Gospel group known as the Hard Driving Holy Lights. Formed in 1951 by members of the Second Baptist Church Sister Anita Bethea, Larry Smith, Lloyd Marcus, James Gray, and Mrs. Robert Williams.
The group re-formed in the mid-‘50s with James Kelly and Willie Smith. Later joined by Fred Lunsford (guitarist and manager), James Pullins (lead vocal), Andrew Harris, and Willie J., and later Matthew Jenkins (ex-Chariot Wheels).
The group was well known throughout Baltimore. They traveled extensively throughout the mid-Atlantic and southeastern regions, often on bills with other great gospel groups including the Violinaires, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.
Pauline Lewis (DJ at WSID radio and WMET-TV), and Kitty Broady (WEBB radio) were instrumental in promoting the group.
Record releases by the Holy Lights include:
19**(LP) Savoy 14231 Yesterday’s Prayer
1972(LP) Savoy 14293 Hard Times
1977(LP) Savoy 14435 I’ve Had It Hard
