Tag: Pilgrim Jubilees

Clay Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees has died

By Libra Boyd

Sadness saturated the gospel community last evening (March 13), following the Pilgrim Jubilees’ announcement that Clay Graham, the group’s lead singer, had passed.  GMF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the quartet legend, as well as to elder brother Cleve and the Jubes.


A musical at the Prayer Center Baptist Church on 1432 W. 79th Street in Chicago will celebrate Graham’s life on Tuesday, March 20, at 7 PM.  The homegoing service will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, March 21, at St. John COGIC.  The church is located at 7527 S. Cottage Grove Avenue.  

The Gospel Music Fever Show with Libra Boyd will play several of the Jubes’ songs in memory of Graham during its show on Monday, March 19, at 12 PM CT (1 PM ET).  Listen at www.kwaygospel.com.

Our friend Bob Marovich from JGM shares more on Graham’s music career: RIP: Clay Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees.

"Trouble in the Street" – The Pilgrim Jubilees

"Trouble in the Street" The Pilgrim Jubilees cover art
“Trouble in the Street”
The Pilgrim Jubilees
From the vinyl LP, Trouble in the Street (1997)
 
By Libra Boyd
 
The Pilgrim Jubilees were thought by some to be ahead of their time when they released their 1997 album, Trouble in the Street. The album’s evocative title song, in particular, raised eyebrows and perked up ears with haunting sounds of gunshots, sirens, and authoritative voices shouting, “Get on the ground, Boy!”
 
Written by the Jubes’ frontman Clay Graham, “Trouble in the Street” is an emotive message song with social commentary that, sadly, is as relevant today as when first released.  When the song first came out, however, it failed to garner radio airplay.  The reason, Clay recalled in Alan Young’s book The Pilgrim Jubilees(University Press of Mississippi), was that some deejays thought lyrics about violence and senseless deaths were too pessimistic for the listeners.  Still, Clay remained hopeful that the time would come for his outcry to be heard.  After all that has happened in the nation in recent weeks and months, this may be that time. 

“We need Jesus!” proclaim the Jubes.

Breaking News: Ben Chandler of the Pilgrim Jubilees dies

Originally posted June 25, 2012 at 12:28PM 
Last updated June 29, 2012 at 3:53PM

Ben Chandler, longtime member of the Pilgrim Jubilees, died today.  He joined the group in 1970.  The Jubes commented on their Facebook page, “We will miss him dearly and there will never be another!” 

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “services for Deacon Benjamin Chandler “Uncle Ben” of the Pilgrim Jubilees will be held, Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Mt. Patmos Baptist Church, Rev. Raleigh Rucker, Senior Pastor officiating. Interment Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  Survivors are: wife, Gloria Chandler “GiGi”; ten children, three sisters, a host of grandchildren and other relatives and friends. A viewing will be held today from 10:00 AM until 8:30 PM.  A celebration will be held TONIGHT at the church at 7:00 PM. Please assemble at the church at 9:30 AM for the homegoing service.”