Alex Bradford (January 23, 1927 – February 15, 1978) – Fighting For Pharoah (1972)
This powerful gospel soul anti-war anthem appeared on the soundtrack to the legendary early 70s Broadway musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.
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Legendary singer/songwriter Alex Bradford had a major influence on modern gospel music, helping bring about the mass choir movement through the popularity of his Bradford Singers choir.
Born in Alabama, he started performing when he was four years old. He had a major hit in 1954 as Professor Alex Bradford with “Too Close To Heaven,” which went gold and sold over one million copies.
His success at mixing gospel with soul influenced Little Richard, Ray Charles, and a young Bob Marley, who got his start singing gospel. Singer Madeline Bell was a member of the Bradford Singers before moving to the UK and launching her career there.
In the early 70s, Bradford starred in the musical Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope. It was the first of several musicals with lyrics and music written by composer Micki Grant, who in 1965 had become the first Black cast member on a daytime soap opera.
The original Broadway cast recording LP was released in 1972 on Polydor. Bradford was the lead vocalist on its most powerful gospel-soul anthem, “Fighting For Pharoah,” which was also separately released as a single. He was backed by his wife, the gospel accompanist Alberta Bradford, plus Bobby Hill, Charles Campbell, and the rest of the musical’s company.
The song’s powerful lyrics told the tale of how since time immemorial, people have been fighting and dying for every conceivable reason, including oil, gold, and flags on a pole.
“Before we lose our humanity...let's put a stop to this insanity...and turn our children's history books around. Not dying, but living...for PEACE.”
It's a message we should all take to heart every day and think about what we can do to help build a better world.
#soul #gospel #AlexBradford