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My husband Vic and I were greatly saddened to learn of the loss of one of Gospel Music's pioneer's, Danny Koker. The friendship of Vic Clay and Danny Koker spanned nearly 50 years. They were both a part of the Cathedrals from it's inception at the Cathedral Of Tomorrow, under America's first television Pastor, Rex Humbard. Vic was the guitarist, and later, Producer for the group. Danny, the original baritone and pianist for the group, was also their first arranger, and MC. It was as MC, that Danny began the banter of calling Glen 'the old man'. That humor was the fuel for George's later comedy line...”I just love old people, don't you?”

During that time, Vic and Danny were 'roomies' whenever the group traveled. Later, it was Vic and George who were 'roomies'. But that is another article... perhaps several.

Vic was recalling the day he and Danny went to pick up George at the bus stop. His arrival marked the end of the Cathedral Trio, (Danny, Glen, & Bobby) and the beginning of The Cathedral Quartet. It also began a collaborative effort that would be matched by few in the friendship/partnership of George Younce and Glen Payne. As Vic and Danny neared the pick-up point, they saw George, standing on the side of the road in a blue iridescent suit...one of his uniform blue suits worn with the Blue Ridge Qt. There he stood, suitcase in hand. It was the beginning of a new era for all of them!

Vic recalls: “Danny and I really connected on our music tastes and preferences. You might say we had a mutual admiration in styles, artists, and the way we both liked to hear music communicated. Danny had a sharp sense of humor...well, actually a little slanted....just like mine. We hit it off on a lot of levels. We both loved the creative aspect of the recording process. I remember the first recording project by the Cathedral Qt. was done on the stage of the Cathedral of Tomorrow. In those days, we improvised a lot. In fact, we used the men's room for the echo chamber. You might say that men's room never sounded better. Danny and I went on to do many sessions with lots of other groups...mostly there in the Cleveland area. We loved the creative process, and Danny was great with a vision for projects, learning the art of string and horn arrangements, and vocal parts. We really learned a lot in those days, and had a lot of fun doing it”

“While on one of our trips to the Holy Land, Danny got up in the middle of the night. I remember wondering if he might be sick or something. A little while later he emerged having written a new song. That song was actually written in the lavatory of our room, at the Intercontinental hotel in Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives. It's probably just as well that the title escapes me at the moment. Since with such stories, it could well become known as the Bathroom song.”

As with any friendship that endures over decades, Vic and Danny saw many seasons in each other's lives. Danny eventually left Gospel music as a full time business, and became a successful building contractor. Over the years his talents were also utilized in television and radio broadcasting. Danny built and ran the Warner affiliated station in Las Vegas, NV, until he sold it in the late 90's. In the years since, he and son, Danny Jr. were involved in several other successful business ventures. Danny lived in Las Vegas with wife Mary, until his death. Their grown children, Danny Jr. and Kimberly also reside there.

The last time Vic and Danny were together, it was at Rex's 80th birthday celebration. Already George was battling fatigue from his illness, and was unable to attend. But he called, and all were able to 'connect' once again. Danny, Glen, and Vic reminisced about the early days. Within a few short weeks, Glen would succumb to Liver failure. That visit is a precious memory. Danny was healthy, happy, and enjoying the fruits of his labor. We can only imagine how much more he is enjoying them now.

Written by Toni Jolene Clay

Pictures accompanying this article are from one of the sessions for “The Cathedrals With Strings”, (both circa 1965) and were taken at RCA Studio B., in Nashville.

from left to right: Jim Hall-String arranger, Vic Clay-back to camera, Bobby Clark, Glen Payne, George Younce Danny Koker-at the piano

from left to right Bobby Clark, Glen Payne, George Younce, Vic Clay on guitar, Danny Koker at Piano

Reader Comments

Sadly only Bobby Clark is left from the original Cathedrals.Danny Koker was a class act and a real gentleman!I'll bet he's with George and Glen,and Roger over in heaven.

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