The Golden Gate Quartet

"Found a wonderful saviour" is the sound clip

The Golden Gate Quartet sings "The Gospel Train" Several years ago, I bought a large selection of 78 RPM records. After listening to many of them, I was most impressed with a group called the Golden Gate Quartet. They were mostly a capella and mostly gospel. I liked their close harmonies and antique quality. As well as possessing several 78 RPM records, I also have recently purchased a few Golden Gate Quartet CDs. This is what a gospel web site says about them: Pioneer Virginia gospel/pop quartet of the '30s and '40s. Calling their innovative approach to sacred hymns "jubilee" singing, The Golden Gate Quartet, propelled by Willie Johnson and William Langford, enjoyed massive acceptance far outside the church. Their smooth Mills Brothers-influenced harmonies made The Gates naturals for pop crossover success, and they began recording for Victor in 1937. National radio broadcasts and an appearance on John Hammond's 1938 "Spirituals to Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall made them coast-to-coast favorites. By 1941 The Gates were recording for Columbia minus Langford, and movie appearances were frequent: Star Spangled Rhythm, Hollywood Canteen, and Hit Parade of 1943, to name a few. Some experiments with R&B material didn't pan out during the late '40s, and Johnson defected to The Jubilaires in 1948. The group emigrated to France in 1959; led by veteran bass singer Orlando Wilson. http://www.singers.com/gospel/goldengatequartet.html Their most popular recording was their debut 78. This signature song is entitled, "Gospel Train." It brought them immediate recognition, and the quartet's highly successful recording career was on its way. Lyrics are below "All aboard,. The gospel train is coming. You better get your business right. You better set your house in order, friend. You know the train's gonna be here tonight. Don't you hear the whistle blowing? hear the bells a-talking… hear the engine exhausting, friend? You know the train's gonna be here tonight."
~ Radio Transcriptions ~ In Chronological Order 1941 to 1944	A look away from Heaven Gospel Train Blind Barnabus Ride up in the Chariot Walk in Jerusalem just like John Didn't it Rain Reign oh reign Didn't old pharoah get lost Little Wheel a Turning In the Great Getting up Morning He's my Rock, My Sword, My Shield Wrestlin' Jacob Do you Think I'll Make a Soldier My Lord is Ridin' all the Time Poor Little Jesus The Prodigal Son We'll Stand the Storm Turn Back Pharoah's Army Dese Bones Gonna Rise Again
~ The Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order ~
Volume 1. 1937-1938	Found a Wonderful Savior Gabriel Blows His Horn Bedside Of A Neighbor Jonah Born Ten Thousand Years Ago Behold The Bridegroom Cometh Pure Religion Travelin' Shoes Go Where I Send Thee Won't There Be One Happy Happy Time Job Stand In The Test In Judgement John The Revelator Lead Me On And On
Volume 2. 1938-1939	Samson I Was Brave Take Your Burdens To God When They Ring Those Golden Bells Saints Go Marching In This World Is In A Bad Condition My Lord Is Writing Rock My Soul Bye And Bye Little Children God Almighty Said Let That Liar Alone To The Rock Cheer The Weary Traveler I Heard Zion Moan Noah Lord, Am I Born To Die? What Are They Doing In Heaven Today? Packing Up - Getting Ready To Go Troubles of the World Lis'n To De Lambs Everything Moves By The Grace Of God
Volume 3. 1939	Precious Lord Ol' Man Mose What A Time He Said He Could Calm The Ocean Hide Me In Thy Bosom If I Had My Way I Looked Down The Line And I Wondered Way Down In Egypt Land Our Father You'd Better Mind I'm A Pilgrim Every Time I Feel The Spirit Jonah In The Whale I'm On My Way
Volume 4. 1939-1943	What Did Jesus Say? The Valley Of Time Daniel Saw The Stone Jezebel Time's Winding Up God Told Nicodemus The Sun Didn't Shine Anyhow Toll The Bell Easy He Never Said A Mumblin' Word Moses Smote The Waters Handwriting On The Wall Run On Dip Your Fingers In The Water My Time Done Come
Volume 5. 1945-1949	Wade in the Water