The Trumpeteers

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The Trumpeteers
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
GenresGospel
Years active1946–1984
LabelsAladdin Records
Past members
  • Joseph E. Johnson
  • James Keels
  • Raleigh Turnage
  • Willie MacNair

The Trumpeteers (also known as the CBS Trumpeteers) were an American

the Golden Gate Quartet, the ensemble's most enduring song is their take on "Milky White Way", later covered by Elvis Presley
.

History

Formed in Baltimore, the Trumpeteers evolved from another gospel group known as the Willing Four. Joseph E. Johnson (

tenor), and Willie MacNair (baritone) in 1946.[1][2] Like similar gospel groups, the quartet adopted the Golden Gate Quartet's jubilee style, and began broadcasting jingles and promotions on WCAO radio in Baltimore for a sponsoring shoe company. Not long after, the Trumpeteers were offered a regular broadcast spot by CBS Radio to replace the recently departed Jubalaires.[3]

Leo Mesner, co-owner and operator of

Silvertone Singers, and Elvis Presley on his first gospel album, His Hand in Mine in 1960.[3][5]
The Trumpeteers, themselves, re-recorded the tune numerous times as well.

To keep the Trumpeteers commercially accessible, Aladdin Records organized a session crediting the group as the Rockets which focused entirely on secular songs. It failed to match the success of "Milky White Way"; however, the Trumpeteers' 17 singles for Score, issued across a five-year period, sold encouragingly. During their stint with Score, the group also released two singles with King Records in 1949 and 1950.[3] Johnson kept different line-ups of the Trumpeteers active until his death in 1984, and baritone singer Calvin Stewart, who had joined in 1950, then continued to lead the group.[6]

References

  1. ^ Lornell, Kip. "The Trumpeteers – Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  2. ^ Stanley, Robert. "The Trumpeteers". Gloryland Gospel. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Liner notes to 'King Records: Best of King Gospel" (PDF). King Records. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  4. ISBN 0-89820-115-2
    .
  5. ISBN 9780878059447
    .
  6. ISBN 9780252068775
    .
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