Brother Joe May facts for kids

Brother Joe May (born Joseph May) was an amazing American gospel singer. He was known for his powerful voice. People called him "The Thunderbolt of the Middle West." Many say he was one of the best male gospel singers ever. His voice could go from a whisper to a loud scream easily! He was born on November 9, 1912, and passed away on July 14, 1972.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Joseph May was born in Macon, Mississippi. He grew up in the Church of God. In this church, men are called "Brother." He started singing in church choirs. He became well-known in the Southern states for his gospel music.

Joe worked as a laborer in Macon. In 1941, he moved to East St. Louis, Illinois with his wife, Viola, and their kids. He got a job at a chemical plant there.

Becoming a Gospel Star

In St. Louis, Joe May met another singer named Willie Mae Ford Smith. She greatly influenced his singing style. He began performing at gospel events organized by Thomas A. Dorsey. Willie Mae Ford Smith directed these events.

In 1949, after a show in Los Angeles, a talent scout named J. W. Alexander signed him to Specialty Records. His first song, "Search Me Lord," was a huge gospel hit. It sold over one million copies! His next song, "Do You Know Him?" in 1950, was also very popular.

May then became a full-time musician. He toured all over the country. He sang with famous gospel groups like the Soul Stirrers and the Pilgrim Travelers. He also sang duets with Willie Mae Ford Smith. When he performed, he often wore a special long white robe with a rope cross.

His Unique Style and Later Career

Brother Joe May was one of Specialty Records' most successful artists. The company wanted him to record other types of music, but he always said no. He stayed true to gospel music. However, he did say that blues singer Bessie Smith was a big influence on him.

His songs often featured an organ and a full choir. Some people called him the male version of Mahalia Jackson, another famous gospel singer. He even performed with her sometimes. Little Richard, a rock and roll legend, said Brother Joe May inspired him.

Even though he was very successful in gospel music, his songs did not become popular in the mainstream music market. He left Specialty Records in 1958. He then started recording his own songs for the Nashboro label in Nashville, Tennessee. He also sang and recorded with his daughter, Annette, and with singer Jackie Verdell.

After moving back to the South, his popularity continued to grow there. In the early 1960s, he starred in a musical called Black Nativity in New York City. He toured the U.S. and Europe with this show.

Final Years and Legacy

Brother Joe May kept performing a lot in the Southern states. He did this even though he had some health problems. He recorded many gospel albums for the Nashboro label throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1972, he was on his way to a show in Thomasville, Georgia. He suffered a serious stroke and passed away at age 59.

In 2000, Brother Joe May was honored. He was added to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit. This showed how important his music was.

Discography

Albums

• Walk On and Talk On (1962)
• Songs Of The Gospel (1964)
• My Own Fault (1966)
• That's Enough (1967)
• Best Of Brother Joe May (1967)
• I've Been Dipped In The Water (1968)
• Don't Let The Devil Ride (1969)
• Today (1970)
• Thank You Lord for One More Day (1970)
• In Church With Brother Joe May (1971)
• The Brother Joe May Story (2-LP Set)
• Search Me Lord (1974)
• In Loving Memory of Brother Joe May: A Collection of His Most Famous Recordings (1974)