Formed in the early 1930s in Houston, Texas, they were strongly influenced by another Texas-based quartet, the Soul Stirrers. They achieved popularity after moving to Los Angeles in 1942, where their new manager, J W Alexander, helped fashion a new style that went beyond imitating the Soul Stirrers and the Golden Gate Quartet, the other reigning quartet of the era. Like the Soul Stirrers, the Travelers traded the lead between their two best singers, Kylo Turner, a baritone with the same facility as a note-bending falsetto as R.H. Harris of the Soul Stirrers, and Keith Barber, also nicknamed "Doc" or "Crip", who changed from being a sweet-voiced tenor to a hard gospel shouter under Alexander's direction. They added Jesse Whitaker — whom Ray Charles credited as one of his models when he adapted hard gospel style to secular themes to create soul music in the 1950s — as a baritone in 1947.
Alexander also changed the Travelers' performance style from the "flat-footed" style of early quartets to the church-wrecking style of other groups of their era. The singers would punctuate their singing by jumping off stage and running up the aisles in order, in Alexander's words, "to pull the sisters out of their seats". They cemented their popularity with a series of "mother songs", which replayed the same themes of gratitude and guilt for all that mother had done to steer them toward salvation.
After a handful of a cappella songs, the Travelers began recording their material with a microphone picking up the sound of their percussive foot-tapping; Specialty's early press for the group proclaimed "Something New — Walking Rhythm Spirituals," and the unique sound quickly caught on with consumers. In 1948, the group issued six singles; after just three the following year, in 1950 Specialty released no less than ten Pilgrim Travelers sides, all of them to strong sales (particularly "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well" and "Mother Bowed"). However, at the peak of their success, Barber was involved in a 1950 auto accident which left his voice ravaged; at the same time, the emergence of the Soul Stirrers' Sam Cooke made Turner's vocal style appear increasingly outdated.
The Travelers gradually fell apart in the 1950s, however, as accidents and drinking caused both Barber and Turner to leave the group. While the group continued to tour and record, adding Lou Rawls in late 1950s, it lost its hitmaking power after leaving Specialty Records in 1956. Rawls left the group in 1960; although he returned to record another album with the group after that, it soon faded from the scene.
All The Way
The Pilgrim Travelers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's the way you stand
You're always attracting attention
Now with your hands on your hips, and a
Snarl on your lips
Your eyes wore the look of danger
There's a lion in your heart,
That's set to quick start,
To a glance from any stranger
You give as good as you get
No one's beat you yet
You take the lead
You never need
You know all the moves you've got to make
You take it all, you take it all the way
Ya never do things by half
You're a man with a reputation
You never shy when the problems fly
You can cope with any situation
You take the wheel and crack the whip
You never slip
You rule the roost
You always boast
Yeah you're lookin' after number one
You take it all, you take it all the way
The Pilgrim Travelers' song "All The Way" talks about a person who knows how to have a good time and attracts attention. The lyrics describe their confidence and strength as they stand with their hands on their hips and a snarl on their lips, ready to face any danger or challenge.
The song's message is centered around taking charge and being a leader. The person described in the song is always in control, never needing anyone else to lead them. They are proud of their abilities and are always ready to make the necessary moves to succeed.
Furthermore, the lyrics talk about how this person is never afraid to take risks and never does things by half. They have a reputation for being fearless and capable of handling any situation. With these traits, they take the reins and rule the roost.
Overall, the song is about embracing confidence and taking life head-on. It encourages the listener to take risks, lead with strength, and be proud of their abilities.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright baby. You know how to have a good time don't cha
You are always good at enjoying yourself and having fun.
It's the way you stand
Your posture is always confident and attractive.
You're always attracting attention
People are naturally drawn to you because of your charisma.
Now with your hands on your hips, and a Snarl on your lips
You show your fierceness and determination through your body language and facial expression.
Your eyes wore the look of danger
Your eyes convey a sense of danger and excitement.
There's a lion in your heart, That's set to quick start, To a glance from any stranger
You have a fierce spirit that can be easily triggered and ready to defend yourself against anyone.
You give as good as you get
You never back down from a challenge and always fight back with equal force.
No one's beat you yet
You have never been defeated and overcome every obstacle that comes your way.
You take the lead
You always take charge and lead the way.
You never need
You are self-sufficient and never rely on anyone else.
You know all the moves you've got to make
Your confidence and experience make you aware of all the necessary actions to succeed.
You take it all, you take it all the way
You go all in and never settle for anything less than success.
Ya never do things by half
You always put in your full effort and never half-heartedly do anything.
You're a man with a reputation
Your reputation precedes you as someone who is fierce and determined.
You never shy when the problems fly
You face challenges head-on and never back away from them.
You can cope with any situation
You have the ability to handle any situation that comes your way.
You take the wheel and crack the whip
You take control and make sure that things get done.
You never slip
You never make mistakes or falter in your goals.
You rule the roost
You are in charge and have authority over your domain.
You always boast
You are proud of your accomplishments and never shy away from showing them off.
Yeah you're lookin' after number one
You prioritize your own needs and success above all else.
You take it all, you take it all the way
You persist until you succeed and give it your all every time.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Daniel Hunt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andre Kilpatrick
Who is/are the lead singers listed on this song? Is this song distorted?
Leather Zoo
I don't know who the singers are, It is a very old 78 and I cleaned it up as best I could.