Paul Beasley talks about his mentor

Reverend Claude Jeter

 

Without a doubt Reverend Claude Jeter was an extraordinary singer.  He set the standard for so many gospel singers, rhythm and blues artists, and singers in general.  He mastered the falsetto vocals.  He  certainly was one of a kind.  The person that took up the mantle into the late 60's and beyond was none other than Paul Beasley (formerly of The Gospel Keynotes and The Mighty Clouds of Joy).  So, it is fitting that as we celebrate the life of Reverend Jeter, we solicit comments from Paul. 

 

We conducted a rather lengthy interview with Paul.  Here is some of what he had to say.

 

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Excerpt from an interview with Paul Beasley (formerly of The Gospel Keynotes and The Mighty Clouds of Joy)

GG: Tell us what influence Claude Jeter had on you, your style of singing and your career.

Paul: He was my mentor. I use to listen to every song he and the swans recorded and I would practice over and over to sound just like him. I wanted to sound just like him. He had a style and sound that I had never heard before.  He had a profound impact upon my career and me personally.

GG:  Did you ever meet Reverend Jeter?

Paul:  Oh, Yes! Many times. I would visit him whenever I was in NY. I enjoyed all those meeting. And, I can tell you that although he was in failing health, he was alert. He would always encourage me.

GG:  Any visit that stands out.

Paul:  There were many. One time I was with him, he told me that my “falsetto was something more than what he did.” I could not imagine that Rev. Jeter thought I had something more to contribute to the falsetto sound. That was enough to keep me singing.

GG:  Did you ever see him and the Swans on stage?

Paul:  Yes, I did. Each time I was just mesmerized by his ability to sing at any vocal range he desired. He could hold a note at the same pitch for a very long time. I tell you, it was always a great program when the Swans were there.

GG:  Did you ever appear on stage with him?

Paul:  Early in my career I had the pleasure of being on the same program with him. Some people there wanted Rev. Jeter and I to sing together. I told them I could not. I was awestruck. I mean, to be in the presence of my mentor, there was no way I could get on stage and sing with him. To be in his presence at that time made me feel like a kid in a candy store. I just could not believe that I was on the same program with him.

GG:  How would you like people to remember him?

Paul: As a master vocalist.  As someone that was put on this earth to sing praises to our Lord and Savoir.  As a singer that set the bar for all those that think they can sing in the vocal range of falsetto.  As the consummate professional that took joy in others being blessed by his music.  He was a great man.

January 10, 2009
 

 

 

 

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