The Rance Allen Group was a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio, named after its lead vocalist, Bishop Rance Allen.[1]
The group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan) with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis.[2]: 256 During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records.[1][2]: 255–256 The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s.[1][2]: 256 In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax.[2]: 270 Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA).[2]: 272 David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me".[2]: 363
The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional black gospel music prefigured the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.[1][3] In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, "I Belong to You."[3]
The group received a nomination at the 34th Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album for their 1991 album Phenomenon.[4]
The group's latest release, God Has Been So Good, is a collaboration with hip-hop pioneer Glenn “Sweety G” Toby, producer Bernard Jackson and new gospel artist Mydason.
Allen and his group had performed with many gospel musicians throughout the country, including Andrae Crouch, Marvin Winans, Bebe and Cece Winans, the Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Bernard Jackson Jr. and Mary McLaurine Glover.[5] He also performed for President Barack Obama at a White House Celebration of Gospel Music and was nominated for five Grammy Awards.[5]
Allen died on October 31, 2020 from complications due to a recent medical procedure. He was 71 years old