The Autobiography of Jerry Cummings
This profound autobiography of Jerry Cummings is the true story of a child who was called at birth, a Child of Destiny.
From Gold to Glory is an enthralling autobiography that chronicles the remarkable life of Jerry Cummings, a musical prodigy hailing from Augusta, GA. Even as a young child, Jerry knew he had a deep calling to record music in a studio, a passion that was nurtured both externally and ingrained within him. Witnessing his grandmother, Florence, record the iconic "CC Rider" in 1955 left an indelible mark on his soul.
A pivotal moment arrived ten years later when Jerry's mother took him to the iconic Howard Theater. It was there that he witnessed electrifying performances by legendary artists such as James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, and the Motown Revue. Little did he realize at the time, these experiences would shape his future in profound ways, solidifying his destiny as a musical force to be reckoned with.
In the early 1970s, during his early twenties, Jerry crossed paths with Harold Melvin, the owner of Harold Melvin Enterprises in Philadelphia. This encounter proved fateful, propelling Jerry towards a journey that would lead not only to gold records but also to glory. Joining Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes in 1972 as a tenor, alongside the iconic Teddy Pendergrass, Jerry basked in the glory of success, gracing stages across the United States.
A chance meeting with Kool and The Gang at the Apollo Theater opened Jerry's eyes to the profound influence of faith in Islam on the band members' lives. Adopting the name Jeremiah, Jerry embraced Muslim convictions, integrating spirituality with his ongoing musical odyssey.
However, it was in 1997, at the age of 45, that Jerry underwent a transformative journey from gold records to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. With his wife, Dr. Gloria Maria Cummings, by his side, Jerry embarked on a ministry that reverberated with the powerful message, "Wake Up Everybody, the King is Here."
From Gold to Glory transcends the boundaries of a mere musical memoir, taking readers on an immersive voyage through history, faith, spiritual awakening, and personal empowerment. Jerry Cummings' autobiography serves as a testament to the extraordinary power of music and the resiliency of the human spirit. Prepare to be inspired as you embark on this extraordinary journey of a lifetime.
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Bad Luck (Official Soul Train Video)
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The debut of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes was a stroke of fate, as their initial breakthrough was not the original plan. Surprisingly, most of the songs on their stellar album, including the timeless hit "If You Don't Know Me By Now," were initially intended for the Dells. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the deal with the Dells fell through.
In a twist of destiny, Harold Melvin seized the opportunity when he recognized the remarkable vocal similarity between Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Junior, the lead singer of the Dells. It was then that Jerry Cummings, with his uncanny resemblance to his Uncle Johnny Carter of the Dells and his tenure with the former Flamingoes as a tenor, caught Harold Melvin's attention. The switch was made, and Lloyd Parks was replaced by the extraordinary vocal prowess of Jerry Cummings, who possessed one of the clearest sopranos ever heard.
This unforeseen turn of events shaped the path of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, propelling them towards their destined musical greatness. The convergence of talent and the magical interplay of voices brought forth a unique sound that would captivate audiences for generations to come. The stars aligned, and the rest is history.
