Earlston Ford

Earlston Ford (April 26, 1932 – November 12, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, and minister, renowned for his contributions to both R&B and gospel music. Performing early in his career under the stage name Rudy McPhatter, Ford initially gained recognition as a secular R&B artist before experiencing a religious transformation and continuing his musical journey under his birth name, Earlston Ford, with a focus on gospel music. ^[1]

Earlston Ford was an American vocalist whose musical career spanned both secular and sacred realms. He began his career in the 1950s, performing under the stage name Rudy McPhatter in the rhythm and blues (R&B) scene.

In the early 1950s, Ford sang with the vocal group The Warblers. After parting ways with the group in 1957, he signed with Mercury Records as a solo artist and released his debut singles, "It’s Over" and "Please Do Something For Me." Performing under the name Rudy McPhatter, he appeared on stage with several prominent artists of the era, including Fats Domino, The Drifters, Della Reese, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington, Redd Foxx, The Five Keys, Roy Hamilton, and Ruth Brown.^[1]

Ford recorded several singles for Mercury Records, including "He Made Us All" and "Please Open Your Heart" (1956), which showcased his expressive tenor voice and earned him recognition within the R&B community.^[2]

In 1975, following a life-changing spiritual awakening, he left the secular music industry and began performing under his birth name, Earlston Ford. He dedicated the remainder of his life to ministry and gospel music, founding The Earlston Ford Singers and recording faith-centered albums such as New Day (1982), Lord I’ve Done My Best (1985), and Everybody Ought to Know (1991). His gospel work included collaborations with renowned artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and James Cleveland.

Earlston Valentino Ford enlisted in the United States Army in 1950 and served during the Korean War for three years. After completing his military service in 1953, he began pursuing music and joined the vocal group known as The Warblers.

In 1955, Ford married Shirley Byrd. The couple remained married for 46 years until her passing in 2001. ^[1]

Earlston Ford's music spanned both secular and gospel genres, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Early in his career, as Rudy McPhatter, he was known for his soulful, emotive delivery in the rhythm and blues (R&B) genre. His R&B style was influenced by doo-wop and gospel, with a focus on expressive vocals and melodic hooks.

Following his spiritual transformation, Ford shifted to gospel music, where he adopted a more traditional gospel style, incorporating elements of quartet singing and soul. His gospel music often featured a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies, spiritual themes, and uplifting messages. Ford's transition from secular R&B to gospel reflected his personal journey and the deepening of his faith, which informed his musical evolution.

Ford's voice was praised for its emotional depth, whether delivering heartfelt R&B ballads or powerful gospel anthems. His ability to move between genres made him a unique figure in both musical worlds.

In 1954, The Warblers, a vocal group that included Earlston Ford (performing under the stage name Rudy McPhatter), made an appearance on The Capital Caravan Show, which aired on WTTG TV Channel Five. This television performance was one of the group’s few notable appearances, helping to establish their early presence in the competitive R&B vocal scene of the 1950s. ^[1]

• Shirley Caesar – Renowned gospel singer
• The Mighty Clouds of Joy – Famous gospel group
• James Cleveland – Legendary gospel singer and pastor
• The Earlston Ford Singers – His own gospel group
• Sam Cooke – Influential R&B and gospel singer
• The Drifters – A major R&B vocal group from the 1950s

• "What's Doing – Washington Post" - Article about Rudy McPhatter's performance in the 2003 R&B Fest.
• "Community Events – PilotOnline" - Listing of Rudy McPhatter's performance in the 2006 R&B Fest.