Pilgrim Jubilees

ORIGIN

The Pilgrim Jubilees, sometimes commonly known as “The Jubes” are a black gospel group established in 1934. The group was established by original group member Willie Johnson and Elgie Graham, who were from Jackson, Mississippi and Chicago, Illinois. The Pilgrim Jubilees influenced a lot of today’s gospel music.

PAST GROUP MEMBERS

Elgie Graham Leonard Brownlee

Willie Johnson Percy Clark

Major Roberson Roosevelt English

Kenneth Madden Theophillies Graham

Richard “Rufus” Crume Monrow Hatchett

CURRENT GROUP MEMBERS

Cleve Graham Ben Chandler

Clay Graham Michael Atkins

Bobby McDougal Eddie Graham

Fred Price

ALBUMS AND SUCCESS ON THE CHARTS

The Pilgrim Jubilees have had much success throughout their career. Until today, they have released 25 with 6 record labels since 1952. Five of those albums have landed high on the Billboard Charts as well.

Their album, “Family Affair”, was released in 1991 and peaked at #18 on the charts.

Their album, “Gospel Roods” was released through Malaco Records in 1987 and peaked at #19 on the charts.

Their album, “Back to the Basics”, released in 1989 and peaked at #28 on the charts.

Their album, “In Revival”, released in 1994 and peaked at #31 on the charts.

Their album, “I’m Getting Better All the Time, releasing in 1993, peaked at #37 on the charts.

ELEMENTS OF THE PILGRIM JUBILEES

The Pilgrim Jubilees liked to include the bass guitar and the bass voice as a way to signify their sound.

THE PILGRIM JUBILEES’ INFLUENCE

When the Pilgrim Jubilees were first getting started, gospel music was nearly as popular and prominent as it is now. The Pilgrim Jubilees really set a standard by being the first gospel quartet to be the subject of a full-length biography. Now, gospel music is extremely popular, as well as gospel singers.