The Rance Allen Group is a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio. 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.
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.: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.: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.:256 In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax.:270Following this appearance, the group was named “Best Religious Group” by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA).:272 David Porter co-produced the group’s 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, “Just Found Me”.:363
The group’s incorporation of rock and soul into traditional black gospel music prefigures the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, “I Belong to You.” The group released Miracle Worker in spring 2000.
Rance Allen
| Rance Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 19, 1948 Monroe, Michigan, United States |
| Genres | contemporary gospel,Rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Bishop, Songwriter, Singer,Keyboards, Background Vocals, Lead Guitar |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Labels | Gospel Truth, Stax |
| Associated acts | The Rance Allen Group |
| Website | ‹See Tfm›www |
Rance Allen (born November 19, 1948) is an American Bishop and gospel musician, and leader of the Rance Allen Group. Known for his extremely wide vocal range and powerful singing voice, Allen became known as the main lead vocalist of the influential group.
He has been pastor of New Bethel Church Of God In Christ in Toledo, since its July 1985 establishment. In November 2011, Rance Allen was elevated to the office of Bishop in the Church of God in Christ, for the Michigan Northwestern Harvest Jurisdiction.
Allen was born in 1948 in Monroe, Michigan to Thomas and Emma Pearl Allen. He has eleven siblings: six sisters and five brothers.
Allen founded the Rance Allen Group in Detroit in 1969 joined by his brothers Thomas and Steve.
Allen is married to Ellen Marie Allen (née Groves). The two were married on December 1, 1970.
