The Cathedrals
A prolific southern American gospel group (also known as the Cathedral Quartet) the Cathedrals' career stretched from 1965-99. In the 60s the group were known for the comedic vocal interplay between bass singer George Younce and alto Glen Payne (d. 15 October 1999). Appearing on Rex Humbard's Cathedral Of Tomorrow radio show, Payne and Younce originally performed with Humbard before expanding to a quartet with the addition of Bobby Clark and Danny Koker. However, once the latter pair left in 1979 the Cathedrals substituted members as necessary around the core of Payne and Younce. The group continued to appear on Humbard's show until 1969 before setting out on their own path. They became one of the most popular southern gospel groups and their persistence was rewarded when they won their first Grammy in 1977 for Best Gospel Performance. They repeated the feat in 1978, 1979 and 1982, as well as drawing a clutch of Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. They also performed regularly at Bill Gaither's Praise Gathering For Believers shows. The decision to retire the group in 1999 was prompted by Payne's death from liver cancer. Younce, alongside members Scott Fowler (baritone), Roger Bennett (piano) and Ernie Haase (tenor) fulfilled their remaining contracted performances, although Younce admitted that "the hardest thing I ever had to do was walk on that stage without him." The career postscript, A Farewell Celebration, paired the group with the Oak Ridge Boys, Sandi Patty and the Gaither Vocal Band, and was recorded at a concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Listen to The Cathedrals
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2009) Something Special
- (2008) Sunshine And Roses
- (2005) Symphony of Praise
- (2004) Southern Gospel Treasury Series
- (2002) The Best Of The Cathedrals
- (1999) The Cathedrals - A Farewell Celebration
Top Tracks
- Sinner Saved by Grace (A Farewell Celebration Version)
- O What A Savior (A Farewell Celebration Version)
- Thanks To Calvary (A Farewell Celebration Version)
- Step Into The Water
- Movin' Up To Gloryland (The Best Of The Cathedrals Version)
Related Artists
- Gaither Vocal Band
- Glad
- Gene Miller
- Various A Cappella Artists
- Take 6
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Rockapella
- Sweet Honey In The Rock
- The Manhattan Transfer
- The Persuasions
- True Image
- Mint Juleps
- The Isaacs
- Jeff and Sheri Easter
- Michael W. Smith
- Martins
- The Hoppers
- Bill Gaither
- Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
- Jake Hess
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