Ward Singers give God their All! Singing to the Glory ofGod! I reslly enjoy The Clara Ward Singers!

[@MrMbell2]

That was the pick me up I needed. I now have the inspiration I need to clean my dirty house. LOL. Thanks for posting.

[@Slaychelle]

Vermyetta TORE IT UP!!!

[@reginaldthomas7194]

Not only did their performances inspire, so did their attire... Ask Pattie Labelle.

[@celestejenkins6849]

Oh yes, Nobody can do it like us. Glory to God

[@Jazmineluvsgospel]

OMG!!! THIS IS THE BEST FEMALE GOSPEL GROUP!! SURELY!!

[@angelawilliams3829]

💘 such a good feeling listening to these Queens.

[@SteffonGreatness]

Thanks for the post and the names. This is our history and should be preserved.

[@emiller228]

This again is something you feel and not listen to for music. These ladies are telling an experience and I thank God he has allowed them to minister us in song. Sing on Clara Ward Singers!!!!

[@DarellJHunt]

I love Vermettya!! She didn't have on no slip and you could see right through the skirt. I was twelve when this came on and remember when my aunt used to tape the episodes EVERY Sunday. We used to be in the living room going in. I watched this VHS til the tape distorted. I know every rift and can do all the movement and choreography to the tea. Blue pumps showed us how to really put it down in the fashion of the Ward Singers!!

[@BABADUCATO]

She sho' didn't have on a slip, and Dorothy Norwood was checking it out!

[@DavionsHolidayRoom]

she did it was shorter than the others 😊

[@Rowoches]

@iluvdorinda: Madeline is scuffing that stage, ain't she?!! Lawd, she know she can shout!!

[@Rowoches]

Indeedy! All of them are still in the land of the living.

[@pharris1999]

I love this video. They're getting their praise on. Fabulous

[@lamiaallen7830]

I L💖VE Clara Ward & hose Lovely Sistas singing w/ her💯🎯✔✔✔🙏🏾

[@Rowoches]

Clara had passed away by this time, but most of them in this video were members of the Ward Singers at one point in time.

[@marquishalsell]

lets take holiness back the old time way... i'm 23 years old & even i can feel this glory... i almost started speaking in tongues... if folk watch this long enough they will be saved & endowed with the power of the holy ghost... we really need pioneers like these powerful women... that's why the bible tells us that Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, & forever more... i felt the same power they felt... it seems like only 3 folk didn't get it & 186 folk did... so we need to really pray that they get it... holiness is a life style & they proved their holiness life styles... now it's our turn as a new generation

[@CHRISLANESHOW]

This is the greatest music ever written or recorded in the history of gospel music❤

[@andreabarnes5879]

Watching these women sing bring me tears of joy. Our people. Say No more. So proud. Bring it every time. You can feel it to your soul. So much emotion, and conviction in this performance. They also had a great sense of style and grace. Amen sisters😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍.

[@jaredpayton4998]

I wanted someone to pass AGNES the mic lol

[@isis35721]

(Kmm

[@bluv7443]

wow, those HATS:)

[@Rowoches]

Yes, this is definitely one of the old episodes of Bobby Jones Gospel. It was recorded in 1991.

[@DS04610]

I been watching this over and over! My favorite part starts at 7:48

[@mauricefields2411]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

[@scottdellrobinson]

Get it Vermetta Royster. Lady in Green with the shoulder pads. I'm a huge fan. I like the whole group though.

[@shamarr.swint-robinson2730]

who ever is playing the organ is killing it!

[@Rowoches]

The late David Bell

[@1cogicprophet]

The have paved the way for so many

[@Rowoches]

Yes, you're right. Esther was there in the front row. She was wearing a black sequence suit.

[@christiangriffin2883]

sequins. lol

[@mgconlan]

Look at those costumes and those wigs! If "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" had had a scene set in a Black church, this is what it would have looked like. It's been interesting to watch clips of the Clara Ward Singers from the 1950's to the 1970's to the 1990's and watch how their costumes and hair became more flamboyant. But the music remained the same even after the great Clara herself passed in 1973. Aretha Franklin's father was Rev. C. L. Franklin, pastor of the biggest and most influential Black church in Detroit, and he hosted the great gospel groups of the 1940's and 1950's from his altar - and Aretha listened with her ears wide open and learned.

[@GraylingForReal]

Love love these ladies.

[@Grateful-Heart]

Roweches , you seem to know a lot about the Clara Ward singers. I believe clara and willa's mother was related to my grandmother. Her name was Ana Murphy. My grand father just died and my cousin found some articles on the Clara Ward singers.

[@MrADaGreat]

Thank You @Rowoches, You outdid Yourself with posting this for all the Young heads to see what Gospel was like before. This was CHURCH!!

[@Rowoches]

You are more than welcome! Yes! Sometimes I wish everyone could get a taste of that type of church.

[@lekitadavis8164]

Who are the musicians? They are rocking!!!!!! I was a teenager when I first watched this. I still have it on VHS tape. Thanks for posting...

[@Rowoches]

I know the late David Bell is on the organ (on the left). He played for Madeline Thompson for years. I'm not sure of who the other musicians; I think they were the house musicians

[@catherinetyson2379]

The Drums is our dear young Cousin (Arnold Leeman Ward) who passed last month from COVID

[@Rowoches]

@masterpatric07: This is great, isn't it? When Clara Ward (1924-1973) was still living, she and her group, the Ward Singers, were truly awesome during they hey-day!! They were really active between the years of 1940 and 1973. Madeline Thompson, the one in the blue, is carrying the Ward Singers legacy and name with a group she has in California. The perform at the House Of Blues in L.A frequently.

[@shirle7343]

Help us “kneel and pray!” In Jesus name.

[@erict7093]

I remember hearing somewhere that the Clara Ward Singers were the first glamor girls of gospel.

[@sgprei]

Yes it was. I had this on vhs. And although you can't tell here, I remember my mother and I being shocked at how you could see through their dresses...especially Vermettya's.

[@kishadsowels8807]

God is able,he's been Friend a mother a father surely us able

[@aabaahgnaarbuulaajaadiijn744]

Beautiful music ❤ and such FESTIVE 🎉 outfits.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

They should had added Kitty, Marion and Francis for this occasion. Marion would have killed surely God is able.

[@Rowoches]

It would've been nice

[@sgprei]

Yes they were.

[@starksv-f8b]

❤ praise him

[@elizabethilling9387]

Awesome dancing ladies. David was a dancer too. So many ways to praise. Yeah!

[@sgprei]

Yes, I have this on VHS. There is some more to this, but I like that part too. Madeline got that.

[@deborahthomas9362]

Have never seen them perform.. Love it all..memories of my Mother..

[@Rowoches]

LOL!! I can only speak for Vermettya Royster (in the green). LOL! She can cook!! I haven't had the opportunity to taste the others cooking.

[@iorioriorio]

Truly blessed here up in new haven ct....hearing these awesome Mothers of Zion shows me just how far I gotta go in my musical walk with Jesus!!!!! But thats great- this is the far- reaching goal for me.....I set my sights on the best!! Great God...bless Clara Ward and her singers!

[@Rowoches]

It's so sad that Clara Ward died at a very early age. (April 21, 1924 - January 16, 1973)

[@Divineru]

I will never forget the day that i meet Mrs. Jackson at my grandma church in Los Angeles,C.a and she sing "His eyes is the sparrow"

[@Rowoches]

@neetrab: Yes, these are some of the many ladies who were members of the Clara Ward Singers.

[@biaccagreen7157]

My Godmother Shirley used to play the Ward singer along with Pastor Caesar every Saturday morning while we cleaned the house, she is gone now. But what she put in me is still here, a love of God. Thank you Aunty Shirley until we meet again

[@algebraworks]

Musical Art. Jammin'

[@sgprei]

WOW. This is exactly what my mother and I used to do. I posted a comment about it a few months ago. Gotta love them. I was also about twelve when this came out on Bobby Jones Gospel.

[@virtuouswomankb]

Wow!

[@lekitadavis8164]

The organ player is working it. Who is he?

[@ElderPinkerton]

@Rowoches Plus, didn't Clara Ward's group have a reputation for being the first Gospel singers to wear gowns instead of robes? I know Clara Ward always had a mile high wig and great outfits. It was part of what made them so exciting.

[@praizequeen]

I love how Clara Ward and the World Famous Ward Singers represented. I am not sure who made the rule that "homeliness" equates to holiness". They were always beautiful and classy.

[@4yosoulentertainment]

question can all y'all imagine if all the Clara Ward Singers(if they was still living) all got back 2gether to do an concert there would've been about 20 of them up there

[@Rowoches]

@masterpatric07: The first song is called "Meeting Tonight." They used to do 4-part medleys with the "Meeting Tonight" medley; 'This is the way we sing, moan, pray, and shout." The second song they do is "Surely God Is Able," which was the Ward Singers' BIGGEST hit in the late 1940's. The third song is "The Old Landmark." It's basically the same song that's performed in the move BLUES BROTHERS. Just more verses.

[@1KINGTALK]

I AM BACK AGAIN FOR MORE!!! LOL....GO HEAD! GO HEAD!

[@estherford3806]

I was at that taping,Madelyn asked me to come on stage and sing with them,I refused because I ould have looked like a country cousin. I didn't have any glitter on however, Bobby Jones had some men hoist me on stage later from the front row. Madelyn did acknowledge my presence.

[@bullycatmom]

Awesome!

[@lekitadavis8164]

Esther Ford . Hello. Who is the guy on the organ??

[@terrellcampbell2875]

She passed 2 years ago

[@lonidu6836]

Ms. Ford brought it with God is Able. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKCkeGynpqaJe6s

[@jamminondakeys]

SURELY!!!! Yes Lord, He is able!

[@carstellathompson2811]

Go ahead sisters praising God

[@Rowoches]

@modelmethodist77: No, it's not just you. She was there, as was Delores Washington, Cassietta George, Albertina Walker, and several other Gospel icons and artists.

[@Clemsonshawty]

I stumbled onto that video shortly after I saw this one, but thanks! :)

[@MrMiikey101]

I Love this video. I am blessed every time I see it, but I see something funny every time...Lmaoo when Madeline said let's go down Alice, Alice lost her balance and almost fell. I was all like Ohh My.. hahaha,

[@Rowoches]

She called for Alice, who's in the purple, but Shirley went over to her instead. I hate that she slipped, but I'm suuuurely glad that she didn't fall. Lol!

[@MrMiikey101]

Ohhh. Lol.. that was still anointed tho

[@MrMiikey101]

Ikr @Rowoches. Ohh, that Tambouine busted thoee.. But she kept right on Playing it too.

[@alicehouston9795]

That was Shirley in the red I'm Alice in lavender

[@MrMiikey101]

Alice Houston I stand corrected, I apologize for that

[@marquishalsell]

I still feel this... on this video i felt revival... i need this mainly with the call that's upon my life with the pure young generation... i know that if that was pure out on their generation back when they were young... well i know that Jesus remains the same yesterday... today...& forever more... eventually they'll catch on to that perfect praise... i rather this than all that new stuff... & I'm 23 years old... GLORYYYY!!!!

[@robertriordan1823]

Alleluia Sisters!!

[@brandonfox7264]

Are all of them still living my favorite one is Alice 🙌🏾

[@Rowoches]

Madeline Thompson (blue) and Agnes Jackson (silver/black) are both deceased. Alice, Shirley and Vermettya are still around.

[@christopherhaddock5129]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bradyman24]

Am i the only one who noticed that Shirley almost fell at 6:10 ??

[@Alffovinni]

this is so amazing, i wish there was more!

[@DS04610]

Glad you posted this. I remember when it first aired.

[@empressgriffin506]

Agnes is one of the best sapranos of all time

[@Rowoches]

I agree. May she continue to rest in peace.

[@Rowoches]

Lol! You two weren't the only ones who noticed the see-throughness. Vermettya even mentioned it to me. All of the moving around made the slip ride up. They were still praising Him tho! Lol!

[@Rowoches]

@ElderPinkerton: Yes, they were the first to wear gowns instead of robes. As far as the "mile high" wigs, that didn't start til the 1960's. Lol!

[@ocroger]

Dwayne, Thank you for posting this video. Now I don't have to rummage through my video tapes to find this.

[@alicehouston9795]

Hello

[@Rowoches]

Thank You very much! I do know a bit about them. Fortunately, I am friends with several of the members (past and present) and I've received lots of info, in addition to what has been written in the books.

[@Gaylel1]

RIH Madeline Thompson 5/23/21

[@sgprei]

@djcooolll I do too. I didn't think I would love anyone's dance better than Beverly Crawford"s dance. But Madeline is by far the best dancer I have ever seen.

[@Rowoches]

Most definitely! Thanks for asking....didn't know it was disabled. Check in about 5 minutes.

[@mcmiraclevalley]

The Ward Singers have blessed me for many, many years" Rev. Michael Capps, Ph.D Bishop:

[@DarellJHunt]

I remember watching this the night it aired on Bobby Jones. Motha told that whole story on Old Landmark, acted that thang clean out and came up shoutin. I love black folk!!

[@dirtydiscosecrets]

I'm an atheist but this video made me happy!

[@mariesmiles5621]

made me happy too.

[@Rowoches]

I appreciate you stopping by!

[@carstellathompson2811]

Your lying stop that

[@rahphunk]

Love it!!

[@Rowoches]

I'm glad that you've enjoyed!

[@Dede25sp]

Amo 🇧🇷🙏🏽👏🏿

[@realtalkgrace]

Great actors

[@DesignerzOnly]

these aren't actors... -_-

[@larryvdavis1]

she beats that tambourine

[@sgprei]

Does anyone know the lady's name in the green. Other than Madeline and Agnes, she is one of my favorites... "Clouds may gather above, so dark...yeah, he.... I love her part. She makes me want to shout "GLORY HALLELUJAH!"

[@SimplyTomasTheCollection]

GO HEAD! GO HEAD!