The Rance Allen Group
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| The Rance Allen Group | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Monroe, Michigan |
| Genres | Gospel, Rhythm and blues |
| Years active | 1970 - Present |
| Labels | Gospel Truth, Stax |
| Members | Rance Allen, Thomas Allen, Steve Allen |
The Rance Allen Group is a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio.[1] The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional gospel music prefigures the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.[1][2]
The Rance Allen Group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan) with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis.[3]:256 During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records.[1][3]:255–256 The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s.[1][3]:256 In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax.[3]:270 Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA).[3]:272 David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me".[3]:363 In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, "I Belong to You."[2]
Discography
- Rance Allen Group (1972)
- Brothers (1973)
- A Soulful Experience (1975)
- Say My Friend (1976)
- Straight from the Heart (1978)
- Smile (1979)
- I Feel Like Goin' On (1980)
- Hear My Voice (1983)
- I Give Myself to You (1984)
- The Best of The Rance Allen Group (1988) (Stax Records)
- Phenomenon (1991)
- Up Above My Head (1995)
- You Make Me Wanna Dance (1995)
- Miracle Worker (2000)
- All the Way (2002)
- Wattstax (various artists; box set) (2003)
- The Live Experience (2004)
- Closest Friend (2007)
- The Live Experience II (2011)
- Amazing Grace (2012)
- Celebrate (2014)
