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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBRADFORD, Professor Alex(b Bessemer AL) Gospel singer. Title 'professor' from early stint as schoolteacher. Son of ore miner; raised during Depression. Vaudeville debut age four; took music lessons from pianist Martha Bell Hall; later infl. by the Blue Jays Quartet. Formed own group the Bradfordettes, then to NYC leading group the Bronx Gospelaires. In army during WWII, sometimes singing blues at camp concerts; after the war to Chicago. Toured with several groups early '50s, formed own all-male Bradford Specials, had '54 million-seller on Specialty 'Too Close To Heaven'. Toured worldwide '60s, with Marion Williams (d 2 July '94, aged 66) presenting musical gospel play Black Nativity (participant Madeleine Bell going on to become UK pop star). On Broadway early '70s with show Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. Helped launch gospel-turned-pop stars such as Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, Judy Clay through association with the Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church of Newark NJ. Hailed by gospel writer Tony Heilbut as 'Gospel's Little Richard'. CDs on Specialty and Vee-Jay. |