Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gospel music |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Tupelo , United States |
| Products | Gospel music recordings and performances |
Number of employees | 5 (original lineup) |
Lee Williams and The Spiritual QCs (Qualified Christians) was a gospel quartet originating from Tupelo, Mississippi, active between 1968 and 2018.
The ensemble began their recording career around 1970, with Lee Williams serving as the lead vocalist and bassist. The lineup also included Al Hollis (guitar and background vocals), Patrick Hollis (background vocals), Leonard Shumpert (second lead), and Tommie Harris (bassist). Initially, the group was co-led by Williams and Willie Ligon; following Ligon's exit, the name was updated to highlight Williams’ leadership.
Career
Starting as part-time performers, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs evolved into acclaimed recording artists. Their early singles were released on Memphis' Designer label, typically sharing lead vocals between Ligon and Williams. Their first national exposure occurred in 1990 under Georgia’s MCG Records, with the album Jesus Is Alive And Well introducing their hit "I've Learned to Lean."
The 1998 release Love Will Go All the Way featured selections from their debut work, setting the stage for 2000’s Good Time, which secured a spot in the Top Ten of the Billboard gospel albums chart. Recognition followed with a Traditional Quartet of the Year award at the Gospel Music Excellence Awards and a nomination for Best Gospel Album at the Soul Train Music Awards.
Later albums included Right On Time (2003), Tell the Angels (2005), along with compilations such as Soulful Healing, My Brother's Keeper, and The Collection. Collaborative efforts with former members appeared on So Much To Be Thankful For (2007) and Fall On Me (2009). In 2011, they issued Living On The Lord's Side, combining re-recorded classics with new tracks. Their final release was the live compilation Memphis Gospel, Live! in 2015.
The group maintained an extensive touring routine nearly year-round. Although Lee Williams faced dementia later in life, performances continued until his retirement announcement in 2018. Their farewell tour commemorated 54 years of influence, celebrating Williams’ legacy as a pivotal figure in gospel music and a leader among gospel quartets for over twenty years. Lee Williams died in August 2021 at age 75. His son, C.C. Williams, joined to carry on the group’s tradition as the Spiritual QCs.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Year released |
|---|---|---|
| Love Will Go All The Way |
|
1996 |
| Right on Time |
|
2003 |
| Soulful Healing |
|
2006 |
| So Much To Be Thankful For |
|
2007 |
| Fall on Me |
|
2009 |
| Through the Years |
|
2010 |
| God's Groove! (The Remix) |
|
2011 |
| Living On The Lord's Side |
|
2011 |
| My Brother's Keeper III |
|
2015 |
Live albums
| Album Title | Details | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Love Will Go All The Way Deluxe Set |
|
1998 |
| Good Time |
|
2002 |
| Tell the Angels: Live in Memphis |
|
2005 |
| SoulLink Live 3 |
|
2006 |
| Memphis Gospel Live! |
|
2015 |
Other albums
- SoulLink Live
- Gospel gospel
- SoulLink Live 2
- SoulLink Live 3