Robert Anderson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robert Anderson (1919-03-21)March 21, 1919 Anguilla, Mississippi |
| Origin | United States |
| Died | June 15, 1995(1995-06-15) (aged 76) Hazel Crest, Illinois |
| Genres | Gospel music |
| Occupations | Vocalist, composer |
| Instruments | Singer, piano |
| Years active | 1933–1995 |
| Labels | Miracle United Apollo VeeJay Savoy |
| Formerly of | The Roberta Martin Singers The Knowles and Anderson Singers The Robert Anderson Singers The Caravans |
Robert Anderson (March 21, 1919 – June 15, 1995)[1] was an Americangospel singer and composer. Journalist Kenan Heise stated in theChicago Tribune that "During the 'Golden Age of Gospel', the 1940s and 1950s, Anderson was the most highly regarded male singer of music giving off a message of joy and redemption."[2] He possessed a baritone voice coupled with a style often compared to that ofBing Crosby orBilly Eckstine.[2] Unlike many of his Chicago gospel contemporaries, Anderson was not known for stage antics, shouting, or other movements while singing. His style contained very little physical movement, with much attention paid to phrasing, tone, and dynamic style.[2]
Robert Anderson was born inAnguilla, Mississippi, and moved to Chicago with his family as a child.[2] During his childhood, Anderson learned piano by ear and assistedRoberta Martin with coaching the Sunday school choir at theEbenezer Missionary Baptist Church.[2] In 1933, Anderson became one of the originalRoberta Martin Singers (RMS); remaining with the group for the next six years.[2] He studied music at theChicago Conservatory of Music.[2]
In 1939 Anderson left the RMS to co-found the Knowles and Anderson Singers withR. L. Knowles; a group with which he performed as a soloist until 1941 when he returned to the RMS.[1] He performed for the next few years with the RMS, but ultimately resigned due to the demands of travel associated with that group.[1] In 1942, he formed Good Shepherd Music House, which he based inGary, Indiana.[1] Good Shepherd Music House published his compositions, such as "Prayer Changes Things", "Why Should I Worry", and "Oh Lord, Is It I?"[citation needed] In 1943, he performed "Something Within" at the National Baptist Convention.[citation needed] After that performance, his career began to take off.[citation needed]
In 1947, Anderson formed the ensemble 'Robert Anderson and his Gospel Caravan'.[1] This group was would later be renamedThe Caravans in 1951.[citation needed] Anderson andThe Caravans' first recordings were made in August 1949 and released in September 1949 on theMiracle Records label. In 1951, Anderson andThe Caravans joined theUnited Records label.[citation needed] During an April 18, 1952 recording session, Anderson andThe Caravans split ways.[citation needed] After the breakup, Anderson continued to record with a new group of singers called The Robert Anderson Singers.[1] In 1954, Anderson and the Anderson singers joinedApollo Records.[1] In 1955, Anderson began recording as a solo artist, recording and performing sporadically through the mid-1990s for labels such asVee Jay Records andSavoy Records.[citation needed]
Anderson served as choir director at several churches during his career; including Greater Harvest Baptist Church, Chicago; Opportunity Baptist Church in Los Angeles, and Hertzell United Methodist Church in Chicago.[1]
Robert Anderson died inHazel Crest, Illinois on June 15, 1995. Anderson was 76 years old.[2]
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