Michaux, Lightfoot Solomon - Timeline Biography
Time Period
11-07-1884 - 10-20-1968
Description
Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (1884-1968) was an African American businessman and evangelist from Virginia. Active in a Church of Christ (Holiness) congregation, he founded his own church in 1917 that later developed into what is now known as the Gospel Spreading Church.
However, Michaux’s greatest accomplishment was his radio evangelist career at the WJSV radio station. His popular Radio Church of God program started with his theme song "Happy Am I," which led many to recognize him as the "Happy Am I Evangelist." By 1934, the program was heard on 50 stations by 25 million people. This was the largest audience for an African American radio personality at the time. He also became one of the first television preachers in 1948 when his sermons were broadcasted over the Washington, D.C. station WTTG.
However, Michaux’s greatest accomplishment was his radio evangelist career at the WJSV radio station. His popular Radio Church of God program started with his theme song "Happy Am I," which led many to recognize him as the "Happy Am I Evangelist." By 1934, the program was heard on 50 stations by 25 million people. This was the largest audience for an African American radio personality at the time. He also became one of the first television preachers in 1948 when his sermons were broadcasted over the Washington, D.C. station WTTG.
Interactive Timeline(s)
Browse Related Timeline Entries
Religious Groups
Timeline Entries for the same religious group: Holiness FamilyHoliness Family: Other ARDA Links
Holiness Family: Religious Family Tree
Photographs
Lightfoot Michaux portrait, cropped- Library of Congress, LC-DIG-hec-23588
Elder Michaux at Happy News Cafe- Library of Congress, LC-DIG-hec-23587
Annual Baptism by Elder Michaux at the Griffith Stadium- Photograph by Addison N. Scurlock. Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905-1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Book/Journal Source(s)
Murphy, Larry, J. Gordon Melton, and Gary Ward, 1993. Encyclopedia of African American Religions New York: Garland.Web Page Contributor
Benjamin T. GurrentzAffliated with: Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. in Sociology
