In 1963 the group went to Europe, but then Roberta Unfortunately became ill; she died on 18th January 1969 and the group itself disbanded the following year, though a re-formed version appeared in 1981. Overall the group had sold about six million records, and in 1998 Roberta was featured on a U.S. stamp, with the others so honoured at the same time being Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Clara Ward, giving some idea of the esteem in which she was held. It is difficult now to grasp that the music on these CDs was once revolutionary gospel music, so pervasive has music influenced by this group become in the intervening years, but that is of course a testament to the success of this talented group.
Par Norman DARWEN – BLUES & RHYTHM
