The Rance Allen Group is a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio. Formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen with his brothers Tom and Steve ; another brother, Esau, joined the group on an intermittent basis. 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. The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprintGospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s. In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary filmWattstax. Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers. David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me". The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional black gospel music prefigures the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans. In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, "I Belong to You." The group released Miracle Worker in spring 2000.
Rance Allen
Rance Allen is an American Bishop and gospel musician, and leader of the Rance Allen Group. Known for his extremely wide vocal range and powerful singing voice, Allen became known as the main lead vocalist and the leader of the influential group. He has been pastor of New Bethel Church Of God In Christ in Toledo, since its July 1985 establishment. In November 2011, Rance Allen was elevated to the office of Bishop in the Church of God in Christ, for the Michigan Northwestern Harvest Jurisdiction. Allen was born in 1948 in Monroe, Michigan to Thomas and Emma Pearl Allen. He has 11 siblings: six sisters and five brothers. Allen founded the Rance Allen Group in Detroit in 1969 joined by his brothers Thomas and Steve. Allen is married to Ellen Marie Allen. The two were married on December 1, 1970. He also performed with acts Mary McLaurine Glover of Cleveland, Ohio.
