The Rance Allen Group, a legendary gospel group, has achieved a significant milestone in their illustrious career. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently awarded their classic track “Something About the Name Jesus” (Tyscot Records) with a gold certification, signifying 500,000 sales as of December 27, 2023. The song is featured on their 2004 GRAMMY Award-nominated album, “The Live Experience” (Tyscot Records).
During a Sunday morning service at the New Bethel Bountiful Blessings church in Toledo, OH, the gold plaques were presented to Rance Allen’s brothers Steve and Tom Allen, longtime producer Chris Byrd, and Murdella Wallace, sister of the group’s late road manager, Cecilia Wallace.
“Something About the Name Jesus” was originally written by Kirk Franklin with Rance Allen in mind. It was initially featured on Franklin’s 1998 album, “The Nu Nation Project,” alongside Isaac Carree and Lowell Pye. The Rance Allen Group later collaborated with Franklin for a live rendition of the song, which became equally popular.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Rance Allen shared, “Kirk was the artist of that time when he called and asked me to sing. I had already decided that I wasn’t going to sing on anybody else’s project. When he called, I suddenly had a change of mind and said to myself, ‘Let me see what song he has for me.’ So, he sent me the song, ‘Something About The Name Jesus.’ When he sent it to me, the song didn’t have any verses. So, I’m listening to the chorus line, and I got back with him and said, ‘It doesn’t have any verses.’ He said he’d write them when I got there, and that’s when he wrote the verses. So just like with ‘Miracle Worker,’ the audience demands that we sing that in every show.”
Throughout their six-decade career, the Rance Allen Group has earned five GRAMMY Award nominations and amassed over 250 million digital streams. They began their journey with Stax Record’s Gospel Truth imprint in 1972, delivering soulful message songs like “Ain’t No Need in Crying” and “Lyin’ on the Truth.” The group also achieved success on the R&B charts, with six charting singles, including the 1979 Top 25 hit, “I Belong to You.” In the 1980s, Rance Allen balanced his music career with ministry as a pastor in the Church of God in Christ denomination. The group reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart in 1992 with the album “Phenomenon,” featuring the radio hit “Miracle Worker.” Since signing with Tyscot Records in 2002, they have continued to produce hits such as “Do Your Will,” “Closest Friend,” “You That I Trust,” and “Something About the Name Jesus.”
The Rance Allen Group’s gold record certification is a testament to their enduring impact on the gospel music landscape. Their powerful vocals and spiritually rich lyrics have touched the hearts of listeners worldwide. As they celebrate this milestone, their music continues to inspire and uplift audiences.
