The Rance Allen Group was a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio, named after its lead vocalist, Bishop Rance Allen. Formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan) with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis. During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records.
The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s. In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax. Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA). David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me".
Rance Allen died on October 31, 2020 from complications due to a recent medical procedure.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played the group's material in the early 70's, when they were at its prime. He later also re-visited them in the 80's and beyond. Although Peel was not a religious man, he found many Gospel songs from groups such as the Rance Allen Group appealling.
Shows Played[]
- 29 March 1973: God Is Wonderful (LP – Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 01 May 1973: That Will Be Good Enough For Me (LP – Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 08 May 1973: God Is Wonderful (LP – Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 15 May 1973: Heartaches (LP – Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 1988
- 08 March 1988: See What You Done Done (LP - Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 15 March 1988: That Will Be Good Enough For Me (LP - Truth Is Where It's At) Gospel Truth
- 2002
- 17 October 2002: That Will Be Good Enough For Me (b/w There's Gonna Be A Showdown 7") Stax