The makeup of the group changed over the years, as some members were drafted during the war and new members were brought in to replace those who had retired or left to join other groups. William Langford joined the group when Griffin left in 1935 and Orlandus Wilson replaced Ford the same year. Clyde Riddick replaced Langford in 1938, Johnson left in 1948 to join "The Jubalaires" and Owens left the group later to become a preacher and solo artist. Riddick remained with the group until his retirement in 1995 and Wilson until his death in 1998.
The Gates had a broad repertoire of styles--from Owens' mournful, understated approach in songs such as Anyhow or Hush, Somebody's Calling My Name, to the group's highly syncopated arrangements in Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo. Like The Mills Brothers of popular music, they would often include vocal special effects in their songs, imitating train sounds in songs such as Golden Gate Gospel Train. Langford often sang lead, using his ability to range from baritone to falsetto, while Johnson narrated in a hip syncopated style that became the hallmark for the group. Wilson's bass served as the anchor for the group and Owens harmonized with Langford and Johnson.
They achieved regional fame through their radio program in Columbia, South Carolina in the 1930s. They became nationally popular after John Hammond presented them as part of the 1938 extravaganza From Spirituals to Swing in Carnegie Hall, which led to a nationwide radio program, appearances at Cafe Society in 1940 and the opportunity to sing at Franklin Delano Roosevelt's inauguration in 1941, becoming the first black musical group to sing at Constitution Hall. They continued to be popular during World War Two, making several appearances in Hollywood films and singing secular music, including some unique popular front songs such as Stalin Wasn't Stalling that mixed humor with political commentary.
The quartet lost their preeminent position in gospel music after the war, when they faced competition from the newer hard gospel quartets. They continued in their old style, offering sharper political commentary in songs such as God's Gonna Cut 'Em Down, but losing much of their audience to quartets such as the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Soul Stirrers. The Golden Gates revived their career in 1955, however, when they toured Europe for the first time, where they became widely popular. The group moved to Paris in 1959 and has continued touring, primarily in Europe, since then. During his stint in the US Army, in Germany, Elvis Presley, who a huge admirer of their work since his early childhood, visited them backstage at "Le Lido", in Paris, and stayed to watch their entire show, staying also with them at the hotel "Prince de Galles".
The Golden Gate Quartet has been inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998
Basin Street Blues
Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the Mississippi
We'll take a boat to the land of dreams
Steam down the river, down to New Orleans
The band's there to meet us
Old friends there to greet us
Where all the proud and elite folks meet
Basin Street is the street
Where the best folks always meet
In New Orleans, land of dreams
You'll never know how nice it seems,
Or just how much it really means
Glad to be, oh yes-sirree
Where welcome's free and dear to me
Where I can lose, lose my Basin Street Blues
Basin Street, oh Basin Street
Is the street, mama
New Orleans, land of dreams
The Golden Gate Quartet's "Basin Street Blues" is a song about the land of dreams - New Orleans. The lyrics tell a story of a journey to the Mississippi River, where the singer and his companions board a boat to the city of New Orleans. They are greeted by an old friend upon their arrival, and we learn that Basin Street is the place where the best folks always meet. The song is full of descriptions of the city's vibrant and diverse spirit, where the proud and elite folks gather. The singer expresses his joy at being part of this culture, where he is free to lose his Basin Street Blues.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you come along with me
Asking someone to join in on an adventure.
To the Mississippi
Traveling to the famous river in the United States.
We'll take a boat to the land of dreams
Boarding a boat to reach a magical place.
Steam down the river, down to New Orleans
Using a steam-powered boat to travel to New Orleans.
The band's there to meet us
Meeting with a band or group of musicians upon arrival.
Old friends there to greet us
Reuniting with familiar faces.
Where all the proud and elite folks meet
A place where important and wealthy people gather.
Heaven on earth, they call it Basin Street
A place on earth that is considered perfect and beautiful, known as Basin Street.
Basin Street is the street
A specific location that holds great significance.
Where the best folks always meet
Where the most exceptional people gather.
In New Orleans, land of dreams
In a magical place where anything seems possible.
You'll never know how nice it seems,
It's hard to understand the beauty of the location until visiting it.
Or just how much it really means
The true importance of Basin Street is difficult to describe.
Glad to be, oh yes-sirree
Feeling happy to be present in such a special place.
Where welcome's free and dear to me
A place where hospitality is given freely, and it's appreciated by those who are welcomed there.
Where I can lose, lose my Basin Street Blues
Being able to forget about problems and enjoy yourself in Basin Street.
Basin Street, oh Basin Street
Referencing the street again, highlighting its importance.
Is the street, mama
Stating that Basin Street is the one and only important street.
New Orleans, land of dreams
Repeating and emphasizing the idea that New Orleans is a magnificent place.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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