Memorial To Late Great James Davis

No gospel quartet has been as influential, nor has lasted longer, than the Soul Stirrers. The original group was formed in Trinity, Texas, in 1926. In 1937, a year after making their recording debut in Austin for the Library of Congress, they added a fifth member, R.H. Harris. He moved the Soul Stirrers, who soon relocated to Chicago, away from the old-fashioned jubilee style into modern gospel. He also introduced the concept of having a second lead singer, which enabled the other singers to maintain four-part harmony behind the alternating leads. With Harris at the helm—his sometimes sweet, sometimes gritty tenor often phrasing in delayed time—the five-member “quartet” became a major gospel attraction during the 1940s and recording for Ebony, Aladdin, Specialty, and other labels.

In 1950, a year after the Soul Stirrers had signed with Specialty, Harris quit. Sam Cooke, a 19-year-old tenor, was recruited to split leads with baritone Paul Foster, who’d joined in 1949. At first Cooke often sounded like Harris, but he quickly developed a unique style. “He made a change in the yodel,” Harris explained. “See, the yodel is originally mine, but he perfected another sound and that’s the thing that really made a difference between him and myself.” In 1950, a year after the Soul Stirrers had signed with Specialty, Harris quit. Sam Cooke, a 19-year-old tenor, was recruited to split leads with baritone Paul Foster, who’d joined in 1949. At first Cooke often sounded like Harris, but he quickly developed a unique style. “He made a change in the yodel,” Harris explained. “See, the yodel is originally mine, but he perfected another sound and that’s the thing that really made a difference between him and myself.” Cooke left in 1957 to perform secular music and was replaced briefly by Little Johnny Jones, then by Johnnie Taylor, who stayed two years. The Soul Stirrers left Specialty in 1959 and began recording for Cooke’s new SAR label. Later lead singers included Jimmy Outler, James Davis, and Willie Rogers. The group split into two factions in the Seventies. The Original Soul Stirrers, led by Rogers, and the Soul Stirrers of Chicago, led by Arthur Crume, remain active on the gospel circuit.
The Reverend FOWDEN( all those sinners who spelled it wrong...put double in the collecting tray) has been away for a while..as I thought the thread may be wilting.... but I have been convinced to return( an email from the Vatican) As there were many versions of the Soul Stirrers it must be virtually impossible to do any Discography. Sam Cooke was, of course, the best known member. Dig deeper.. and you will see the name Crume Brothers... and here they are with James Davis on lead. A wonderful mid-tempo driving beat..and James with a touch of Sam.. but more raw...awesome track. ABC Peacock Records THE HIGHWAY QC'S 1. Condition of The World 2. The Lord is Sweet 3. Get On Board The Life and Time of James Davis
James Davis has been involved in Gospel music for many years, under the Guidance and Leadership of his Parents, worked hard and becomings one of the all time Great, At Young age he quickly developed A sizable number of followers not long after his personal Appearanced expanded to include being A lead vocalist for two of the all times Greats, Highway QC'S and The Soul Stirrers, Following The Great Johnny Taylor and Sam Cooke, During this time James Davis Traveled Extensively and brought Injoyment some of his greatest Recordings Hits, just to name A few., A Special person with A big Heart who would do anything for anyone in time of need, one of my Highlights in my career was James Davis who took A chance with me Being A part of the Highway QC'S and Soul Stirrers at one time, James Davis A Pioneer, The Man, The Person, The Heart, James you're truly one of the best whoHelp pioneered Gospel. T.Sharper

( some of James Credit as the Lead Vocal) NOTE: Tony is on the Soul Stirrers Album (" She Gone on " Home" )