The Canton Spirituals

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The Canton Spirituals are an award-winning gospel recording group and are regarded as pioneers in the genre of traditional gospel music.

Founded in Canton, Mississippi in 1943, the original Canton Spirituals were Eddie Jackson, Theo Thompson, Roscoe Lucious and founder Harvey Watkins, Sr. (December 5, 1929-November 16, 1994). Today, the group is fronted by Watkins' son, Harvey, Jr., and consists of Cornelius DeWayne Watkins, Victor Allen, Sr., Wallace Strickland, Merlin Lucious, Norman Williams, Michael Richardson, and original member Theo Thompson.

[edit] Awards

The Canton Spirituals garnered a Grammy nomination in 1993 for the album Live in Memphis and were 1997 Stellar Award recipients for "Best Group/Duo of The Year" as well as "Traditional Group Of The Year" for the Living the Dream: Live In Washington, DC album. In 1998, the group took home two trophies at The American Quartet Awards for "Quartet Of The Year" and "Artist Of The Year".