The Mighty Clouds of Joy, also know as Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, are one of the world’s best-selling gospel groups of all-time. They were organized in 1955 in Los Angeles, California by group founders Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace, along with High School friends Johnny Martin, Elmo Franklin, Leon Polk and David Walker (who also recorded several tracks with Link Wray under the name “Bunker Hill”).
The Mighty Clouds of Joy started out in a traditional-based style. Eventually they added soul, R&B, disco, country, and rock influences into their musical mix without diluting the essential religious essence of their material. They are even recognized as being early pioneers of today’s Contemporary Gospel sound.
The long-lived group has flourished throughout the 20th century and the new millennium, scoring three Grammy Awards, plus numerous Stellar Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, nominations and top selling hit albums along the way.
Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds of Joy have been blessed to headline and minister in song to sold out audiences on all seven continents, in numerous countries, for Presidents, Kings and Queens, and in every major venue in the United States. They have won countless awards and accolades. But, out of all of their accomplishments, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace who are the only remaining original members of the group both count “winning souls to Christ” through their music ministry as their greatest accomplishment.
Over the years, the group has experienced many challenges, ups and downs, and many changes along the way. But, through it all, they are still here and one of the most sought after groups in Gospel Music. Even after a brief split, the Lord brought Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace back together and they are stronger, better, and wiser than ever with an anointed supporting cast of musicians and singers led by long-time Band Leader Dwight Gordon.
The Mighty Clouds of Joy are celebrating more than 60 years of ministry with their 78th recording project entitled “Down Memory Lane: Chapter 2” on MCG Records which was recorded live in Atlanta, Georgia and it features new songs as well as some of their classic Grammy Award winning hits.