The Caravans - Where Gospel Meets Soul - The Caravans 1952-62 (2022)

The Caravans were a gospel vocal group who originated in Chicago in the late 1940s as the Robert Anderson Singers and The Robert Anderson Gospel Caravan, and evolved to begin recording as The Caravans in 1952, becoming hugely popular and immensely respected, as well as extremely influential. As much as any other group, they incorporated the styles which formed the backbone of the secular soul music which became popular during the 1960s. The group’s line-ups over the next decade included some of the most noted singers of the era, including Albertina Walker, Inez Andrews, Denise Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Cassietta George, Johneron Davis, Delores Washington and others, on occasion also including Rev. James Cleveland. This great-value 56-track 2-CD collection features most of the A and B sides of their releases on the States and Gospel labels during this era, many of which were also included on their album releases during these years as well. Their music retained its intensity and integrity in the gospel arena, featuring many traditional songs and spirituals alongside some fine new gospel compositions, including some composed within the group, while taking their distinctive brand of gospel firmly into more contemporary soul territory, making for an exciting and joyous showcase for their talents.