GOLDEN GATE QUARTET - PRINTED PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED IN INK CO-SIGNED BY: GOLDEN GATE QUARTET (CLYDE RIDDICK), GOLDEN GATE QUARTET (CALVIN WILLIAMS), GOLDEN GATE QUARTET (ORLANDUS WILSON), GOLDEN GATE QUARTET (PAUL BREMBLY) - HFSID 297250

GOLDEN GATE QUARTET: ORLANDUS WILSON, PAUL BREMBLY, CLYDE RIDDICK, and CALVIN WILLIAMS
The quartet's early 1990s membership signed this 4x6 color photograph with them shown against an urban skyline
Printed Photograph Signed in Ink: "Clyde Riddick", "Orlandus Wilson", "Calvin Williams", "Paul Brembly". Color, 4x6. Captioned in lower margin. The Golden Gate Quartet, a jubilee gospel ensemble combining elements of Barber Shop quartet with blues and jazz elements, formed at Booker T. Washington College, Norfolk, Virginia in 1934. Performing originally in churches and local radio stations, the group got a record contract in 1937, performed at Carnegie Hall in 1938 and at FDR's inauguration in 1941, becoming the first black group to perform in the DAR's Constitution Hall. They appeared in several films, including Star Spangled Rhythm (1942). Their name derived not from the famous San Francisco bridge, but from the heavenly gates. The Golden Gate Quartet lost popularity in the U.S. after World War II, but found a large European following after their 1955 tour. They toured in Africa in 1962. The Quartet still performs today, although of course its members have changed with time. Orlandus Wilson (1917-1998) was a founding member, and performed with the ensemble until his death. Clyde Riddick (1913-1999) joined in 1939 and remained until 1995. Calvin Williams (1921-2010) and Paul Brembly joined the group in 1971, Williams remaining until 1998. Brembly, who is actually a nephew of founding member Wilson, is currently the leader of the group, which performs throughout Europe. Corners worn. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.