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
Rock My Soul
Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Rock My Soul" is a gospel song that was popularized by the Golden Gate Quartet, an American vocal group that performed during the 1930s and 1940s. The song is a joyful and uplifting tune that expresses the singer's desire for the Lord to lift them up and keep them strong. The lyrics talk about how the singer's soul is moved by the power of God and how it brings joy and peace to their life. The song encourages listeners to not be afraid to seek God's love and guidance, and to trust in Him to help them overcome any struggles they may face.
The song utilizes call-and-response techniques characteristic of gospel music, with the lead singer calling out the verses and the other members of the group responding in unison. The song's upbeat melody and energetic rhythm add to its celebratory tone, making it an enjoyable and engaging listen. The song has since become a classic of gospel music and is still performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You rock my soul
You move and inspire me from deep within
Down in the bosom of Abraham
Referencing being in the comforting and nurturing presence of God
Ooh, rock my soul
Expressing a desire for an emotional and spiritual experience
So high, can't get over it
Feeling overwhelmed in a positive way
So low, can't get under it
Feeling deeply affected and unable to ignore or escape it
So wide, can't get around it
Feeling that the experience is all-consuming and impossible to ignore
I'm so glad, I found out about it
Feeling grateful for learning about and experiencing this spiritual feeling
Writer(s): TRADITIONAL
Contributed by Alaina R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joseph Henry Mountou Decoss
I'm 14 years old and i think this quartet arr the best ever with a Incredible technic for sing 👏👏
Oscar Moreira Schwartz
Fantástico. Bravo!
Mike Eder
Always has been a great record
Toby Kelly
Thank you! This is a great song! "True Black Metal," indeed.
trombonist30
I love it!!!!
inprayertobe
To god be the glory. Oh praise the Lord.
Rob Wanders
i love them!
namcat53
The BEST! I love acapella gospel, some by white bluegrass groups, but there is nothing as good and soulful as this group.
thumper styles yes I'm a girl
I like the other groups version but this is. Good too
stevestheboy1
are these guys still rockin ?