The Caravans

Gospel Music Pioneers

American Gospel group that was started by Robert Anderson and Albertina Walker. The group reached its peak popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, launching the careers of a number of artists, including: Delores Washington, Albertina Walker, Bessie Griffin, Cassietta George, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, Shirley Caesar, Josephine Howard, Rev. James Cleveland, and more. The group underwent numerous personnel changes between 1951 and 1961. 1962 to 1966 provided the Caravans with its most stable group member lineup, consisting of Washington, Walker, Caesar, George, James Herndon and Josephine Howard. The group also made frequent TV appearances during this time on shows such as TV's Gospel Time, Jubilee Showcase, Gaither Homecoming, and Gospel Pioneer Reunion . Years active: as Robert Anderson and His Gospel Caravan: 1947–1951 as Robert Anderson and The Caravans: 1951–1952 as The Caravans: 1952–1976, 2006–2010