The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first teno… Read Full Bio ↴Members
The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first tenor), Bob Hubbard (second tenor/lead), Bill's brother Monty Matthews (baritone), Culley Holt (bass), and pianist Bob Money. After three years, Money was replaced by new pianist Gordon Stoker. This lineup lasted until 1952; at that time, Bob Hubbard was drafted and was replaced by Hoyt Hawkins. Later that year, Monty and Bill Matthews left. Hawkins switched to baritone, and new lead Neal Matthews, Jr. was recruited. Don Bruce came in as a new first tenor; however, he was drafted the next year. The group narrowed to a quartet, with Stoker taking over as first tenor.
The lineup changed again in 1954, with Cully Holt leaving and new bass Hugh Jarrett (later a disc jockey) coming in. Jarrett remained until 1958; at that time, he was replaced by Ray Walker. This lineup, consisting of Gordon Stoker, first tenor and manager, Neal Matthews, Jr., second tenor and lead, Hoyt Hawkins, baritone, and Ray Walker, bass, would be the group's most stable lineup, lasting throughout the 1960s and 70s.
The group changed again in 1982, when Hoyt Hawkins died. His replacement was Duane West, formerly of Sonny James' backup group, the Southern Gentlemen. The lineup remained constant for another two decades, with West leaving due to illness in 1999 (he died in 2002). His replacement was Louis Nunley.
Neal Matthews died the next year. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young.
Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March.
With Elvis Presley
One Sunday afternoon in 1955, the Jordanaires played a show in Memphis with Eddy Arnold to publicize their new syndicated TV series Eddy Arnold Time (on the program the group used the name Gordonaires). They sang "Peace In The Valley," and when the show was over, a young man, blond, quiet and courteous, with plenty of combed-back hair, came backstage to meet them. He was Elvis Presley, a practically unheard of singer just getting his start in the area. There were a few polite exchanges, then Presley said, "If I ever get a recording contract with a major company, I want you guys to back me up." [1] He was on Sun Records at that time.
On January 10, 1956, Elvis recorded his first session for RCA with Scotty, Bill and D. J.. That day, "I Got A Woman", "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Money Honey" were recorded. True to his word, Elvis asked his new label RCA Victor if The Jordanaires could appear on the recordings. The next day Gordon Stoker was called by Chet Atkins to do a session with a new kid, named Elvis. RCA had also just signed "The Speer Family". Chet asked Gordon to sing with Ben and Brock Speer so he could use them. On that day, "I'm Counting On You" and "I Was The One" made history by being the first recording session that Elvis did with vocal background. By April 1956, "Heartbreak Hotel" was No. 1.
After having done several more recording sessions in New York with Scotty, Bill and D. J., Elvis flew to Nashville on April 14, 1956, to record "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You". Gordon was called again, to sing a vocal trio with Ben and Brock. After the session, Elvis took Gordon aside and told him (not knowing, at the time, why all the Jordanaires were not there) that he had wanted "The Jordanaires." This time, Stoker saw to it - and Elvis used the Jordanaires on nearly every one of his recording sessions for the next 14 years. At a time when no backing musicians, producers, or engineers received a name recognition on any records, Elvis insisted[citation needed] that he have "with the Jordanaires" on the label of his records. The reflected glory was enough to earn the Jordanaires "Group of the Year" awards well into the Beatles era.
They also appeared in Elvis' movies, and on many of his landmark television appearances.
Musical influence
The Jordanaires have been one of country music's premier backup vocal groups, working with artists such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Horton, Ferlin Husky, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dolly Parton, Red Foley, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. They also served as backup vocalists for pop music artists such as Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Connie Francis and Julie Andrews.
They are best known across the world as the backup vocalists for a number of Elvis Presley's hit singles, with whom they performed for more than fifteen years and backed up on well over 100 different songs (singles and album cuts, on television and in a number of films). In addition to singing backup for other musicians, the group toured extensively around the world plus they recorded a number of music albums on their own, They continue to record: "On The Jericho Road", A Friend We Have in Jesus and others.
Special Guests
The Jordainaires have been appreciated by a whole new generation and performed with many modern recording artists as well as recent sessions with Country music legends.
Appear on multiple tracks of Johnny Cash's 1978 album I Would Like To See You Again.
They sang the harmonies on Ringo Starr's second album, Beaucoups of Blues.
The Jordanaires also provided vocal support for Ricky Nelson on "Poor Little Fool," "Lonesome Town," "It's Late," and other hit recordings.
The Jordanaires appear on the second album by The Grascals, on the song "Did You Forget God Today?"
Sung with The Tractors (of Steve Ripley)
In 1996. they lent their vocal talents to the Ween album, 12 Golden Country Greats.
In 1997, they sang Who'll Be The One If Not Me for the off-Broadway musical Violet.
In 2007, they recorded "Save Your Dreams" by Americana artist Shark (Wild Colonials)
In 2006 & 2007 they are featured on Park Lane Drive Records. Friends of Henry Golis Wish You A Merry Christmas with The Jordanaires & Henry Golis Presents Good Music With Friends featuring The Jordanaires.
Awards
Grammy Award in the category of Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Album.
Special awards from RCA for contributions Elvis Presley's Recordings
Nashville Music Association Masters Award
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences award for having sung on more, top-ten recordings than any other group.
Members of world famous Grand Ole Opry for 13 years.
Recognized for eight years, by readers of England's Record Mirror and New Musical Express magazines as one of the world's top ten vocal groups.
inducted, in 1998, into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1998, into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1999, into the NACMAI Hall Of Fame (North America Country Music Associations International).
inducted, in 2000, into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame.
inducted, in 2004, into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
inducted,in 2007 into the Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame
inducted in 2007 into the "Christian Music Hall Of Fame"
Gordon Stoker-inducted in 2006 into the "SOUTHERN GOSPEL PIANO ROLL OF HONOR"**
Swing Down Sweet Chariot
The Jordanaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swing down, swing swing
Swing down, swing swing
Swing down, swing swing
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Well Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field
Thought he heard the rumblin' of the chariot wheel
Not so particular 'bout the chariot wheel
Just wanted to see how a chariot feel
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
Well I've got a home on the other side
Well now I got a mother in the promised land
Never 'spect to stop until I shake her hand
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Well Ezekiel got a ticket, he got on board
Chariot went a bumpin' on down the road
Not so particular 'bout the bumpin' of the road
Just wanted to lay down his heavy load
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot
Stop and let me ride
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side
The Jordanaires' song "Swing Down Sweet Chariot" is a gospel song that refers to the Biblical story of Ezekiel, who has a vision of God's chariot descending from heaven. The singer is asking for the chariot to come down and take him to his home on the other side. The repetitive "swing down, swing swing" reinforces the idea of the chariot descending to earth.
The lyrics convey a sense of both urgency and calmness. The singer wants the chariot to come down now, but also acknowledges that when it does, he will be carried away calmly and easily. The references to rocking and bumping suggest a physical experience of riding the chariot, but it is also a metaphor for being carried away by God's grace.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple of gospel music. Although it is a religious song, the themes of longing for home and finding peace in the afterlife are universal and can be interpreted in a secular context.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh oh oh swing down, swing swing
Invitation to bring down the chariot with a rhythmic gesture
Swing down, swing swing
Repeated rhythm and emphasis of bringing down the chariot
Why don't you swing down sweet chariot
Request for the chariot to descend and pick up the singer
Stop and let me ride
Desire to board the chariot and join its journey
Rock me lord, rock me lord
Request for the Lord to comfort and soothe the singer
Calm and easy
Desire for a peaceful and smooth journey
I've got a home on the other side
Assurance of a better life after this journey, in the promised land
Well Ezekiel went down in the middle of a field
Narration of a biblical story and reference to Ezekiel's vision
Thought he heard the rumblin' of the chariot wheel
Perception of the approach of the divine chariot
Not so particular 'bout the chariot wheel
Indifference to the details of the chariot, as long as it arrives
Just wanted to see how a chariot feel
Curiosity and desire to experience the ride on the chariot
Well now I got a mother in the promised land
Claiming a personal connection to the afterlife and the promise of reunion
Never 'spect to stop until I shake her hand
Determination to pursue the journey until reaching heavenly reunion
Well Ezekiel got a ticket, he got on board
Continuation of the biblical reference and the idea of boarding the chariot
Chariot went a bumpin' on down the road
Visualization of the journey and its bumpy nature
Not so particular 'bout the bumpin' of the road
Focus on the destination and disregard for the obstacles on the way
Just wanted to lay down his heavy load
Desire to get rid of burdens and find relief in the journey
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARTY MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thealmightydecoder
Their tone is wonderful!! You can just close your eyes and feel the spirit as they sing!
@alanstoker1812
That's my sweet Dad with the lead vocal starting at 00:47 to 01:14 and then again at 02:13 through to the end. His singing brings chills sometimes. Bass singer Ray Walker with the lead at the beginning.
@ashleymarie7695
Alan Stoker he has a very comforting voice!
@wwind3
Alan--loved your Dad's voice....his falsetto was unworldly...loved him on Elvis's gospel albums.
@wwind3
..this is amazing..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d18YAd2WJ80
@AxemanDeth
wow your dad is Gordon Stoker he is one good tenor
@liamandashtonforever5009
Alan Stoker amazing voice
@destinygrace2198
This is the version of this song I want to be played at my funeral. It's so beautiful
@Bonniefr6678
100% agree
@cleocatra9324
How does this not have more views?
I found this last year still loving it, Elvis, and gospel music.
Hearing this makes one appreciate the talent God gives us all❤.