Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Royal Harmonizers

From the liner notes:

"In 1953, several men dedicated to their religious faith came together with the desire of expressing it to others in the community, with music as their medium of communication. Mr. Berkley Bell played an instrumental part in organizing the Royal Harmonizers. Over the past several years the Royal Harmonizers have been privileged to perform numerous spiritual concerts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. On several occasions they have sung on Radio Station 'WUST' in Washington, D.C. The Royal Harmonizers are made up of two denominations, Baptist and United Methodist. It is the faith and dedication of these men towards their faith and to one another that enabled their union as a group to be a unique and rewarding one. In 1969, Berkley Bell -- Leader and Manager, William Ridgley -- Tenor, Fuller Ming -- Baritone, James Ridgley -- Bass, and Victor Chance -- Second Leader and Guitarist decided to have the name 'ROYAL HARMONIZERS' Incorporated. Through determination and Christian belief, these men are able to tell the world that 'JESUS IS REAL.'"

In the 1950s Berkley Bell was putting out his own records and booking his own tours. You cannot fuck with a man who does it himself.

Ladies and gentlemen, for your listening pleasure, The Royal Harmonizers (of Montgomery County, Maryland).



Jesus Is Real (Mark)

1. Mean Ol' World
2. When He Set Me Free
3. Father Alone
4. I'm A Pilgrim
5. I Love To Call Jesus' Name
6. Yes, Jesus Love Me
7. Jesus Is Real
8. Uncloudy Day
9. I Dreamed Of A City
10. I've Got My Ticket
11. Won't It Be Wonderful
12.  Shadrack

4 comments:

Ed said...

you cannot fuck with a man who does it himself. - love that, and I can relate to it. Keep doing whatcha doing.

Rochelle said...

Wow!! That's a side of my Uncle that was rarely seen. But I can appreciate it and love him all the more for being direct and speaking his mind. Uncle Berkley passed away Sunday, August 1, 2010. And although he will be sadly and sorely missed, his will live on in his music.

TIFFANY BELL WADE said...

YES, MY GRANDFATHER WAS A MAN OF MANY TALENTS. HE WAS A HUGE PART OF MY LIFE AND I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY. GRANDAD I LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL!!!

Fuller said...

My daddy was one of the Royal Harmonizers. My name is Fuller Ming, Jr. I did not know Berkley Bell passed away. My father died back in 2004 and I miss him, too. Does anyone know where Victor Chance is? How is he doing? Is he still with us?