Founding member of The Cathedral's, Danny Koker, passed away Sunday, Feb 17, 2008, after giving up a long fight with cancer. The Cathedral Trio began in 1963, with Rex Humbard at the Cathedral of Tomorrow. The founding members were Glen Payne, Danny Koker, and Bobby Clark. Danny was the group's original baritone and pianist. In 1965, George Younce joined the group, and it became known as the Cathedral Quartet. Danny was with the group until the early 70's. In recent years, he resided in Las Vegas, with wife, Mary.
Please remember the Koker family in your prayers. More info will be posted as it becomes available.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 02/18/2008
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Category: News & Scoops
Comments: 7
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Good write-up; thank you for posting this.
I believe George Younce joined the group in 1964.
Daniel J. Mount
Editor of SouthernGospelBlog.com
Founder and Admin Emeritus of SouthernGospelForums.com
Vic Clay, who was George's roommate during the Rex Humbard days, informed me that George joined the Cathedrals in Spring of 1965.
In my opinion, the greatest and best sounding Cats were the first edition with Danny Koker, Bobby Clark, Gen Payne, and George Younce. The Cathedral with Brass, and the Cathedral with Strings records were just so far ahead of the musical times that it was a shame. These are my two favorite Cathedral recordings of all time.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
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I thought "Beyond the Sunset," their first project as a quartet, was released in 1964.
Also, in Glen and George's 1996 book on the Cathedrals, George says (page 159) dated it to November of 1964.
Daniel J. Mount
Editor of SouthernGospelBlog.com
Founder and Admin Emeritus of SouthernGospelForums.com
I think you are right on Deon. I believe the Bobby Clark and Danny Koker was so much better musically than later groups. They had their arrangements together and they were great vocally. I am still looking for a copy of "When the Saints Go Marching In" if anyone has a copy they would like to get rid of.
Danny was one of my favorite pianists and person. We had the priviledge of having Danny play for our family once. While on tour out west with the Cathedrals, our pianist got sick and Danny did not hesitate in offering to fill in. He had a heart of giving and our prayers go to the family. I may have some of the original things done by the Cathedrals, George sent me a box full of their old stuff. Some of it I have not even gone through
Danny was one of the finest baritones ever, and great arranger.
It is very sad news. I knew Danny Koker. I prey to god for for Danny Koker. Thanks to you for writing the post and let me aware.
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