The Gospel Seekers

Group originated out of the Union Baptist Church, New Rochelle, New York in 1962. Originally named "Gospel Clouds", was soon changed when they started to move around country. The original group consisted of: Onnie Jones, Ivory Green, Andrew Willoughby, Roy Homes, James Merriex, Alfred Bellamy and Robert Bishop. Willie McDowell and Leon Smith joined the group during their second year of activity. During the late 60's the structure of the group was changed: Willie McDowell moved back to North Carolina and Leon Smith returned to Georgia, but the spiritual strength was maintained by the presence of Willie's brother, David McDowell, Herbert Dockey, Wallace Barnes and the drummer Kenny Smith.