It's possible that rock & roll music influenced this musically. But I wouldn't call it rock & roll. Rock & roll music, as Wild Bill Moore & Wynonie Harris kicked it off with their '48 hits, was poking fun by taking the backbeat from '20s-'40s gospel music & the references to rocking from '20s-'40s gospel music, but using "rock" to refer to partying and sex. So this I would just call gospel music -- a la '30s gospel with backbeat. (I'm not religious. I'm just calling it like I see it.)
Fabulous Prof. Alex recording. I need to know if "I'm too close to heaven" is on the flip side of this. I believe that was the hit side, but this is what I play. I wasn't even thought of when this came out, but can you tell me if the 45 you have is an orginal red wax? (it looks like the real deal) if so i will buy it regardless of condition if your every sell it. Its very personal. PLEASE let me know ASAP! Prof. Alex was an early LITTLE RICHARD influnence and my music idol. Thanks for posting
To answer your questions, "Too Close To Heaven" is the flip and yes, this is an original copy. This was pressed on flat, rigid plastic and the edge is flat as well. The labels also feature the thin yellow squiggly line which is correct for a gospel release of this vintage. R&B releases did not use the thin yellow line until a few years later.
I'm a collector and usually don't sell records. Occaisionally, I might sell something if I find a duplicate copy of something.
Now this is a man who knew what it was to "make a joyful noise." I am also a white guy, but I have adored my copy of this song on 78RPM since I got it. Just love it. Just such pure joy in it. There are few other songs I have the same feeling about. "Somewhere to Lay My Head" by the Highway Q.C.s is one of the very few others.
I'm white too. The way music like this brings people together just proves that the only race is humanity. Hopefully the new decade will bring us closer to unity, even if we're only closer incrementally. I do believe we can get there.
This is the kind of music that WLAC (I think) in Nashville used to play late at night after they were through with their country music program. I used to get in trouble as a kid because I would get under the covers with my transistor radio at about midnight to 1 am. If I got caught I really caught the devil from my parents but hearing artists like Clara Ward, The Soul Stirrers, Mahalia Jackson and on and on, it was worth the heck I caught.
Prof. Bradford also wrote songs for The Roberta Martin Singers. By the way there are some outstanding music by him here on You Tube. One more tip. When he recorded with his church choir the owner of the record company he was signed came to the program to make sure he would not sing on the album. In his later days he was minister of music at The Abyssinian Baptist Church Newark
I, as a Caucasion Senior Lady appreciate this song so much. It is an inspiration. I would have been honored to have met Professor Alex Bradford. This would stir the souls of an entire cemetary....and get them to testify....Thanks Prof.......
@PJDooWop Where do we look for Professor Bradford in Heaven? Angels Choir? Well I would think if we look for him in the Angels Choir we had better look at the podium because the Professor will be leading the choir in a joyful celebration. We can only celestially divine what wonders we will see and how joyful the sweet music will be - I can hardly wait!
To post a record by the Soul Stirrers would be awesome. As you may know they produced Sam Cooke and Johnny Taylor. By the way my favorite Doo Wop song is " Love Is So Simple " by the Dells. Another tip Alex Bradford was know for his after program anyics
Love Is So SImple is a fantastic record. Although it's a late one, I consider it doo wop as well. I think I'll try and get that posted. Sometime in the next week or so I've got a rare Harmonizing Four record on Gotham I'll be posting
In the black church he is a legend an innovator. His song "Too Close" is considered one of the all time gospel classics. He also wrote for the Roberta Martin Singers
Legend and innovator I can see. I love Gospel music, and my collection dabbles in it from the turn of the century right on up to the late 70s. I noticed a clear before and after difference right around the time this record came out. Professor Alex Bradford must have influenced many a rock and roll / r&b act as well, since many of them got their starts in the church.
I tried to post another Specialty classic, Touch The Hem of His Garment by The Soul Stirrers but it got blocked.
You are aware that Alex Bradford was also a an excellent writer and arranger. He also wrote the music for " Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God" "Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope". He also directed a church choir in New Jersey.
I was aware that he directed a choir in NJ. I'm from NJ myself, and wish I could have seen him while he was still alive. Although he's not a household name, this record sold well over a million copies.
I wasn't aware that he wrote the music for those songs. This is all great info, and I appreciate it.
I was astounded when I found this record. Solid red wax copies are known to exist but this may be a one of a kind. I've shown a few of the big time collectors and they had the same reaction to this. I enjoy the tune as well.. It's a great Gospel tune and is years ahead of it's time
I agree. Gospel from this time frame was more about humming out the parts and rolling bass lines. Also, the band is usually much lower (if not non existant) in the mix. For the most part R&B of this time period was the same way. The reason I am calling this rock and roll is that the pronounced snare is on the 2 and 4, which is integral to rock and roll. In 1953 you usually had a brush stroke in 3rds. It wasn't until mid '54 that most R&B records caught up to this technique
That's actually not the case Tom. From 399 to 607 sawtooth copies were first issues. This is also the case with the 800/900 Gospel series up until about Specialty 904
LOL Angel, thank you. It helps when you have reference guides to fall back on. Jerry Osbourne's 17th Edition of the Official Record Guide goes into detail about Specialty's R&B series. The gospel series ran parallel to the R&B series up until about 904.
It's possible that rock & roll music influenced this musically. But I wouldn't call it rock & roll. Rock & roll music, as Wild Bill Moore & Wynonie Harris kicked it off with their '48 hits, was poking fun by taking the backbeat from '20s-'40s gospel music & the references to rocking from '20s-'40s gospel music, but using "rock" to refer to partying and sex. So this I would just call gospel music -- a la '30s gospel with backbeat. (I'm not religious. I'm just calling it like I see it.)
JosephNScott2 1 month ago
@JosephNScott2 - Good comments, well taken. My videos are an open forum for well thought out comments like yours. Thank you
PJDooWop 1 month ago
I had this one on a 78!
nighttrane1 3 months ago
Fabulous Prof. Alex recording. I need to know if "I'm too close to heaven" is on the flip side of this. I believe that was the hit side, but this is what I play. I wasn't even thought of when this came out, but can you tell me if the 45 you have is an orginal red wax? (it looks like the real deal) if so i will buy it regardless of condition if your every sell it. Its very personal. PLEASE let me know ASAP! Prof. Alex was an early LITTLE RICHARD influnence and my music idol. Thanks for posting
MahoganyArchives 6 months ago
To answer your questions, "Too Close To Heaven" is the flip and yes, this is an original copy. This was pressed on flat, rigid plastic and the edge is flat as well. The labels also feature the thin yellow squiggly line which is correct for a gospel release of this vintage. R&B releases did not use the thin yellow line until a few years later.
I'm a collector and usually don't sell records. Occaisionally, I might sell something if I find a duplicate copy of something.
PJDooWop 6 months ago
Now this is a man who knew what it was to "make a joyful noise." I am also a white guy, but I have adored my copy of this song on 78RPM since I got it. Just love it. Just such pure joy in it. There are few other songs I have the same feeling about. "Somewhere to Lay My Head" by the Highway Q.C.s is one of the very few others.
vwalbrid 1 year ago
I'm white too. The way music like this brings people together just proves that the only race is humanity. Hopefully the new decade will bring us closer to unity, even if we're only closer incrementally. I do believe we can get there.
I love the Q.C.s. You have great taste in music
PJDooWop 1 year ago 2
This is the kind of music that WLAC (I think) in Nashville used to play late at night after they were through with their country music program. I used to get in trouble as a kid because I would get under the covers with my transistor radio at about midnight to 1 am. If I got caught I really caught the devil from my parents but hearing artists like Clara Ward, The Soul Stirrers, Mahalia Jackson and on and on, it was worth the heck I caught.
alphashed 1 year ago 2
Prof. Bradford also wrote songs for The Roberta Martin Singers. By the way there are some outstanding music by him here on You Tube. One more tip. When he recorded with his church choir the owner of the record company he was signed came to the program to make sure he would not sing on the album. In his later days he was minister of music at The Abyssinian Baptist Church Newark
titusone51 1 year ago
I, as a Caucasion Senior Lady appreciate this song so much. It is an inspiration. I would have been honored to have met Professor Alex Bradford. This would stir the souls of an entire cemetary....and get them to testify....Thanks Prof.......
072740 1 year ago
Sadly, we lost Alex Bradford in 1978. I agree.. It would have been an honor to meet him
PJDooWop 1 year ago
@PJDooWop Where do we look for Professor Bradford in Heaven? Angels Choir? Well I would think if we look for him in the Angels Choir we had better look at the podium because the Professor will be leading the choir in a joyful celebration. We can only celestially divine what wonders we will see and how joyful the sweet music will be - I can hardly wait!
alphashed 1 year ago
Amen to that!
PJDooWop 1 year ago
DESERVE WOW! WOW! WOW!
buddyeagle 1 year ago
EXCELLENT! wow! God Bless evry'one!
buddyeagle 1 year ago
Amen to that!
PJDooWop 1 year ago
This is some most fine, bodacious 'Praisen Jesus'!
RhONSoUSACelt 1 year ago
Now you're talking they were also an awesome group. As you may have guessed i love and have a pretty good knowledge of music
titusone51 2 years ago
You do titus!
PJDooWop 1 year ago
To post a record by the Soul Stirrers would be awesome. As you may know they produced Sam Cooke and Johnny Taylor. By the way my favorite Doo Wop song is " Love Is So Simple " by the Dells. Another tip Alex Bradford was know for his after program anyics
titusone51 2 years ago
Very interesting.. thank you.
Love Is So SImple is a fantastic record. Although it's a late one, I consider it doo wop as well. I think I'll try and get that posted. Sometime in the next week or so I've got a rare Harmonizing Four record on Gotham I'll be posting
PJDooWop 2 years ago
In the black church he is a legend an innovator. His song "Too Close" is considered one of the all time gospel classics. He also wrote for the Roberta Martin Singers
titusone51 2 years ago
Legend and innovator I can see. I love Gospel music, and my collection dabbles in it from the turn of the century right on up to the late 70s. I noticed a clear before and after difference right around the time this record came out. Professor Alex Bradford must have influenced many a rock and roll / r&b act as well, since many of them got their starts in the church.
I tried to post another Specialty classic, Touch The Hem of His Garment by The Soul Stirrers but it got blocked.
PJDooWop 2 years ago
You are aware that Alex Bradford was also a an excellent writer and arranger. He also wrote the music for " Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God" "Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope". He also directed a church choir in New Jersey.
titusone51 2 years ago
I was aware that he directed a choir in NJ. I'm from NJ myself, and wish I could have seen him while he was still alive. Although he's not a household name, this record sold well over a million copies.
I wasn't aware that he wrote the music for those songs. This is all great info, and I appreciate it.
PJDooWop 2 years ago
This was the theme song for the #1 radio program in New Orleans between 7-10 Monday thru Friday which was a gospel peogram
titusone51 2 years ago
Good info... Thank you
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Lead singer is the late Louis Gibson.
appetancy 2 years ago
This proves the God gave Rock N Roll to us! Great song!
jasonlava 2 years ago
Agreed :)
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Fabulous.....and look at that WAX!!!
trackswax 2 years ago
Splash wax is a beautiful thing
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Well,. Allright!!!!! Cannot beat early fifties.
TRAINIAC19 2 years ago
I agree
PJDooWop 2 years ago
man what a nice piece of vinyl.i love the tune also.
nomiclas 2 years ago
I was astounded when I found this record. Solid red wax copies are known to exist but this may be a one of a kind. I've shown a few of the big time collectors and they had the same reaction to this. I enjoy the tune as well.. It's a great Gospel tune and is years ahead of it's time
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Nice! A real spirit lifter :>)
vghlivesri 2 years ago
Thank you
PJDooWop 2 years ago
I really enjoyed listening to this song. It's also surprising that it was made so long ago.
Cch092775 2 years ago
I agree. Gospel from this time frame was more about humming out the parts and rolling bass lines. Also, the band is usually much lower (if not non existant) in the mix. For the most part R&B of this time period was the same way. The reason I am calling this rock and roll is that the pronounced snare is on the 2 and 4, which is integral to rock and roll. In 1953 you usually had a brush stroke in 3rds. It wasn't until mid '54 that most R&B records caught up to this technique
PJDooWop 2 years ago
It is catchy and happy
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Love that it's on red vinyl but it's a later pressing (a true 1953 would have a solid black bar in the center of the label).
TopshelfTom 2 years ago
That's actually not the case Tom. From 399 to 607 sawtooth copies were first issues. This is also the case with the 800/900 Gospel series up until about Specialty 904
PJDooWop 2 years ago
You sure are a walking doo wop encyclopedia! Great song!
angelofbebop 2 years ago
LOL Angel, thank you. It helps when you have reference guides to fall back on. Jerry Osbourne's 17th Edition of the Official Record Guide goes into detail about Specialty's R&B series. The gospel series ran parallel to the R&B series up until about 904.
PJDooWop 2 years ago
Well, then you're a walking doo wop reference book :-)))
angelofbebop 2 years ago
That's funny! PJ does know more about doo wop than anyone I know. By far!
Great gospel and that wax, cool man, cool!
poppakind1 2 years ago
I agree with you poppakind!
angelofbebop 2 years ago
Thanks so much for the kind compliment.
PJDooWop 2 years ago