Tiny Powell

b. Vance Powell, 17 May 1922, Warren, Arkansas, USA, d. 5 February 1984, Oakland, California, USA. Powell sang with several gospel groups, including the Golden Harp Singers, with whom he made his first records in 1947, the Paramount Gospel Singers, with whom he sang intermittently from 1948-60, usually as lead singer. He also had a brief early 50s spell with the Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi, sharing lead duties with the spectacular Archie Brownlee. Among instrumentalists with whom Powell worked is guitarist Johnny Heartsman. Active often in the Bay Area of California, he was especially popular in the 60s. Well known among the songs he recorded and which were later covered, often more successfully if not always as well, are "Get My Hat", "Bossy Woman", "You've Got To Bow Down Before God" and "My Time After Awhile". The outstanding Coral Records compilation, Heaven In My View, includes test pressings and a cappella songs that give a clear indication of the power and fervour of Powell's rich voice and dramatic singing style.