In 2023, the Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) celebrated new gold and platinum certifications for artists like Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Justin Bieber.
Notably, the Rance Allen Group’s classic track, “Something About the Name Jesus,” received its first-time gold certification on December 27, 2023. The award was accepted by Rance Allen’s brothers, Steve and Tom Allen, along with longtime producer Chris Byrd and Murdella Wallace, during a service at the New Bethel Bountiful Blessings church in Toledo, OH.
Originally written by Kirk Franklin for Allen, the song gained popularity after the Rance Allen Group’s live rendition (which was featured on Franklin’s 1998 album) “The Nu Nation Project.” The group with a six-decade career, earned five GRAMMY® nominations and over 250 million digital streams. Beginning in 1972 with Stax Record’s Gospel Truth imprint, they continued to blend music with ministry as Rance Allen served as a pastor in the Church of God in Christ denomination.
Their impact extended to Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, where they reached No. 1 in 1992 with “Phenomenon” and the hit “Miracle Worker.” In 2002, they signed with Tyscot Records and enjoyed success with songs like “Do Your Will,” “You That I Trust,” and the now-certified gold “Something About the Name Jesus.”
Rance Allen died on October 31, 2020, due to complications from a medical procedure. However, his music lives forever in the hearts of millions across the globe. Congratulations to the Rance Allen Group on such a major accomplishment.
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Rance Allen Group
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