Golden Echoes

Biography

The Golden Echoes were a prominent American gospel quartet active primarily in the 1940s, known for their contributions to the golden age of traditional black gospel music. Formed in Los Angeles by gospel singer Wilmer 'Little Axe' Broadnax and his brother William 'Big Axe' Broadnax after moving from Houston, the group emerged from earlier ensembles like the St. Paul Gospel Singers and Southern Gospel Singers. Broadnax served as lead singer throughout the decade, with the quartet gaining recognition through touring and recordings, including the 1949 Specialty Records single 'When the Saints Go Marching In' featuring Paul Foster.

The group's career peaked in the late 1940s before disbanding around 1949-1950 when Art Rupe dropped them from Specialty Records. Broadnax continued with other legendary groups like the Spirit of Memphis Quartet, Fairfield Four, and Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, while a later iteration, Little Axe and the Golden Echoes (or Golden Voices), released singles on Peacock Records from 1963-1965, such as 'The Lord Is My Sunshine / Remember Me.' Their style blended hard gospel quartet harmonies with emotive high leads, characteristic of the era's funk-infused gospel sound.

The Golden Echoes left a legacy in gospel quartet history, influencing subsequent generations through their recordings and the paths of members like Broadnax. Distinct from later groups sharing the name, such as the Austin-based Golden Echoes or Cleveland Golden Echoes, the original group represented the touring pinnacle of 1940s gospel ensembles.

Fun Facts

• The group recorded 'Waiting and Watching' in 1949, praised for Little Axe Broadnax's 'sweet but almost vicious' high lead that fused seamlessly with Paul Foster's baritone.
• Their 1949 single 'When the Saints Go Marching In' was their only Specialty Records release before being dropped by label chief Art Rupe.
• A later version led by Broadnax released Peacock singles into 1965, including 'You Are My Sunshine,' amid the declining commercial viability of quartet gospel.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Wilmer 'Little Axe' Broadnax - lead singer and co-founder (Waiting and Watching (1949), When the Saints Go Marching In (1949)) [1940s]
• William 'Big Axe' Broadnax - co-founder and member (various 1940s recordings) [1940s]
• Paul Foster - guest singer on recording (When the Saints Go Marching In (1949))

External Links

• Spotify