I first discovered my hometown of Ypsilanti’s Pathway label with the previously posted The Smith Family LP, Sing Your Gospel Favorites.  Another find, The Pathway Quartet, with one of the Cousins’ favorite all-time songs, Jesus is a Soul Man, may or may not be related to this label, as the musical style is very similar, and the label on the LP appears to be from a private pressing.

The latest record we came across on the Pathway label is actually really good.  It’s Carl and Evert with a 45 featuring the song, “I Have Found The Way.”  Not a whole lot of info is out there about this label, other than it was founded around 1964 by Red Ellis, a Starday recording artist who also sang in a group called Red Ellis and the Crossmen, of whch one of the members was Evert Sanders.  The Smith Family also gives a shout-out to The Crossmen, so I am guessing that they were sort of the Pathway house band.  I’m not sure who Carl is or what his last name even is.  The same site that I found the info about Evert Sanders also listed this bio from the cover of their album they recorded on Pathway called “That Beautiful Land”:

 EVERT SANDERS was one of 8 children. He was born in Ranger, West Virginia May 9, 1934. His Father was a coal miner and Evert distinctly remembers the coal camps. When only 16 Months old, the family moved to Kentucky. When he was 16 years old, the family decided to move back to West Virginia. In 1952 Evert came to Michigan. He presently lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan with wife Dorothy and 3 children Mark, Billy and Lorinda. Evert was converted in 1956 and has been serving the Lord ever since. He sings tenor & some lead also plays bass in this album.

The Pathway label’s address is listed at 508 Maus Street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  I have been meaing to drive by that address and take a picture of the house or building - when I do I will post it again here.  I have a few other records of The Smith Family, and there are at least two other addresses of Pathway - one is 9901 Stoneycreek Road in Milan, Michigan, which is just south of Ypsilanti. 

I think the Pathway label is as important to Ypsilanti’s history as is the well documented song on this site, Back To Ypsilanti by Lee Osler on the Mustache record label.  ”I Have Found The Way” represents the effect the migration of southern factory workers to Ypsilanti had on the musical landscape.  The Ford Plant and the Bomber Plant were nearby, drawing many bluegrass picking musicians to the area, many of whom are still around today.  I’ve met many bluegrass and gospel enthusiasts while chatting with neighbors or out at the local yard sales, and I think this kind of music is an important part of our history.  I live on East Cross Street in a neighborhood that was built in the late 50s and early 60s in a time where small ranch houses were built to accomodate all the new workers and their families.  There are old tiny churches EVERYWHERE around the area I live - at least 10 within a mile of my house.

Carl and Evert mix the sacred with the rockin’, and this goes well with their message of finding the way.  This may be the crown jewel on The Pathway label. 

listen: