Joe Ligon Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Joe Ligon, founder and lead singer of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, formed the renowned group during his high school days in Los Angeles, California in 1955; and

WHEREAS, a native of Troy, Alabama, Mr. Ligon was blessed with a natural singing talent and his ability soon attracted the attention of other students, to include Johnny Martin, Richard Wallace and Elmo Franklin, who along with Mr. Ligon were the original members of The Mighty Clouds of Joy; and

WHEREAS, under Mr. Ligon’s leadership, The Mighty Clouds of Joy added soul, R&B, disco, country and rock influences to their musical mix while retaining the religious essence of their material earning them the recognition of being early pioneers of today’s Contemporary Gospel sound; and

WHEREAS, with Mr. Ligon’s involvement and support, the group has flourished throughout the years, scoring three Grammy awards, plus numerous Stellar Awards, Hall of Fame Inductions, Lifetime Achievement Awards, nominations and top selling hit albums along the way; and

WHEREAS, the Gospel Café is the annual radio celebration hosted by Angier Johnson, a radio personality serving the airwaves of WVAS-FM 90.7 for over 20 years and serving as a staple in Montgomery’s gospel community for more than 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ligon is to be commended, as the 2016 Gospel Café honoree, for his untiring dedication to “winning souls to Christ” with more than 60 years of ministry through music:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim August 7, 2016 as

Joe Ligon Day

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 7th day of August 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor