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The Canton Spirituals

© Carol Allen

The Cantons are committed now more than ever to spreading the gospel message in a way that is still captivating. The group was organized in 1946 with the original members being Eddie Jackson, Theo Thompson, Roscoe Lucious and Harvey Watkins, Sr. The group today is comprised of Harvey Watkins, Jr., Cornelius DeWayne Watkins, Victor Allen, Sr., Wallace Strickland, Merlin Lucious, Norman Williams, Michael Richardson and Theo Thompson. They possess extraordinary musical talent and are rich in tradition. The Canton Spirituals represent the best gospel group today and indeed have a bright future. The group's many inspirational, and uplifting songs deeply touch the hearts of its listeners, and the accompanied videos bring tears to its viewers. The Canton Spirituals are the most spirit filled gospel group with their smooth but powerful harmonies. The quartet pioneers an urban sound that mixes R&B style with traditional gospel. The words in their music have deep meaning to those who are listening to it. The spirit man that abides within feeds off of the words which so often relate to the scripture. Canton Spirituals is one of the few groups which truly reveals a sincere message of Jesus, faith, and how to cope with the everyday trials of life.

The 1997 Stellar Award recipients for "Best Group/Duo of The Year" as well as "Traditional Group Of The Year" for their last project "Live In Washington, DC"-Living The Dream only confirms that this group's enormous reach and magnitude in the market place. In 1998, the group was bestowed with the most prestigious honors from The American Quartet Awards by winning The 1998 Quartet Of The Year & Artist Of The Year Awards. The Canton Spirituals appeal continues to broaden, and they have remained on Billboard's Gospel Charts for the past 69 weeks. Over the past year, the group has appeared on VH1 Gospel Brunch specials; Lead singer for the group Harvey Watkins, participated in the "Verity All Stars" line-up with Della Reese in the soundtrack "Touched By An Angel"; The Canton Spirituals were headliners for Kodak "The Light" tour and was featured in the popular play "Somebody Tell God Thank-You." Along with several Grammy Award nominations, the Canton Spirituals have also earned Dove, Soul Train, GMWA Excellence and Urban Network Awards.

The popularity of The Canton Spirituals is far reaching. The Canton's new project: 'Live Experience 99' is excellent. Stand-out moments on this dynamic 15 song album are 2 songs featuring the original Canton Spirituals and sure to be hit "I Made It" featuring The Cantons with the Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker is worth every penny. Another project which stands out is titled "Living The Dream: Live In Washington, DC." The Album icludes a number of power packed songs which hit close to home with the group, especially Watkins. There's a song called

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