Nicknamed ‘The Gales’ and known also as gospel music’s ‘Gentlemen of Song,’ The Sensational Nightingales are a legendary cornerstone of American gospel quartet music. Well known for monster hits: “It’s Gonna Rain,” “I Want To Be At The Meeting,” “Hold On A Little While Longer,” and “I Surrender All,” they are slated to make their first major network television appearance on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. (EST) with gospel artists Tye Tribbet and Coko on The Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors. They will be performing “I’m Taking Back Everything The Devil Stole From Me” and “I’m Blessed.” The program airs on the TV One Network, Direct TV, channel 241 and on cable.
“The Sensational Nightingales were the first gospel quartet inducted into the American Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame in 1988,” states D.A. Johnson, Executive Director of the Gospel Division of Malaco Music Group. “They are one of the main cornerstones of gospel music, and earned a Grammy nomination for their 2003 release Songs To Edify (Featuring the hit single, "I’m Blessed"). They have travel throughout the world yearly--across Europe and to Africa—and continue to perform live concerts throughout the United States. As part of our Yes! Quartet Campaign and upcoming tour, they are one of Malaco’s most revered legends and we are excited to see them continue to make such important contributions to this genre of gospel music.”
The Sensational Nightingales were formed in 1942 by departed Dixie Hummingbird member Barney Parks. In 1946, Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Wallace joined the group, to become the heart of the group and its first lifetime member. After World War II, the group toured the South and enjoying much success. They signed with the Peacock label to release their first commercial recordings. In 1957, they appeared on the Gospel Train Tour with The Clara Ward Singers and other top-notch gospel artists.
By 1979, they had long since become a fixture in the gospel music scene and were well respected for their tight harmonies and vocal prowess. The group caught the attention of quartet label Malaco Records, who eagerly snatched them up. ‘The ‘Gales’ continued interviewing and performing across the United States and eventually won the honor of touring as the Ambassadors of Goodwill for the Arts American Program of the United States Information Agency in 1985.
These ‘Gentlemen of Song’ with golden voices have recorded more than thirty albums/CDs in their sixty-five year career, nineteen with Malaco Records. They have also enjoyed three hit records (I Surrender All, Freedom After Awhile, Message From the Book) all with Malaco.
