Earlston Ford
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Earlston Ford (April 26, 1932 – November 12, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, and minister who performed in both R&B and gospel music. Performing early in his career under the stage name Rudy McPhatter, Ford initially gained recognition as a secular R&B artist before later focusing on gospel music under his birth name.[1]
Earlston Ford | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Earlston Ford |
| Also known as | Rudy McPhatter |
| Born | April 26, 1932 |
| Died | November 12, 2020 (aged 88) Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, minister |
| Years active | 1950s–1990s |
| Labels | Mercury Records, Glori Records, Nashboro Records, Atlanta International Records |
| Formerly of | The Warblers |
| Spouse | Shirley Byrd (m. 1955; died 2001) |
Biography
[edit]Earlston Ford was an American vocalist whose musical career spanned both secular and sacred realms. He began his career in the 1950s, performing under the stage name Rudy McPhatter in the rhythm and blues (R&B) scene.
In the early 1950s, Ford sang with the vocal group The Warblers. After parting ways with the group in 1957, he signed with Mercury Records as a solo artist and released his debut singles, "It’s Over" and "Please Do Something For Me." Performing under the name Rudy McPhatter, he appeared on stage with several prominent artists of the era, including Fats Domino, The Drifters, Della Reese, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington, Redd Foxx, The Five Keys, Roy Hamilton, and Ruth Brown.[1]
Ford recorded several singles for Mercury Records, including "He Made Us All" and "Please Open Your Heart" (1956), which showcased his expressive tenor voice and earned him recognition within the R&B community.[2]
In 1975, following a life-changing spiritual awakening, he left the secular music industry and began performing under his birth name, Earlston Ford. He dedicated the remainder of his life to ministry and gospel music, founding The Earlston Ford Singers and recording faith-centered albums such as New Day (1982), Lord I’ve Done My Best (1985), and Everybody Ought to Know (1991). His gospel work included collaborations with renowned artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and James Cleveland.
Musical style
[edit]Earlston Ford performed in both secular and gospel genres during his career. Early in his career, as Rudy McPhatter, he sang rhythm and blues (R&B) influenced by doo-wop and gospel, with an emphasis on vocal melody and harmony.
After shifting to gospel music in the 1970s, Ford adopted a style incorporating elements of quartet singing and soul. His gospel recordings featured vocal harmonies, religious themes, and lyrics reflecting Christian teachings. The change in style corresponded with his move from performing secular R&B to working primarily within church and faith-based settings.
Legacy
[edit]Earlston Ford’s career included contributions to both R&B and gospel music. As Rudy McPhatter, he performed alongside artists such as Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, and Dinah Washington, bringing elements of gospel-influenced vocals to secular recordings.[1] After returning to gospel music in the 1970s, Ford recorded and toured with The Earlston Ford Singers, producing music noted for its vocal harmonies and religious themes.[1] His work reflected the connections between mid-20th century African-American popular music and church-based traditions.[1]
Discography
[edit]| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | He Made Us All | Mercury Records[3] |
| 1956 | Please Open Your Heart | Mercury Records[4] |
| 1962 | Wings To Fly / Ain't Nothin' Shakin' | Mercury Records[5][6] |
| 1968 | Lord Grant Me Serenity / I Must Keep On Praying | Glori Records[7] |
| 1972 | It's Amazing / I Can Tell It Was The Lord | Glori Records[8] |
| 1973 | I Can Tell It Was The Lord | Glori Records[9] |
| 1975 | Just Give God a Ring | Glori Records[10] |
| 1976 | Too Proud to Pray | Glori Records / Nashboro Records[11] |
| 1978 | The Soul You Save May Be Your Own | Glori Records[12] |
| 1981 | Everybody Ought to Know | Nashboro Records[13] |
| 1982 | New Day | Glori Records[14] |
| 1984 | Lord I've Done My Best | Atlanta International Records[15] |
| 1997 | We're Gonna Make It | Shurfine / Pastor Records[16] |
Television appearance
[edit]In 1954, The Warblers, a vocal group that included Earlston Ford (performing under the stage name Rudy McPhatter), made an appearance on The Capital Caravan Show, which aired on WTTG TV Channel Five. This television performance was one of the group’s few notable appearances, helping to establish their early presence in the competitive R&B vocal scene of the 1950s. [1]
Personal life
[edit]Earlston Valentino Ford enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 and served during the Korean War for three years. After completing his military service in 1953, he began pursuing music and joined the vocal group The Warblers.
In 1955, Ford married Shirley Byrd, and the couple remained married until her death in 2001.[1] They had four children: Sabrina Roberts, Earlston Ford II, Clinton Ford, and Elder Rudy Ford.[1]
Notes
[edit]- "What's Doing – Washington Post" - Article about Rudy McPhatter's performance in the 2003 R&B Fest.
- "Community Events – PilotOnline" - Listing of Rudy McPhatter's performance in the 2006 R&B Fest.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Earlston Ford Obituary". Dignity Memorial. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – He Made Us All / Please Open Your Heart". Discogs. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – He Made Us All / Please Open Your Heart". Discogs. October 15, 1956. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – Wings To Fly / Ain't Nothin' Shakin'". Discogs. April 24, 1957. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "Mercury" (PDF). Cash Box. September 22, 1962. p. 34. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – Lord Grant Me Serenity / I Must Keep On Praying". Discogs. 1981. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford And The Shaw Echoes / The Ford Singers – It's Amazing / I Can Tell It Was The Lord". Discogs. March 1970. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "The Earlston Ford Singers – I Can Tell It Was The Lord". Discogs. 1973. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "The Earlston Ford Singers – Just Give God a Ring". Discogs. 1975. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – Too Proud to Pray". Discogs. 1982. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – The Soul You Save May Be Your Own". Discogs. 1978. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – Everybody Ought to Know". Discogs. 1981. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – New Day". Discogs. 1982. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford – Lord I've Done My Best". Discogs. 1984. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
- ^ "Earlston Ford and Shirley Fields – We're Gonna Make It". Discogs. 1989. Retrieved May 10, 2025.