Sensational Nightingales

The Sensational Nightingales
Performing in November, 2006
Performing in November, 2006
Background information
Also known asThe Nightingales
GenresGospel, traditional black gospel, Southern gospel
Years active1942–present
Past members
  • Julius Cheeks
  • Charles Johnson
  • Otis Clay
  • Barney Parks
  • Ernest James
  • Carl Coates
  • Calvert McNair
  • Howard Carroll
  • Paul Owens
  • Willie George "Bill" Woodruff[1]
The Sensational Nightingales publicity photo for Peacock Records

The Sensational Nightingales are a traditional black gospel quartet that reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s, when it featured Julius Cheeks as its lead singer. The Nightingales, with several changes of membership, continue to tour and record.

John Fogerty's goal for the line, "rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river", in the song "Proud Mary" was to evoke male gospel harmonies, as exemplified by groups such as the Swan Silvertones, the Sensational Nightingales, and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.[2]

  1. ^ Hamil R. Harris (July 20, 1995). "WILLIE GEORGE WOODRUFF DIES". The Washington Post.
  2. ^ Fogerty, John (2015). Fortunate Son: My Life, My Music, [unpaginated]. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316244565.