Jubilee Quartets: 6 Groups That Shaped the Genre- Alana Edmond

Fisk Jubilee Singers
Formed in 1871. The Fisk Jubilee SIngers were the pioneer group of the Jubilee Quartet genre. Consisting of students at Fisk University, the group formed to raise money for their school. They became an internation sucess through their a capella renditions of Negro Spitiuals.
Learn More
Norfolk Jubilee Quartet
The Norfolk Jubilee Quartet was one of the most influential quartets to come from Virginia. The original group consisted of members: Len WIlliams, Delroy Hollins, Otto Tuston and James Butts.
Learn More
Golden Gate Quartet
Formed in Norfolk, VA in 1931, the Golden Gate Quartet became one of the most successful Jubilee Quartets to exist. The original group was comprised of 4 members: Willie Johnson, William Langford, Henry Owens, and Orlandus Wilson. WIth songs like, “Golden Gate Gospel Train” and “Rock My Soul”, the group gained popularity and signed with Columbia Records. Their song, “Stalin wasn’t Stallin’” became WW2 American propaganda.
Learn More
Soul Stirrers
The Soul Stirrers were an American Gospel Group that pioneered the jubilee quartet style of gospel. The group formed in 1926, and birthed the singing career of the very successful, Sam Cooke. The group transformed the Jubilee Quartet style by adding ad-libs which increased the emotional intensity of the song, creating a more gospel like feel.
Learn More
The Dixie Hummingbirds
The Dixie Hummingbirds formed in 1928, by 12 year old James Davis. This quartet became popular when Ira Tucker became the lead singer and signed with Decca Records. The Dixie Hummingbirds helped create the hard singing style of gospel popular in Gospel’s golden age.
Learn More
The Mills Brothers
The Mills Brothers were a jazz and pop group that sang with elements of a Jubilee Quartet. The Mills Brothers became extremely popular, they were the first African American Artists to have a #1 hit on Billboard.
Learn More
Previous slide
Next slide

What's your password?

Login to your account

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.