The Golden Chords

In 1963, there was a brief moment when it seemed pop-gospel would be the next big thing. New York even had a gospel-based nightclub called Sweet Chariot. To address this, CBS hired producer Tom Wilson, who promptly cut three live albums at Sweet Chariot: "Introducing the Sweet Chariot" (Columbia), featuring The Golden Chords, The Sweet Chariot Singers and The Nathaniel Lewis Singers; "Shoutin', Wailin', Hard Drivin' Pop Gospel" (Columbia), featuring The Sweet Chariot group; and "Everybody's Shoutin' Gospel" (Epic) by The Herman Stevens Singers. The Golden Chords were most historically notable for member Lorraine Ellison. They began as The Ellison Singers, who cut the LP "This Is Another Day" (Sharp/Savoy) in 1962. A year later they signed to Columbia, changing their name to The Golden Chords. When both these groups fizzled, Ellison set off on a solo R&B career, signing to Mercury Records in 1964.