REV. ISAAC DOUGLAS
Rev. Isaac Douglas was born on May 13, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and died on February 1, 1988 in Dallas, Texas, apparently from a combination of diabetes and kidney failure. Isaac was a great singer with a deep strong voice, which was complimented by the numerous choirs he would sing with.
Isaac sang gospel at a young age, he joined Raymond Rasberry and the Rasberry Singers in the 1950’s, when aged 15. In the 1960’s Ruth Davis of The Famous Davis Sisters selected him to join her group The Ruth Davis Singers, Isaac also performed with the Edwin Newberry Singers. Isaac moved to New York in the mid-1960s and formed his first, all-male singing gospel group, the Isaac Douglas Singers, which included Arthur Freeman, Bennie Diggs, John Hason and Wilbur Johnson as original members, their first release was Lord Have Mercy on Minit Gospel Records, a subsidiary of United Artists. In 1970 Isaac then co-founded the New York Community Choir with Arthur, Bennie and Wilbur. The group sang backing vocals for Nikki Giovanni’s popular album, Truth Is On The Way. Among the group’s regular concert venues were New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and appearances on shows such as Soul.
Isaac became influenced by Rev James Cleveland, his music and ministry, in the early 1970's Isaac moved to Los Angeles establishing his own ministry. At the same time Isaac signed with Nashboro/Creed Records, as did the New York Community Choir. Isaac then moved to Nashville where he continued recording with choirs including the Johnson Ensemble, their most popular song together was ‘The Harvest Is Plentiful’.
Isaac sang with many great choirs and groups including the New York Community Choir, the Johnson Ensemble, the Birmingham Community Choir, Savannah Mass Choir, First Tabernacle of Deliverance Choir, New Jerusalem Mass Choir (Greensboro), Var-Son Community Choir, The Charles Fold Singers, the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Houston Mass Choir, Evangelistic Choir and Doug Ike Interdenominational Mass Choir. Isaac recorded at least 50 albums of his own or as a guest vocalist on other singers/groups albums. During his 33 year carer, Isaac recorded on many labels including Nashboro/Creed Records, Savoy, Glori, Hob, Phil-L.A. Of Soul, GosPearl, North Bay Records, Morada, Avi, Black Label, WEC, Paradise and Messiah.
Discography:
Lp's
Minit Gospel Records
40019-: Isaac Douglas & The Douglas Singers- Lord Have Mercy
Glori (New Jersey label)
1016-: First Tabernacle of Deliverance Choir with Reverend Isaac Douglas- I’m Never Left Alone, 1973
Creed
3027-: Isaac Douglas and The New York City Community Choir- Faith Will Survive
3031-: Isaac Douglas and The Isaac Douglas Singers- If You Gained The Whole World
3036-: Isaac Douglas And The New York City Community Choir- A Little Higher, 1972
3045-: Birmingham Community Choir featuring Rev. Isaac Douglas- Why Can’t I, 1973
3047-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- You’ve Got A Friend, 1974
3056-: Rev. Isaac Douglas with the Johnson Ensemble- The Harvest Is Plentiful, 1974
3059-: Rev. Isaac Douglas With The Twenty First Century Singers And Royal Gospel Singers- Do You Know Him, 1974
3064-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- By The Grace Of God, 1975
3071-: Rev. Isaac Douglas presents...Benny Cummings And The Kings Temple Choir- In Times Like These, 1976 (Lead Soloist on "Our Prayer", lead soloist with Reba Cummings on "Coming Again So Soon", lead soloist on "Stand Still")
3072-: Rev Isaac Douglas presents...The Houston Mass Choir Of Houston, Texas- Beautiful Zion, 1976
3075-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Isaac Douglas Singers- You Really Ought To Get To Know Him, 1976
3081-: Rev. Isaac Douglas featuring The San Francisco Community Singers and The Twenty-First Century Singers- Special Appearance
3090-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- You Light Up My Life, 1979
3097-: Isaac Douglas And Watson Grove- I Need You, 1980
3107-: Isaac Douglas And The New York City Community Choir- Star Flite, 1981
3113-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- The Best Of Rev. Isaac Douglas
23076-: The Savannah Community Choir (under the direction of E. Larry McDuffie) with Rev. Isaac Douglas- Stand Up For Jesus (Double Lp)
Savoy
14311-: James Cleveland Down Memory Lane- Recorded Live at The Gospel Workshop In Los Angeles, Cal (duet on "Lift Him Up"), 1975
14426-: Rev. Isaac Douglas Sings With The New York City Community Choir- Until You Come Again, 1976
14539-: The Total Experience Choir Featuring Special Guest Rev. Isaac Douglas- Lift Him Up, 1979
14552-: Rev. Isaac Douglas and the Frank Williams Choral Ensemble with the New Jerusalem Mass Choir Of The New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C. – I’ll Rise Again, 1980
14574-: The Exciting...Rev Isaac Douglas- Somehow You Needed Me, 1980
14665-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And The Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir- They Shall Be Mine, 1983
14720-: Issac Douglas and the John Howard Gospel Caravan- He That Endureth, 1985
7000-: James Cleveland Presents...The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Recorded Live In Los Angeles, Cal, 1972 (soloist on "Praise The Lord").
7003-: James Cleveland Presents...The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Recorded Live In Chicago, ILL, 1974 (soloist on "My Soul Says Yes" with Donell Hickman).
7004-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Live In Cleveland, Ohio, 1975 (soloist on "He Is So Wonderful" with Effie McDamon and on "Save Me Lord" with Rev. James Cleveland).
7006-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir- Recorded Live In New York, N.Y., 1976 (soloist on "Touch Christ)
7010-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir- Recorded Live In Kansas City, MO, 1977 (soloist on "The Whole World")
7016-: The Gospel Music Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Live In Detroit, Michigan, Special 10th Anniversary Edition, 1978 (soloist on "I Want To Be Ready" with Rodney Foster).
7043-: The Gospel Music Workshop Mass Choir- Save The Lost, 1980 (vocalist on songs "He's A Friend Of Mine" and on "He Wouldn't Lift You Up (To Let You Down)".
7044-: Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir- No One Gets The Prize For Eternal Life (Except You Make A Sacrifice), 1980
7058-: The Gospel Music Workshop Mass Choir Of America - I Give My All To You, 1980 (soloist on "Just Make Heaven My Home", vocalist with Rev Richard White on "Jesus Dropped The Charges"),
7060-: Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir- He Keeps On Making A Way For Me, 1982
7068-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Savannah Mass Choir Of The Gospel Music Workshop Of America- I Found A Cure, 1981
Phil-L.A. Of Soul
4005-: Louise Williams With Isaac Douglas And The New York Community Choir- Don’t Blame The Children, 1977
Paradise
1100-: Rev. Isaac Douglas Introducing Ricky Fowler & The Dynamics- He Lives, 1978
Avi
50004-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- Live, 1980
50011-: Rev.Isaac Douglas And The Charles Fold Singers- Live, 1981
50017-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And The First Tabernacle Of Deliverance Choir Of New York City- I’m Never Left Alone, 1981
50020-: Rev. Isaac Douglas with the Birmingham Community Choir- Why Can't I, 1981
8436-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Birmingham Community Choir- Self Titled
Black Label
3005-: Rev Isaac Douglas And The St. Jude Deliverance Choir Of Indianapolis, Indiana- Self Titled, 1981
Trolley Car Records
5019-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And Friends featuring The Dynamics And Ricky Fowler- God’s Way
Morada
005-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- God’s Way, 1983
Westminster Evangelistic Choir (WEC)
101-: Westminster Evangelistic Choir Rev Isaac Douglas- Miracle Come Back My God Can Do Anything, 1984 (listed as Westminster Evangelistic Choir Featuring. Rev Isaac Douglas, on the label)
GosPearl
16029-: Timothy Wright & Isaac Douglas And The Original Community Choir- A Love Reunion, 1985
Messiah (Philadelphia label)
102-: Reverend Isaac Douglas Presents The Doug Ike Interdenominational Mass Choir Live In Richmond, Va- God Is So Good To Me, 1985
106-: Freddy Washington & The Music Ministry Workshop Choir- Living Water, 1986 (Lead with Freddy Washington on song "When You Pray").
45’s
Hob
1338-: Isaac Douglas Singers- Open Up Your Heart/ Father Forgive Me
Creed
5211-: Isaac Douglas & The New York Community Choir- On Christ The Solid Rock/ Save Thyself, 1972
5213-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Douglas Singers- Guide Me/ I’m Determined, 1972
5229-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Johnson Ensemble- The Harvest Is Plentiful/ Lord Keep Me Day By Day, 1975
5246-: Rev Issac Douglas- You Light Up My Life/ Jesus Is On The Main Line
North Bay Records
310-: Louise Williams With Isaac Douglas & The New York Community Choir- Don’t Blame The Children/ Don’t Blame The Children, 1973
Ocean Records
207-: Isaac Douglas And The Isaac Douglas Singers- Bridge Over Troubled Water/ If I Perish, 1974
Isaac sang gospel at a young age, he joined Raymond Rasberry and the Rasberry Singers in the 1950’s, when aged 15. In the 1960’s Ruth Davis of The Famous Davis Sisters selected him to join her group The Ruth Davis Singers, Isaac also performed with the Edwin Newberry Singers. Isaac moved to New York in the mid-1960s and formed his first, all-male singing gospel group, the Isaac Douglas Singers, which included Arthur Freeman, Bennie Diggs, John Hason and Wilbur Johnson as original members, their first release was Lord Have Mercy on Minit Gospel Records, a subsidiary of United Artists. In 1970 Isaac then co-founded the New York Community Choir with Arthur, Bennie and Wilbur. The group sang backing vocals for Nikki Giovanni’s popular album, Truth Is On The Way. Among the group’s regular concert venues were New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and appearances on shows such as Soul.
Isaac became influenced by Rev James Cleveland, his music and ministry, in the early 1970's Isaac moved to Los Angeles establishing his own ministry. At the same time Isaac signed with Nashboro/Creed Records, as did the New York Community Choir. Isaac then moved to Nashville where he continued recording with choirs including the Johnson Ensemble, their most popular song together was ‘The Harvest Is Plentiful’.
Isaac sang with many great choirs and groups including the New York Community Choir, the Johnson Ensemble, the Birmingham Community Choir, Savannah Mass Choir, First Tabernacle of Deliverance Choir, New Jerusalem Mass Choir (Greensboro), Var-Son Community Choir, The Charles Fold Singers, the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Houston Mass Choir, Evangelistic Choir and Doug Ike Interdenominational Mass Choir. Isaac recorded at least 50 albums of his own or as a guest vocalist on other singers/groups albums. During his 33 year carer, Isaac recorded on many labels including Nashboro/Creed Records, Savoy, Glori, Hob, Phil-L.A. Of Soul, GosPearl, North Bay Records, Morada, Avi, Black Label, WEC, Paradise and Messiah.
Discography:
Lp's
Minit Gospel Records
40019-: Isaac Douglas & The Douglas Singers- Lord Have Mercy
Glori (New Jersey label)
1016-: First Tabernacle of Deliverance Choir with Reverend Isaac Douglas- I’m Never Left Alone, 1973
Creed
3027-: Isaac Douglas and The New York City Community Choir- Faith Will Survive
3031-: Isaac Douglas and The Isaac Douglas Singers- If You Gained The Whole World
3036-: Isaac Douglas And The New York City Community Choir- A Little Higher, 1972
3045-: Birmingham Community Choir featuring Rev. Isaac Douglas- Why Can’t I, 1973
3047-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- You’ve Got A Friend, 1974
3056-: Rev. Isaac Douglas with the Johnson Ensemble- The Harvest Is Plentiful, 1974
3059-: Rev. Isaac Douglas With The Twenty First Century Singers And Royal Gospel Singers- Do You Know Him, 1974
3064-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- By The Grace Of God, 1975
3071-: Rev. Isaac Douglas presents...Benny Cummings And The Kings Temple Choir- In Times Like These, 1976 (Lead Soloist on "Our Prayer", lead soloist with Reba Cummings on "Coming Again So Soon", lead soloist on "Stand Still")
3072-: Rev Isaac Douglas presents...The Houston Mass Choir Of Houston, Texas- Beautiful Zion, 1976
3075-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Isaac Douglas Singers- You Really Ought To Get To Know Him, 1976
3081-: Rev. Isaac Douglas featuring The San Francisco Community Singers and The Twenty-First Century Singers- Special Appearance
3090-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- You Light Up My Life, 1979
3097-: Isaac Douglas And Watson Grove- I Need You, 1980
3107-: Isaac Douglas And The New York City Community Choir- Star Flite, 1981
3113-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- The Best Of Rev. Isaac Douglas
23076-: The Savannah Community Choir (under the direction of E. Larry McDuffie) with Rev. Isaac Douglas- Stand Up For Jesus (Double Lp)
Savoy
14311-: James Cleveland Down Memory Lane- Recorded Live at The Gospel Workshop In Los Angeles, Cal (duet on "Lift Him Up"), 1975
14426-: Rev. Isaac Douglas Sings With The New York City Community Choir- Until You Come Again, 1976
14539-: The Total Experience Choir Featuring Special Guest Rev. Isaac Douglas- Lift Him Up, 1979
14552-: Rev. Isaac Douglas and the Frank Williams Choral Ensemble with the New Jerusalem Mass Choir Of The New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C. – I’ll Rise Again, 1980
14574-: The Exciting...Rev Isaac Douglas- Somehow You Needed Me, 1980
14665-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And The Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir- They Shall Be Mine, 1983
14720-: Issac Douglas and the John Howard Gospel Caravan- He That Endureth, 1985
7000-: James Cleveland Presents...The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Recorded Live In Los Angeles, Cal, 1972 (soloist on "Praise The Lord").
7003-: James Cleveland Presents...The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Recorded Live In Chicago, ILL, 1974 (soloist on "My Soul Says Yes" with Donell Hickman).
7004-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Live In Cleveland, Ohio, 1975 (soloist on "He Is So Wonderful" with Effie McDamon and on "Save Me Lord" with Rev. James Cleveland).
7006-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir- Recorded Live In New York, N.Y., 1976 (soloist on "Touch Christ)
7010-: The Gospel Workshop Of America Mass Choir- Recorded Live In Kansas City, MO, 1977 (soloist on "The Whole World")
7016-: The Gospel Music Workshop Of America Mass Choir - Live In Detroit, Michigan, Special 10th Anniversary Edition, 1978 (soloist on "I Want To Be Ready" with Rodney Foster).
7043-: The Gospel Music Workshop Mass Choir- Save The Lost, 1980 (vocalist on songs "He's A Friend Of Mine" and on "He Wouldn't Lift You Up (To Let You Down)".
7044-: Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir- No One Gets The Prize For Eternal Life (Except You Make A Sacrifice), 1980
7058-: The Gospel Music Workshop Mass Choir Of America - I Give My All To You, 1980 (soloist on "Just Make Heaven My Home", vocalist with Rev Richard White on "Jesus Dropped The Charges"),
7060-: Isaac Douglas and the Var-Son Community Choir- He Keeps On Making A Way For Me, 1982
7068-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Savannah Mass Choir Of The Gospel Music Workshop Of America- I Found A Cure, 1981
Phil-L.A. Of Soul
4005-: Louise Williams With Isaac Douglas And The New York Community Choir- Don’t Blame The Children, 1977
Paradise
1100-: Rev. Isaac Douglas Introducing Ricky Fowler & The Dynamics- He Lives, 1978
Avi
50004-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- Live, 1980
50011-: Rev.Isaac Douglas And The Charles Fold Singers- Live, 1981
50017-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And The First Tabernacle Of Deliverance Choir Of New York City- I’m Never Left Alone, 1981
50020-: Rev. Isaac Douglas with the Birmingham Community Choir- Why Can't I, 1981
8436-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Birmingham Community Choir- Self Titled
Black Label
3005-: Rev Isaac Douglas And The St. Jude Deliverance Choir Of Indianapolis, Indiana- Self Titled, 1981
Trolley Car Records
5019-: Rev. Isaac Douglas And Friends featuring The Dynamics And Ricky Fowler- God’s Way
Morada
005-: Rev. Isaac Douglas- God’s Way, 1983
Westminster Evangelistic Choir (WEC)
101-: Westminster Evangelistic Choir Rev Isaac Douglas- Miracle Come Back My God Can Do Anything, 1984 (listed as Westminster Evangelistic Choir Featuring. Rev Isaac Douglas, on the label)
GosPearl
16029-: Timothy Wright & Isaac Douglas And The Original Community Choir- A Love Reunion, 1985
Messiah (Philadelphia label)
102-: Reverend Isaac Douglas Presents The Doug Ike Interdenominational Mass Choir Live In Richmond, Va- God Is So Good To Me, 1985
106-: Freddy Washington & The Music Ministry Workshop Choir- Living Water, 1986 (Lead with Freddy Washington on song "When You Pray").
45’s
Hob
1338-: Isaac Douglas Singers- Open Up Your Heart/ Father Forgive Me
Creed
5211-: Isaac Douglas & The New York Community Choir- On Christ The Solid Rock/ Save Thyself, 1972
5213-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Douglas Singers- Guide Me/ I’m Determined, 1972
5229-: Rev. Isaac Douglas & The Johnson Ensemble- The Harvest Is Plentiful/ Lord Keep Me Day By Day, 1975
5246-: Rev Issac Douglas- You Light Up My Life/ Jesus Is On The Main Line
North Bay Records
310-: Louise Williams With Isaac Douglas & The New York Community Choir- Don’t Blame The Children/ Don’t Blame The Children, 1973
Ocean Records
207-: Isaac Douglas And The Isaac Douglas Singers- Bridge Over Troubled Water/ If I Perish, 1974
© 2024