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
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your street
The Golden Gate Quartet's song "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is a classic example of a song that uplifts the soul and lightens the mood. The song speaks of a time when the singer's life was full of shadows, and he had nothing to look forward to. That is until he met someone who brightened up his world, taught him how to say goodbye to his worries and greet each day with the sun in his heart.
The song emphasizes the importance of positive thinking and reminds us that life can be much sweeter when viewed through a positive lens. The lyrics suggest not only a change in mindset but also give practical advice on how to achieve this new outlook on life. The song encourages listeners to grab their coat and hat, leave their worries at the doorstep, and head towards the sunny side of the street where life is sweet and full of possibilities. It paints a picture of a brighter future, one where even if one has nothing, they can still feel rich as Rockefeller with gold dust at their feet.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I had no one in my life to talk to or walk alongside
And I had nothing but shadows
My life felt empty and without substance
Then one morning you passed
You came into my life unexpectedly
And I brightened at last
You brought light and happiness into my otherwise dark life
Now I greet the day and complete the day
Because of your presence in my life, I am able to start and end each day with joy
With the sun in my heart
I feel warmth and happiness within me
All my worry blew away
My concerns and anxieties disappeared when I met you
When you taught me how to say
You showed me a new way of approaching life
Grab your coat and get your hat
Get ready to go and face the day
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Don't let your troubles follow you outside
Just direct your feet
Get moving in a positive direction
To the sunny side of the street
Where things are bright and cheerful
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Listen to the sound of your own footsteps as you move forward
And that happy tune is your step
You are so filled with joy that your movements create their own melody
Life can be so sweet
With the right attitude, even the most difficult situations can be enjoyable
On the sunny side of the street
In a positive and optimistic mindset
I used to walk in the shade
I lived my life in darkness and gloom
With those blues on parade
My sadness was on display for everyone to see
But I'm not afraid
I have newfound courage and confidence
This Rover crossed over
I moved from a place of sadness and despair to a new, more positive outlook
If I never have a cent
Even if I am not wealthy or successful
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I feel rich in my personal relationships and experiences
Gold dust at my feet
I feel as though I am walking on precious gold
On the sunny side of the street
In a positive and cheerful mindset
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind