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
Oh Happy Day
Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
fight and pray fight and pray
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Oh happy day
He taught me how
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The lyrics to Golden Gate Quartet's song Oh Happy Day celebrate the joy and salvation that comes from the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. The repetition of 'oh happy day' conveys the powerful and transformative effect that this salvation has on the singer. The three-fold repetition of 'when Jesus washed' emphasizes Jesus' role in the singer's liberation from sin. The phrase 'he washed my sins away' is particularly significant, as it portrays the experience of salvation as a physical act of cleansing, with Jesus playing the role of spiritual launderer.
The second verse describes how Jesus has taught the singer how to watch, fight, and pray - three essential components of Christian practice. The emphasis on living 'rejoicing every, everyday' conveys the idea that these practices should lead to a life of joy and celebration. The final repetition of 'oh happy day' brings the song full circle, as the singer rejoices once again in the transformative power of Jesus' salvation.
Overall, the lyrics to Oh Happy Day are a testament to the transformative power of faith and the joy that comes from being saved. The repetition of key phrases emphasizes the importance of Jesus' role in this transformation, while the emphasis on living a joyful and celebratory life conveys the sense of liberation and freedom that comes from being saved.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The day of receiving salvation and mercy is filled with joy and happiness beyond words.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The significance and impact of the auspicious day are beyond imagination and still bring joy and happiness to my heart.
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus cleansed me with his blood
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus purified me and took away all my afflictions.
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus delivered me from my sins
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Jesus saved me from the punishment of my sins by sacrificing himself on the cross.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
I am overjoyed that my sins have been removed, and that I have been saved from my transgressions.
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray fight and pray
He strengthened my soul and taught me how to be vigilant, combat sin, and to continually seek his guidance.
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Every day is a chance to glorify and celebrate the joy of Jesus' mercy and compassion.
Oh happy day
I have been saved, and every day is an opportunity to be grateful for that incredible gift.
He taught me how
Jesus taught me to be thankful for the freeing salvation that he has given me.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The day I found Jesus was the happiest and most significant day of my life.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The memories of the day when I found Jesus still fill my heart with joy to this day.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The happiness and peace that comes from finding Jesus is immeasurable.
Lyrics © DistroKid, RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edwin Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind