In the late ‘60s and throughout the ‘70s, Mildred Clark & the Melody-Aires were road warriors, wrecking churches throughout the Midwest and South night after night after night. It’s shame they’re not better known now, because these ladies threw themselves into every gospel song they sang.
Clark was from Kansas City and formed the Melody-Aires with her daughters Barbara, Saundra and Maryetta in 1958. Barbara would go on to a solo career with AIR Records, but really – they were all top-flight vocalists.
My favorite release is I Can’t Give Up Now, recorded live in 1981 with the Queen Street Young Adult Choir in Greenville, South Carolina. The LP begins with the fiery two-parter, “My God Can Do It All” – and it’s an excellent introduction to Mildred’s full-throttle vocals. The Melody-Aires are supported by a smokin’ hot band and it is clear from the audience reactions that yet another church wrecking is going on!
MUSIC: “My God Can Do It All, Part 1,” Mildred Clark & the Melody-Aires LP, I Can’t Give Up Now, Side 1, Track 1
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU, the Black Gospel Music Restoration Project at Baylor University Libraries and is funded by generous support from the Prichard Foundation.