Leo Jackson & The Melody Clouds are a testifying, old-school gospel group with a focus on classic four-part harmonies, stirring melodies, and contemporary, rollicking rhythms. The group was founded in 1965 by Leo Jackson, Sr., (first as the Jackson Harmonizers) and son Leo Jackson, Jr., who carries the leadership role today. The family came to New Orleans out of very rural Mississippi (the tiny burg of Jayess), and conveys their deep knowledge of personal struggle and self-reliance in their music, sung by brothers Leo Jr., Melvin, and Carey, along with Ronald Scott. A four-piece band accompanies the singers, and much of their material is written by Leo Jackson, Jr., who has compared his style to somewhere near that of the Isely Brothers or Al Green.

In addition to performing at worship services, the group has been a fan favorite at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival’s Gospel Tent since 1989, and has performed at Essence Festival, the Voodoo Experience, and the French Quarter Festival, among others. Albums like Great Day include both standards like “Amazing Grace” and originals, such as the heartfelt “Country Boy.”