Reverend Willingham

Gospel singer and preacher (Born, 30 Dec 1928, Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia, USA, Died 23 Feb 1994 (aged 65), Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia, USA). Lead singer of the legendary The Swanee Quintet. Willingham, along with fellow original members Charlie Barnwell (Founder), Rufus Washington, Willie Bush, James "Big Red" Anderson, William Crawford, Floyd Fouch, Oscar Bing and Purcell Dunbar ascended to become one of the most influential active groups still active from the Golden Age of Gospel music. Formed as the Hallelujah Gospel Singers in 1939 in Augusta, Georgia, Willingham and the Swanees have performed for nearly seven decades in almost every state including such prestigious places as New York City's Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Harlem's Apollo Theater, and The House of Blues. Well known songs of the Swanee Quintet with lead parts sung by Rev. Willingham are "Come lake About Me", "Sleep On Mother", "New Walk", "How I Got Over", "That's in The Spirit", "My Lords Prayer" as well as "Sit Down Servant". A tiny gesture of kindness to a small boy who shined shoes to help feed his family was a pivotal investment in the groups career that paid off well. He shined shoes front of WGAC Radio station in Augusta, where the Quintet had their afternoon radio program. That boy turned out to become the future Godfather of Soul James Brown, who years later hired the Quintet to open his shows. They touched Europe and the United States performing before thousands of people in sold-out auditoriums. One of the mega hits conceived by their Union was "Try Me Father" (affectionately considered by many the Gospel version of Brown's classic hit "Try Me"). In 1966, Willingham left the Swanees after being called to preach the Gospel and pursue a solo career. Some of his solo releases were "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross," "You Can't Make Me Doubt Him" "We Shall Know Him," and "The Uncloudy Day."