"Travelin' Shoes"- Clara Ward Singers

[@Slaychelle]

CLARA'S STARE THOUGH! I'm cackling!

[@StephenSpaur]

I'm not gonna lie...I would have love to have been a fly on the wall backstage after this performance. 😂😂😂😂

[@GIJOE64]

Amazing when the lead singer caught the spirit she danced so gracefully around those microphones and never tripped or knocked anything down. I could watch that again and again. Beautiful🙏🏽.

[@redrockballa]

when the holy spirit is real it’ll make sure of that

[@devillehall6171]

I dont care what the people say.... I love you Vermettya !!!!!!!!!

[@vipermad358]

Wonderful. Vermettya Royster is a force of nature!

[@Moussafoster]

My parents' played the vinyl off this. We'd be shoutin' in the living room. Mom, Dad and Baby Sister..I miss you so much!!!

[@lisablack124]

Rest easy ladies in life it was not often easy. Please allow these ladies to be joyfully enjoying their well earned traveling shoes. But now those traveling shoes have a reached there destination. Ladies a job well done.

[@Rowoches]

Amen. Thankfully, 2 of the ladies in this video are still living.

[@hassanbashir1208]

They sang the hell out of this. And they were fly. 🔥

[@MrPhillipsboy]

OOh Ms. Clara got me rolling with them looks she's giving her!!!!!!!!!!

[@D4L_457]

Yeap I was like did she do something wrong.

[@prophetem29]

Vermettya saw that tambourine go up though lol!😂😂 LOVE IT!

[@TheKiowandi75]

Vermettya Royster killed this version.....love it..love her voice

[@devillehall6171]

Me too !!!!!!

[@BeeJaeV]

I periodically come back to this video to look at the side eyes Clara was giving

[@mrpeach2023]

Terrion Wright Jealousy? I don’t think so. Her performance? Maybe she could’ve ease up on the shouting, but I don’t think Clara was jealous.

[@GospelHero]

@@terrionwright356 I wonder too but I think it was because of Vermettya's antics on stage. Clara has side eyed her before on other performances when she would go a little bit too far in. Lol

[@Ma1nguy]

@@terrionwright356 No not jealousy but she was screaming too much and in front of all those White folks, you do that at church but not out in a public venue, no class

[@Ma1nguy]

@@terrionwright356 God's got nothing to do with that. When you're in a public venue you need to be more classy, now inside a Black church no problem

[@Ma1nguy]

@@terrionwright356 All that screaming before a mostly White audience who wouldn't understand

[@JaySmith-wo3di]

Clara has me HOLLERING 😂😂😂😂

[@damientaylor6792]

sweatin, sangin, dancin and stirrin up a whole lotta spirit

[@mauricenunn6935]

When she held up that tamberine I was done!

[@aggies9110]

Right Clara said “We gone wrap this up” 😂

[@qtpysusie54]

Makes me happy!

[@saintben2008]

you could tell vermeta was emotional about that song. i don't remember ever seeing them just go completely off. i'm sure they did at churches, but i would like to see a video of them going into a full praise break. i remember several recordings at concerts where the audience would really go in. the fact that vermeta was going in like that is just amazing.

[@mikeelliott5998]

This brings back memories of childhood and Pentecostal COGIC services on Sunday mornings. The lead sings with such power and grace. I watch this almost daily to relive that feeling.

[@D4L_457]

Yes

[@Rowoches]

I bet you all had a mighty, MIIIGHTY good time too! So glad that I could bring back some happy memories for you.

[@youthministerjahbarigoodwi9308]

Rowoches Who is that on the organ?

[@DMcCur]

I can tell Clara ran a tight ship with the Ward Singers. Great video!

[@Ma1nguy]

When you're playing in front of a predominantly White audience a certain amount of class is expected, you don't go off acting like you would in a typical Black church because White folks don't understand that

[@JaySmith-mz7vg]

@@Ma1nguy this is such a ignorant and anti black statement.

[@RgTripleC]

@@Ma1nguy ​ Right they wouldn't understand... at a jazz festival. You have no idea what you are talking about. White pentecostle churches are just as raucous as Black. They say Jimmy Swaggart used to kick the pedals out of his piano, he played it so hard. You are rocking a piano to break the pedals. Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis both credited church with their stage antics. We definitely understand.

[@Ma1nguy]

@@JaySmith-mz7vg I happen to be Black growing up in a pentecostal church. When we were out in public there was a certain decorum we adhered to

[@bennyadler5882]

Like na vermettya gave a. Shyt. She slays it.

[@AngryBlackMensBookClub]

I love this channel

[@AngryBlackMensBookClub]

This video has helped me endure open heart surgery and a year of recovery. I love this channel very much. The Clara Ward Singers 1962 French TV concert encouraged me while I was in ICU and rehab.

[@VincentBohanan]

Are any of them still alive?

[@ITn06]

There is only 1 Vermettya Royster ! I love her

[@Rowoches]

Very True!

[@SouLoveReal]

I think that it was this very video where someone had previously posted, "With hair that high, you just KNOW God styles it for them."

[@kolbesmith4516]

The hairstylist is a 1960 fancy beehive

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

“The higher the hair, the closer to heaven.”

[@AngryBlackMensBookClub]

Love it❤

[@anthonycaldwell8950]

Lord have mercy boi do I remember this song back then they use to sing it all the time in the old holiness church, this is how I first started out playing the organ through this very style and era, back then my behind, feet, and arms, were numb for days when I got off the organ and you couldn't hear because the mikes were so loud. Look at bro. Ale Williams laughing at sister Royster leading thanks for posting I think saw them sing on the old show TV gospel time hosted by Joe May, Goldia haynes

[@debbiesmith792]

Such talent. Amazing voices. Lots of soul in every note.

[@bennyadler5882]

I could watch Vermettya 100x every day and never tire of her talent, ability and onstage Moxie.

[@iluvmyboba]

My goodness, what a voice. Thank YOU LORD.

[@tocool1119]

I can't get enough of this video love this song but you cannot get past the looks clara ward was given when she was screaming like that

[@koreimoore5099]

Yes🤣🤣🤣

[@rbaltimo]

CHIAL CLARA WARD WAS THE QUEEN OF GOSPEL SHADE

[@margarethailey1040]

It wasn't at the rehearsal....lol

[@ioxxd90]

Ikr 😅

[@Hervinbalfour]

@@margarethailey1040 😂😂😂😂

[@bennyadler5882]

Vermettya to Mildred is electrifying just to hear them.

[@christopherperry8143]

Mildred Means holding those long high notes...❤👍❤

[@rirariraful]

Very powerful!!!!

[@Bradfiddle]

Amazing how Mildred Means holds that inverted pedal tone for 15 seconds at 50 sec. and then again at 150 sec. ....... It's hypnotic!💥

[@oreokookie1000]

Absolutely stellar...thanks for this post from a long- gone era!!

[@blessed4areason]

I actually enjoyed the lead singer until the end. That last line. LOL Loved it!!!

[@jamallward5070]

She's so adorable

[@vipermad358]

I agree!

[@v.dargain1678]

@@vipermad358 I second it . She sings with such pride .

[@lisablack8804]

It was very emotional loved this.

[@lisablack8804]

But got to give Mrs. Mildred Means respect her holding those notes Oh My.

[@Rowoches]

Ooooh yes!!!

[@joehow100]

Well done Rowoches keep the blessings coming . My prayers are with you and Miss Willa . Love ya man I really enjoy your channel . Can,t get enough of those Ward Singers .

[@sriley6540]

this makes me glad to be alive

[@deaundreeturner3688]

That Soprano was no joke!

[@haroldgrant9923]

DeAundree Turner Mrs. Mildred Means!!!!

[@Rowoches]

From left to right: Gertrude Ward, Clara Ward, Thelma Jackson, Vermettya Royster (lead singer), Mildred Means (high note) and Geraldine Jones. Al Williams is the organist. Mildred and Vermettya are still living. I keep in touch with them. I believe Geraldine is still alive. No one really hears from her, so I am not completely sure.

[@Suejoy4234]

There's another live version of this song where they're singing and at the end of the chorus you can sense the presence of God even stronger as the lead adds the words "Goin' to church now" and she just takes it to another level. This is one of my favorite songs by The Clara Ward Singers!

[@realtalk8813]

That lead woman has a Holla in her soul!!! ❤💜

[@tresbelle4388]

I am absolutely amazed at this lady is singing full throttled, hard, and strong all the way to the end of the song! I hope there was someone at the edge of the stage to hand her some water because I know that throat was absolutely parched. I would be hoarse! And then Clara Ward gave her look like “Now what's going on with her? Why are you singing that hard and why are sweating and everyone else is dry? I sure wish I could ask Ms. Clara “where did your mind go at that moment?”

[@MrGHunter77]

Definitely.......I am sure Willa could have given us a lot more "tea" on Clara and the group, but from what she did share..the movie would be a blockbuster hit.

[@deepbreather]

This brings back memories of reading Anthony Heilbutt's black gospel bible. Back in the late nineties. Showed me the way.

[@Louie914]

I still remember Mrs. Royster from the Mack. Singing now is the time.

[@AngryBlackMensBookClub]

I listen to this song over and over. My grandmother loved this song. This song kept my spirits up during my hospitalization two years ago. This song is very encouraging if you Know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

[@STILLSTANDING23913]

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[@marksanderson7551]

How gospel helped create the devil's music. Without this they would have been no Elvis Little Richard or Jerry Lee Lewis

[@davidtillman7648]

Mrs.Mildred Means(The Soprano) WENT IN!!!

[@Rowoches]

I was blessed to know her for the last 12 years of her life. Such a wonderful, lovely lady!

[@lovejoy1946]

I Love Ms. Clara Ward

[@facebeater]

GO METTYA!

[@Rowoches]

Yessir. In this video, Vermettya Royster (the lead singer), Mildred Means (high notes), and Geraldine Jones (far right) are still around. Clara Ward died in 1973. Gertrude Ward died in 1981. Thelma Jackson (with the silver hair) passed in 1992. The organist, Al Williams, also passed away.

[@crewmantle]

NO side eye from Miss Ward. Playing France in 1962 was a BIG deal, let alone televised. Clara Ward was ALL business, and this would have extended to what performance caliber she expected for a paying audience from her artists. If Miss Royster did not usually take the lead of this piece, clearly Clara Ward would be paying close attention. It was a GREAT triumph as noted by the relief in Miss Wards face in the last frames.

[@Jim46514]

The higher the hair, the nearer to heaven.

[@ocroger]

Thank you to Willa Ward and Dwayne Lightsey for this video. I was not in Paris, but I saw the singers at Disneyland and many other night clubs and churches here in Southern California

[@jesserice2309]

Dem girls, oops I mean them young women is Banging, that lead lady, is having a good Ole fashion, shouting good time,I could watch this one for hours, 🤔😇😆😂🙄😏😐😙😁

[@Rowoches]

From what I've seen & heard about Clara, she was far from wanting to be "the one". Lol! Though it was her group & she led many songs, even more of the Ward Singers recordings were led by other members, which means she felt they could be used also. She was similar to Albertina Walker; giving others a chance. I've gotten messages from viewers stating that they felt the lead was overdoing it, as she was not the normal lead for the song. Maybe Clara felt the same. I guess we'll never know.

[@sriley6540]

i think she did over do it a bit and its what makes it amazin too x

[@curtisdaniels1767]

You're the greatest

[@curtisdaniels1767]

I love to hear you

[@loispulliam3001]

LOVE IT RO !!!!

[@Rowoches]

Yessuh!!!

[@yasminaberrabane2883]

🙏🏽❤️🌹 PARIS : 2020

[@Rowoches]

Most definitely!

[@deaundreeturner3688]

Omg I love this song.

[@Rowoches]

Thanks for your reply! It was nice reading your message and I surely hope that you've gotten the feeling back in your body. Lol! Unfortunately, the Clara Ward Singers never appeared on TV Gospel Time, but the former members who became the Stars of Faith did. This was the first song I had ever heard the Ward Singers sing. An absolute favorite!

[@ElAye]

Thanks for posting. Never really knew who the Clara Ward Singers until the choir I use to sing with back in the early 90s was on several programs with Madeline Thompson at the helm of the group. Sounds and Looks like the lead here is scrangin' "Havelin Shoes" ....lol

[@525dtmcc]

keeps on my travelling shoes, dont know the day or hour...shoutin in my travelling shoes right now!

[@Rowoches]

You're definitely welcomed!

[@tresbelle4388]

I wonder why she singing so hard? I love Ms. Clara leaned over and gave her the side eye thinking “why is she singing so hard and why are you the only one swearing?”

[@Rowoches]

Everyone has their own style and Vermettya Royster has always been a hard singer. I feel like that may be one reason she was recruited for the group. It was different.

[@tyresewalker4761]

0:36

[@yasminaberrabane2883]

👍🏿👍🏾👍♥️💐 🇫🇷 PARIS ! 2018

[@jessicagray1289]

Amen 🙏🏾

[@Rowoches]

I have spoken to Alice Houston a few times in the past; it has been a while. I plan to visit the West Coast towards the end if this year or the earlier portion of next year and I hope to have a chance to finally meet her in person.

[@Ebbony]

Yessah!!! I love it!!

[@modelmethodist77]

Thanks for posting this great and rare footage, but I must say no one and I mean NO ONE can sing Travelin' Shoes like VIOLA CROWLEY!!!

[@faithwork1]

I love Vermettya but I would HAVE to agree with you. No shade. But I think ALL the Ward singers could have been stars by themselves. I don't think they were well compensated which makes me think thier sole dedication was to the gospel. That makes me love them even more!

[@Rowoches]

Many of the Ward Singers had families as well. I can say that Gertrude & Clara were fair with giving all the members opportunities to travel abroad, as well as in the states.

[@ministersd]

They were getting down. Didn't care about sweating - dancing and singing for Jesus! Hey!!!

[@Ma1nguy]

Naw, when you're playing in from of a predominantly White audience you reel in some of that Black behavior that you may exhibit in a Black church and show some class. It has nothing at all to do with being ashamed to praise God, BTW "Traveling Shoes" has nothing whatsoever to do with God, it's just an old traditional standard that the older generation used to sing

[@breyanlovejerome]

The first to originate motvate approximate innovate o forget it these are the people who should be in mind when Icon is used

[@larvleharris3145]

The lead singer felt that song. I did also. I love the old church cause they just wanted to praise God. What an example to follow today.

[@Ma1nguy]

Traveling shoes ain't got nothing to do with God just traditional Black gospel music

[@MrJaeSings]

this vid takes me all the way in... the way she leads is just so oily to me.. :-)

[@brianrandolph4434]

memories

[@v.dargain1678]

A gospel oldie but goodie ..

[@marvahines825]

🔥🔥🔥

[@virtuouswomankb]

Powerful!

[@eugeniawatson1604]

I need more of the Holy Ghost dance 😊

[@MrGHunter77]

Yes, you can definitely see the look of concern on Clara's face; I speculate that Vermettya and Clara had a little "pow wow" afterwards..lol.

[@mrpeach2023]

Oldmanriver77 Doubt that

[@raymondmorton9366]

Not a powwow 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jesserice2309]

What,you talking bout WILLIS, oops, sorry, I meant to say Oldmanriver77. If any thing Miss Clara Ward was thinking, Good Lord, this girl done come over to this country, sanging, like I never heard,her before, she making us MO Famous than we ever was!!😇😇😇😆🙄😊😃😶😇

[@roweshan]

Who ever the lead was to this song, you can clearly see that Clara was NOT impressed with her performance! O_o

[@GuardianoftheGoldenStool]

Completely disagree. You are deflecting, as other people in this comment section. If you are internally programmed in the culture of negativity, your view and experiences of the world will be like that in abundance. I’m not condoning naïveté, but you had to stare hard to squeeze any negative intentions from Clara looking upon her. It was a bonding moment.

[@Rowoches]

Awww! :-) Marion Williams left several years prior to this video. Marion did a great job with the song as well.

[@HCDavis.73]

Classic

[@Rowoches]

You're welcomed. And yes, supposedly 'Royster' was Vermettya's cousin.

[@ivanberry19]

wwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooo.

[@vancemars1174]

Vermettya singing voice reminds me of C.L. Franklin (father of Aretha Franklin) preaching voice.

[@Rowoches]

I can hear it!

[@Rowoches]

I was only referring to the ones in the video, but yes, Malvilyn Statham is still alive. Others who are still around are Madeline Thompson, Adele Schofield, Alice Houston, Agnes Jackson, Esther Ford and several others. There were sooooooooooo many ladies who were members of the group.

[@valentetaylor]

Vermettya Roysta Have a singing Style Like Mahalia Jackson

[@BroPorkChop]

She betta shout, she a Clara Ward Singer!!! lol

[@saintben2008]

just a note. at that time, it was hard to tell who actually made a song because everything was treated as fair game. one thing the original acts would do to discourage copying was to sing the words fast at certain points. that was why you had a very good organist. if you look at some of the little richard clips from this period you'll see him using this tactic. pat boone simply could not sing tutti fruitty that fast. the wards were target number one in gospel.

[@MrChoirDirector87]

You know after watching this video yes Vermettya was going in HARD But she energy and was EXCITED SO I don't see why Clara wasn't so pleased now I wasn't too please towards the ending with he voice cracking with that growling lol NOW IF I WAS CLARA I'D BE LIKE UH HUH GET YO LIFE!!!!

[@vipermad358]

It is an awesome performance!

[@DWJazzlover]

Who s the Guy on organ?

[@Rowoches]

That's the late Al Williams

[@MrKITCHENTALK]

I wish Malvilyn Statham had have been there...... she one hell of a tambourine player....... Rowoches you should interview Willa one day

[@barber4ever]

If mother Clara aint giving her dirty looks smh