The Famous Blue Jay Singers
The Famous Blue Jay Singers only recorded ten titles for Paramount in 1932, but it was those titles that became highly popular and were re-released on the Crown, Decca, Champion, Varsity, and Joe Davis labels after the demise of Paramount in 1934. The group was located in Jefferson County, which had earned the reputation of being America’s capital of gospel quartet singing. Birmingham did not have a permanent recording facility, however at least ten resident black a cappella gospel quartets made commercial phonograph records prior to 1940, The Famous Blue Jays of Birmingham being one of those groups who left an international influence.
Record: Blue Bonnet 159
Title: Something Sweet About the Lord
Social Implications and Influences
- By 1940, in Chicago, a new group was formed by the name of The Blue Jay Gospel Singers. A man by the name of Charles Bridges, from Birmingham, along with Beale, Hollingsworth, and Steele were the members of this new group.
- Charles Bridges in return, had a legendary influence on the local quartet scene
- The group booked onto programs with the St. Andrews Gospelaires.
- By 1950, Steele joined a new group, the Spirit of Memphis. The group consisted of three members around the age of 50 and two younger members around the age of 30, the youngest being blind.
Title: Shall I Meet You Over Yonder
Characteristics and Commodification
- The Famous Blue Jay Singers found financial success through state tours and published music.
- The Famous Blue Jay Singers published 10 titles for Paramount and re-released music to other popular labels.
- A cappella gospel
- Four members.
- Quartet groups consists of four roles : Bass, lead, and two tenors
- Sometimes there is a lady singer, guy on a guitar..etc. Therefore, there can be 4+ people in a group.
- The Blue Jays were signed to an exclusive Trumpet recording contract on September 1, 1951.
Artists
Silas Steele
Charles Beale
James Hollingsworth
Clarence Parnell
Charles Bridges (The Blue Jay Gospel Singers)
Conclusion:
The Famous Blue Jay Singers were able to leave an impact with the work of ten recorded titles. Their work was appreciated as many labels did not hesitate to re-release the music after the end of Paramount. Although the group split from its original, all members continued to spread their talent as four paired up with another talent and one joined another group as well. All blessed their talent to listeners through gospel music and left an impact on the local quartet scene. Although it is hard to find information online, it is very clear they lived a full life of notable music.
