Swanee quintet members
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RIP Percy Griffin – Member of the Swanee Quintet
Photo courtesy of Malaco Records
By Bob Marovich
JGM learned today that Percy Griffin, longtime member of the Swanee Quintet of Augusta, Georgia, has transitioned from labor to reward.
Mr. Griffin sang with the Swanee Quintet for many years. He attended the United House of Prayer for All People in Augusta, the denomination founded by Daddy Grace, and was a longtime friend of the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown. For a spell, the Swanee Quintet opened for Brown.
FROM MALACO RECORDS –
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Percy Griffin
Lead Singer of the Legendary Swanee Quintet
It is with heavy hearts that the Malaco Music Group announces the passing of Mr. Percy Griffin. Percy was the lead singer of the Swanee Quintet for 50 years. While with the Swanees, Percy recorded a number of chart topping songs, which included; “Ups and Downs”, “The Lord Will Provide”, “Dr. Jesus” and “Eternal Life.” He will definitely be missed by his family, friends, fans and The Swanee Quintet.
Darrell Luster (Director of The Malaco Music Group) states, “Percy and the Swanees were signed to our Atlanta International Record Label and has more recently appeared on the project, “The Legends Of Quartet.” “It was a joy working close
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Tony Cummings plots the pay out, very scuttle, history endorse gospel legends THE SWANEE QUINTET
The Swanee Quintet 2010
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For years, The Double Crown in West Asheville has been a home for decidedly not mainstream musical groups, DJs and karaoke nights. Depending on the night of the week, passers-by can hear R&B, country and western, soul, disco and international music spilling from the bar. In 2015, owner Steve Mann wanted to expand the venue’s repertoire to include one of his favorite genres, and the gospel night was born.
To mark the 25th such event — on Thursday, Aug. 31 — Mann booked one of the most influential bands in gospel music history. “The Swanee Quintet has been performing continually for 78 years with no sabbaticals,” says Mann. “Manager and guitarist Eddie Bynes has been with them 34 years, and guitarist Johnny Reese Mims has been with them 55 years.”
The group, which originated in Augusta, Ga., in 1939, has played everywhere from church halls to Madison Square Garden. Bynes says the Swanee Quintet currently plays in venues such as civic centers, festivals and the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Ga. The band is looking forward to playing the Double Crown, says Bynes, who adds that their job is to “entertain and to praise God, and have a great time doing it along the way.”
Every month for the past two years, Mann has hosted holy crooners such