Sensational Nightingales

Formed during the 1940s, the Sensational Nightingales joined the Gospel Train tour in 1957 alongside The Clara Ward Singers and five additional prominent gospel ensembles. The lineup featured Julius Cheeks on lead, Carl Coates handling bass, JoJo Wallace on tenor, Howard Carroll on baritone, and Paul Gwens also on tenor. Their standout single, "See How They Done My Lord," became a signature release. As one of the first gospel quintets, the group maintained an active schedule of recordings and performances well into the 1990s. MCA reissues of their 1950s and 1960s material highlight the powerful delivery of Rev. Julius Cheeks, whose vocal force, like that of Archie Brownlee, sometimes overwhelms the original tracks; Bobby Bland, Wilson Pickett, and other artists later drew heavily from his approach. Charles Johnson's subsequent sessions present a more polished and refined sound while retaining strong quality.