Orlandus Wilson Explained

Orlandus Wilson (August 27, 1917 in Chesapeake, Virginia – December 30, 1998 in Paris) was one of the longest standing members of the Golden Gate Quartet and the group's bass singer.^{[1] [2]}

He joined the Golden Gate Jubilee Singers in 1934 and only announced his retirement from the quartet in October 1998. Apart from a forced break in 1944 when he was drafted and temporarily replaced by William Langford, Wilson supplied the basis for the quartet. Wilson managed the formation, and supplied a majority of the arrangements and some compositions.^{[3] [4] [5] [6]} His rhythmic feel has been said to be essential to the group's "jump, glide, bounce and swing".^[7]

Personal life

With his wife, Gun, Wilson had a son. He relocated to Paris, along with the rest of the group, in 1958, and died there in 1998. He remained an active performer almost until his death.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Book: Notice de personne: Wilson, Orlandus (1917-1998) . Biographical Record: Wilson, Orlandus (1917-1998) . French . BnF Cataloge Général (National Library of France General Catalogue) . December 3, 2021.
2. News: Orlandus Wilson, 81, bass voice for quartet. Sun Sentinel. January 12, 1999. 7B. Newspapers.com.
3. News: Orlandus Wilson [obituary]. Associated Press. News: Orlandus Wilson, 81, Singer in Influential Gospel Quartet [obituary] . John Pareles . New York Times. Cited at Web site: Orlandus Wilson . Fuller Up – The Dead Musician Directory . Elvispelvis.com . December 3, 2021.
4. Web site: The Golden Gate Quartet . CultD . December 3, 2021.
5. Web site: The Golden Gate Quartet – Spirituals To Swing 1955-1960 Vol.2 . Discogs . December 3, 2021.
6. Web site: Orlandus Wilson . M. W. Goodwin . February 22, 2002 . Richmond Times-Dispatch . December 3, 2021.
7. Web site: The Golden Gate Quarted . International Jazz Productions . December 3, 2021.