sensational saints

Biography

The Sensational Saints, a gospel group, were formed in the early 1950s in Cleveland, Ohio, under the leadership of Charles Chambliss, who had relocated from Tuskegee, Alabama. Members were handpicked from local spots including a clothing store, a pool room, and a group of friends singing from a third-story window, reflecting a grassroots beginning in the city's vibrant music scene.[1]

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the group experienced rotating membership and released stray singles on various non-denominational labels, honing their sound at the intersection of funk and traditional gospel. By the late 1960s, they connected with Reverend Melvin Kenniebrew, a vocally gifted figure who elevated their performances, fulfilling their 'Sensational' name. Their career peaked in 1973 with the album 'You Won't Believe It' (also known as 'Try It You'll Like Us'), issued in limited quantities by James Bullard on the King James label, featuring a notable religious adaptation of a Bill Withers tune.[1]

The Sensational Saints' legacy endures through reissues by Numero Group, preserving their rare gospel-funk fusion as a unique artifact of 1970s independent gospel music, though they remain obscure with low mainstream popularity.

Fun Facts

• Members were recruited from unconventional spots like a Cleveland clothing store, pool room, and friends singing out a third-story window.[1]
• Their 1973 album features a gospel-funk reinterpretation of a Bill Withers tune, blending secular and sacred styles.[1]
• The group issued only stray singles before their sole LP, pressed in conservative quantities, making originals highly rare.[1]
• Associated with Ashland, AL, via later online presence, possibly linking to Chambliss's Tuskegee roots.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charles Chambliss - Founder and leader who handpicked members and oversaw formation (Early singles and group organization) [early 1950s]
• Reverend Melvin Kenniebrew - Vocal leader who joined late and enhanced their sound ("You Won't Believe It" album) [late 1960s-1973]

Key Collaborators

• James Bullard - Local gospel label owner who pressed their album ("You Won't Believe It" (King James label)) [1973]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. How Great Thou Art (Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads and Dirges 1968-1974)
2. How Great Thou Art (You Won't Believe it)
3. The War Is Over (King Bullard Version: Songs of the BOS Label)
4. That's All I Need (You Won't Believe it)
5. I Feel the Spirit (You Won't Believe it)
6. How Great Thou Art (Great Lakes Gospel: Cleveland)
7. That's All I Need (Good God! Apocryphal Hymns)
8. Don't Take My Sunshine (You Won't Believe it)
9. Walk Through The Valley (King Bullard Version: Songs of the BOS Label)
10. I'm Glad He Knows My Heart (You Won't Believe it)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz