The Rance Allen Group
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gospel music |
| Founded | 1969 in Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Founder | Rance Allen |
| Headquarters | Toledo, Ohio , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Rance Allen (lead singer, vocalist, guitarist, pianist, songwriter), Tom Allen (drums), Steve Allen (bass) |
| Products | Gospel music albums and performances |
The Rance Allen Group was a gospel ensemble originating from Monroe, Michigan and later based in Toledo, Ohio, taking its name from the lead singer Bishop Rance Allen.
The ensemble was established by Rance Allen, who served as vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter, alongside his brothers Tom (on drums) and Steve (handling bass); their brother Esau contributed on percussion sporadically. Their breakthrough came after performing at a gospel talent competition in Detroit, where record promoter Dave Clark of Stax Records took notice. They became the inaugural act signed to Stax's Gospel Truth label and collaborated with Stax throughout the 1970s. In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax. Subsequently, they earned the title "Best Religious Group" from the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA). Their 1975 album A Soulful Experience was co-produced by David Porter, who also contributed the autobiographical track "Just Found Me".
Blending rock and soul with classic black gospel elements, their sound paved the way for crossover achievements by artists such as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans. In 1978, they achieved a Top 30 R&B charting single with "I Belong to You". The group garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album with their 1991 release Phenomenon.
Their most recent project, God Has Been So Good, features collaborations with hip-hop pioneer Glenn "Sweety G" Toby, producer Bernard Jackson, and emerging gospel vocalist Mydason.
Rance Allen
Rance Allen (November 19, 1948 – October 31, 2020) was an American Bishop, Minister, and gospel artist who founded and led the Rance Allen Group. Known for his expansive vocal range and commanding voice, Allen was the primary lead singer and guiding force behind the influential group.
He held the position of senior pastor at New Bethel Church Of God In Christ in Toledo, Ohio, since its inception in July 1985. In November 2011, Allen was consecrated as Bishop within the Church of God in Christ for the Michigan Northwestern Harvest Jurisdiction.
Born in 1948 in Monroe, Michigan to Thomas and Emma Pearl Allen, he descended from a family with African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino roots. He was one of twelve siblings. In 1969, he formed the Rance Allen Group in Detroit alongside his brothers Thomas and Steve.
Allen wed Ellen Marie Allen (née Groves) on December 1, 1970; they did not have children.
The Rance Allen Group shared stages with notable gospel figures such as Andrae Crouch, Marvin Winans, Bebe and Cece Winans, the Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, Shirley Caesar, and Donnie McClurkin. Allen also performed at a White House Celebration of Gospel Music during President Barack Obama’s administration and received five Grammy nominations throughout his career.
He passed away on October 31, 2020 at age 71 due to complications following a medical procedure.
Awards
| Year | Awarding Organization | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Stellar Awards | Quartet of the Year: "The Live Experience II: Celebrating 40 Years of Music and Ministry" |
| Traditional Group/Duo of the Year: "The Live Experience II: Celebrating 40 Years of Music and Ministry" |
Discography
- Rance Allen Group (1972)
- Truth Is Where It's At (1972)
- Brothers (1973)
- Sanctified (1975; compilation exclusive to the UK)
- A Soulful Experience (1975; re-released in 1981 under the title Ain't No Need Of Crying)
- Say My Friend (1977; reissued in 1979 as The Way It Is)
- Straight from the Heart (1978; CD reissue with additional tracks issued in 1994)
- Smile (1979)
- I Feel Like Goin' On (1980)
- Hear My Voice (1983)
- I Give Myself to You (1984)
- The Best of The Rance Allen Group (1988) (Stax Records)
- Phenomenon (1991)
- Up Above My Head (1995; compilation)
- You Make Me Wanna Dance (1995)
- Let The Music Get Down In Your Soul (1997; vault release)
- Miracle Worker (2000)
- The Soulful Truth Of The Rance Allen Group (2001; UK-exclusive compilation)
- All the Way (2002)
- Wattstax (various artists; box set) (2003)
- The Live Experience (2004)
- Closest Friend (2007)
- The Live Experience II (2011)
- Amazing Grace (2012)
- Celebrate (2014)
- Live From San Francisco (2016)
- God Has Been So Good (2020)