Alex Bradford facts for kids

Alex Bradford (born January 23, 1927 – died February 15, 1978) was a super talented gospel musician. He was a composer, singer, and choir director. People often called him "Professor Alex Bradford." He inspired famous artists like Little Richard, Bob Marley, and Ray Charles. He also helped create the modern gospel choir movement.

Alex Bradford's Life Story

Early Life and "Professor" Title

Alex Bradford was born in Bessemer, Alabama, USA. He started performing on stage when he was just four years old! At 13, he joined a children's gospel group. Soon after, he even got his own radio show.

His mother sent him to New York City. There, he started another music group. He kept singing after returning to attend the Snow Hill Institute in Snow Hill, Alabama. While teaching as a student there, he earned the title "Professor."

Moving to Chicago and First Hits

In 1947, Alex moved to Chicago. He worked for a short time with Roberta Martin. He also toured with the famous singer Mahalia Jackson. After that, he started his own group called the Bradford Singers. Later, he formed another group, the Bradford Specials.

In 1954, he recorded his first big hit song, "Too Close To Heaven." It was released as by Professor Alex Bradford and his singers. This song sold over one million copies! It earned him a gold disc. He had many more successful songs throughout the 1950s.

Inspiring Other Artists

Alex Bradford had a very energetic style. His voice could go from a deep, gravelly sound to a high, whooping falsetto. He also had a very exciting way of performing on stage. Artists like Little Richard copied his unique style.

Ray Charles also borrowed some of Bradford's singing habits. Ray Charles even based his backup singers, the Raelets, on Bradford's group, the Bradford Specials. In 1962, Alex wrote a gospel song called "Let the Lord Be Seen in Me." In 1964, Bob Marley and the Spiritual Sisters recorded this song. Bob Marley later became famous for his reggae music.

Broadway Shows and Later Career

By 1961, Alex Bradford's record sales were slowing down. He then joined the cast of an off-Broadway show called Black Nativity. This show was based on the writings of Langston Hughes. In 1962, the show toured around Europe.

A singer named Madeline Bell was part of the Alex Bradford Singers at that time. She decided to stay in England after the show finished. Later, Bradford appeared in another show called Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. For his work in this show, he won an Obie Award in 1972.

Alex Bradford's Passing

Alex Bradford passed away in Newark, New Jersey, in 1978. He was 51 years old. He died after having a stroke. At the time of his death, he was working on a new musical called Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.