Claude Ely
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
July 21, 1922
Claude Ely | |
|---|---|
| Born | Claude Daniel Ely July 21, 1922 Lee County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Origin | Lee County, Virginia, US |
| Died | May 7, 1978 (aged 55) Newport, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Genres | Appalachian, Christian |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, voice |
| Years active | 1934–1978 |
"Brother" Claude Ely (July 22, 1922 – May 7, 1978) was an American Appalachian religious singer-songwriter and a Holiness Pentecostal preacher.
Brother Claude Daniel Ely, coined as the King Recording Label's "Gospel Ranger" of the Appalachian Mountains, was born in Pucketts Creek, Virginia. He was the first Holiness Pentecostal recording artist to be signed to a major recording label for strictly sacred music and songs.[1]
Rise to fame as a musician
Receiving fame for his song "There Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold My Body Down)", Ely's musical and spiritual style has influenced both secular and sacred music enthusiasts. Although Bozie Sturdivant was the first to record Ely's tune in 1941 with the help of the US Library of Congress' field recordings, Ely had written the song in 1934. King Records of Cincinnati helped Ely copyright the song in 1953. Many Hollywood entertainers and musical artists have acknowledged their admiration and fascination for Ely. Often music historians attest that other musical artists cite Ely as having been a positive influence on their works as well. Elvis' mother Gladys brought Elvis Presley to Ely's tent revivals.[2] Artists recording Ely's songs include Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Robert Duvall's self-produced movie entitled The Apostle also integrated Ely's music on its soundtrack.[1]
Ministry
Ely pastored various churches in Kentucky, Virginia and the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Ely also hosted a radio program entitled The Gospel Ranger Show, which aired across the southeastern portion of the United States. He continued to be admired in the Appalachian mountains after his death.[1]
