James Cleveland vs. The Rance Allen Group | Head 2 Head

In the 40^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), James Cleveland and The Rance Allen Group contend for the best rendition of “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan.”  

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 40^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), James Cleveland and The Rance Allen Group contend for the best rendition of “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

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1 .James Cleveland & The Angelic Choir, “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan” 2. The Rance Allen Group, “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan” The Verdict 👨🏾‍⚖️

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1. James Cleveland & The Angelic Choir, “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan”

The King of Gospel Music » Malaco, Inc » 2021

Ah, the Jordan River is significant Biblically. That is an understatement! Firm Israel describes it as “a freedom that comes after a long season of adversity and waiting.” The significance of crossing the Jordan and reaching the Promised Land can’t be overstated. The gifted but controversial James Cleveland (1931 – 1991) penned and performed a meaningful gospel classic with “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan”.  Performed with The Angelic Choir, “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan” is the opening track from Cleveland’s 1963 album, I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan.  Fittingly, it also appears on the compilation album, The King of Gospel Music, released in 2021. A profound cut, “Jordan” runs more than eight minutes long. Eight glorious minutes!

James Cleveland never gets in a rush on “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan.” The musical accompaniment, comprising piano, organ, bass, and drums, gets plenty of time to shine.  Early on, as the instrumental sets the tone, members of the congregation are shouting, witnessing to God’s goodness even before the first note is sung.  Initially, Cleveland ministers during the extended instrumental, as excerpted above. Memorably, he pronounces Jordan as many old black folks did back in the day – Jer-dun. Nearly a minute in a half in, the reverend performs the first sung vocals.  With his signature earthy, gravelly, and gritty voice, Cleveland is commanding as he sings lead. “Stood on the banks of Jordan one day,” he sings (the call), with The Angelic Choir responding, “See those ships go sailing over.” What is the significance of the banks of Jordan to Cleveland? Fulfilling his duty as an upstanding Christian man, a servant to The Father, to make it to Heaven. Cleveland wants to see those loved ones he lost. Losing them was gut-wrenching, marking his own wilderness experience. “Lord, I’ve got my ticket / Please don’t leave me down here,” he pleads, and adds, “You took my father / You came back and got my mother / You took everything that was so dear.”  Father and Mother fulfilled their time on Earth and crossed over. Cleveland intends to do the same when his time comes: “I know she’s waiting and watching / I told her, I’d be home after a while.” An emotional and thoughtful tour de force, “I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan” speaks to the importance of living as a Christian ought and ensuring that you have your ticket to Heaven when that time comes.  This anointed gospel classic never grows old!

Appears in:

James Cleveland, I Stood On the Banks of the Jordan: Music Lifts No. 35 (2025)

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2. The Rance Allen Group, “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan”

Celebrate (Deluxe Edition) » Tyscot Music & Entertainment » 2014 

The Rance Allen Group was one of gospel’s most influential groups, led by the late, great Bishop Rance Allen (1948 – 2020).  Allen’s voice was nothing short of anointed, making him one of the most versatile singers you’ll ever hear.  The COGIC bishop and musician extraordinaire covered “I Stood On The Banks of Jordan”, a classic penned and originally recorded by another gospel legend, Rev. James Cleveland (1931 – 1991). “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan” is the 14^th track on The Rance Allen Group’s 2014 album, Celebrate (Deluxe Edition). 

Much of “I Stood On the Banks of Jordan” is tried and true with the original.  The introduction, excerpted above, marks a contrast, yet matches Rev. James Cleveland’s knack for ministering in addition to singing.  The sound of the record is updated. It represents 21^st-century recording technology and the contemporary gospel music sound.  Contributing to the celestial, harmonious, and melodious nature of the song is a warm backdrop, comprising keyboards, organ, guitar, bass, drums, horns, and strings. The straw that stirs the drink is Rance Allen, with his dynamic lead vocals. He sounds commanding and gritty, showcasing top-notch musicianship. Allen brings some terrific ad-libs, nuances, and runs, particularly at the end of the record. The Rance Allen Group provides awesome background vocals.  The vocal harmonies are chilling.  Even with the source material remaining tried and true overall, I like the tweaks made by the group, including some additional background vocals. There is great vamping on “See those ships go by” by the support vocals of the group while Rance riffs. A marvelous cover of a traditional black gospel gem, Allen easily proves he was a far more complete and versatile vocalist than Cleveland, whose own gravelly voice was incredibly distinct and influential in its own right. This 2010s rendition of “I Stood On The Banks of Jordan” is nothing short of special.

Appears in:

The Rance Allen Group, I Stood On The Banks of Jordan: Covers No. 35 (2025)

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who stood on the banks of Jordan the best? Was it the original, penned by James Cleveland, and performed with The Angelic Choir? Or, is it the updated, 21^st-century cover by the anointed The Rance Allen Group, featuring the late, great Bishop Rance Allen? From a vocal perspective, there are very few singers who can match the skill of Rance Allen. Allen was a singer’s singer – one of the best to ever do it.  That said, James Cleveland’s performance is filled with heart. Yes, he sounds gravelly, gritty, and rough around the edges, but it’s hard not to hear the authenticity and sincerity with which he sings about losing his parents, specifically his mother.  It’s a tough call, but the original by James Cleveland & The Angelic Choir takes the W.

🏅 Winner: James Cleveland & The Angelic Choir

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James Cleveland vs. The Rance Allen Group: Head 2 Head No. 40 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Malaco, Inc, Tyscot Music & Entertainment; cottonbro studio, Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

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