The Gospel Filtrations
Our group goes by the name "THE GOSPEL FILTRATIONS", and it is composed of three singers who sing both lead and background and their names are Ernest Evans, Elijah Jackson and Ronald Conklin. The group's original name was "THE FILTRATIONS" and this name was the brainchild of Ernest Evans. In 1967, while enjoying their youth, hanging out at the local hang out,(AL'S PLACE), and doing their best to imitate the Motown artist The Temptation with their sound, (as did every up and coming male group of that day), Ernest came up with the name The FILTRATIONS because it sounded so much like their icon idols THE TEMPTATIONS, as did their vocal sound. The Filtrations at that time consisted, like the Temptations, of five members that all sang lead. Those members were Ernest Evans, Elijah Jackson, Charles Anderson, John Edwards and the Late Anthony "Coochie" Cunningham. The Filtrations sang behind the piano play of Louise Adderly, and was introduced to their first visit to a recording studio by their voice teacher, the late Warren Anderson, who was Charles' brother.
The Gospel Filtrations do play "LIVE" at various events in the immediate community, Dade and Broward counties, and there are definitely plans to expand their appearances to anywhere the "WORD" in song is welcomed. They also will appear at weddings, churches, birthday parties, reunions, and any "clean" social gathering to help spread God's Word or share His blessings. Appearing and sharing God's gift(s) is an honor for the Filtrations and this is their way of giving to the public by planting God's Word and gifts and leaving the watering to others, knowing that God will provide the increase for His Kingdom, and obedient subjects. Of the many special moments that have been enjoyed by the members of the Filtrations, the highlight of their memories came in 1968 when they met and was asked to audition, individually, by none other than the Temptations themselves. Needless to say, it went well. Years later Elijah was asked by Eddie Kendrick, who had taken him under his wing and taught him much about singing, to join him on stage in one of the clubs on Miami Beach, to help in singing one of the Temptations many hit songs.
After auditioning for the Temptations, the group had high expectations, but life finds a way to throw you a curve, and the calling of life, (i.e.; marriage, relocation, children, improper management, illusions and many other distractions), caused the group to disband. However, a very dear friend of the Filtrations and also a devoted fan of the Temptations, Hubert Jackson, one of the present writers of some of the Filtrations songs, kept them in focus with their God-given gifts of musical communication with the world, and for years tried to get them to get back together to start singing and recording again. Over the years, as with many groups, singers came and singers left. Jimmy Exxon was one of the talented singers and musician that stepped in to fill a position when it was needed. Another singer that came was Ronald Conklin, a dedicated friend, God loving and God fearing man that just loves to share anything that God has blessed him wit h. Jimmy and Ronald were members of the Filtration when they recorded their first song, "MAGIC". Ronald, Elijah and Ernest reached back into the past and finally realized that nothing takes place ahead of God's time. Realizing that the fullness of time has taken place in God's recognition of time, they have come to accept the fact that God is at work in this endeavor and it was laid on Elijah's heart to rename the group, "THE GOSPEL FILTRATIONS".
The musical influences of the "GOSPEL FILTRATIONS" are, of course, the Temptations first and foremost as was all of the male Motown acts, i.e.; Miracles, Spinners, Four Tops, Isley Brothers, Pips, with Gladys of course, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder as well as many of Motown female acts. Other acts were influential as well, such as the Stax artist, the Philly sound, artist from Chess records, Atlantic Records and all R&B acts. It wasn't until the turbulence of the 60's had ceased that it was realized that a host of white artist had also been gifted by God to bring listening pleasure to people as well as Glory to God. This also became influential in the Gospel Filtrations motives.
When and where ever the Gospel Filtrations are received well will always be their favorite spot. But individually, Ernest's favorite spot is his birth place, Philadelphia, Penn. and Elijah's favorite spot is Birmingham, Ala, (also Eddie Kendrick's birth place), and Ronald's favorite spot is where ever there is a place of worship where he can pay homage to God. The Gospel Filtrations all feel and believe that their efforts, their goals and determination are definitely God inspired, strengthen, and protected. Why else would the good Lord have had them to meet and be directed by the best producer around, Derrick Dixon.
The songs "ONE STEP" and "NO NAME IS HIGHER" was written by Hubert "Hammar" Jackson and was inspired from reading scripture and meditating on the Word. How can I become a member of God's Kingdom? he thought. And the answer came to him to take "ONE STEP" at a time, and be obedient to God's word. While reading scripture he asked who would have the nerve to state what is stated in the Holy Bible at John 14:1, (read John 14:1), and after investigating throughout the scriptures, "NO NAME IS HIGHER", came into being. No truer words have ever been written, spoken or sang as those words, "WAY MAKER", that were the brainchild of the Gospel Filtrations producer, Derrick Dixon. And at this time all of us connected with the GOSPEL FILTRATIONS, are taking the time to thank all of you that have or will listened to the God inspired works of the Gospel Filtrations and above all else, and we mean all else-----WE THANK GOD------AND TO HIM BE ALL OF THE GLORY.
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