"I'm Not The Same Person I Used To Be" (1976) Tommy Ellison & The Five Singing Stars

This is track 3 from the 1976 album "I Want To Be Loved".
Written by Tommy Ellison
On January 3, 2009, the Superstar of Gospel Music Tommy Ellison entered into eternal rest. Tommy Ellison, Mr. Superstar as he was affectionately known, was born September 15, 1932 in Sally, South Carolina. The Superstar is world known for his work as the founder, singer, composer, arranger, producer, manager and director of the legendary group Tommy Ellison & the Singing Stars. It is certainly no exaggeration to call Tommy Ellison a legend in Gospel music. The Superstar passed away leaving a legacy that has inspired many and will continue to inspire generations.
He began his career singing background for gospel music great Madame Edna Gallmon Cooke. He sang with the world famous Harmonizing Four. He can be heard singing lead on the Harmonizing Four's version of "I found the Lord", which was recorded during the early fifties. Tommy later joined The Sensational Nightingales where he further enhanced and cultivated the vocal talent God had bestowed upon him. After spending three years with The Nightingales, Tommy journeyed to Los Angeles where he joined forces with The Chosen Gospel Singers. During this time with the group, they recorded the hit "When the Saints Go Marching in." He remained with The Chosen Gospel Singers until the mid sixties, when he formed the group The Five Singing Stars. During this period, Tommy for a brief time also sang with The Soul Stirrers.
The Five Singing Stars went through several name changes, i.e., the Singing Stars, Tommy Ellison and The Five Singing Stars, and Tommy Ellison and The Singing Stars. No matter the name, you knew the group would deliver solid traditional gospel music. The group became an instant hit with gospel music fans far and near.
Their many hits include Come Home (God loves You), Sailing, Holy Ghost, You Can If You Will, If You Live Right, At the Gate I Know, On My Way To Grandma's House, and Let This Be A Lesson to You (Drunk Driver), just to name a few. Tommy and The Singing Stars recorded for the Nashboro label. One of their greatest songs with Nashboro was I Want To Be loved. After leaving Nashboro, the group recorded with Atlanta International Records (A.I.R.) label. Some of their most popular recordings with AIR were Let This Be A Lesson To You, Closer, Power, and Trust and obey. In spite of having recorded many songs, one of the signature songs for the group was Sailing.
Tommy and The Singing Stars performed at The Apollo, Madison Square Garden, and Carnegie Hall and in some of the largest venues in the country and around the world. Tommy Ellison and The Singing Stars have shared the stage with such legendary talents as the great Mahalia Jackson, Spencer Taylor, Jr., The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and The Highway QC's, The Swan Silvertones, The Gospel Keynotes, The Swanee Quintet, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi, Willie Banks and The Messengers, The Brooklyn All-Stars, The Barrett Sisters, The Caravans, Slim and The Supreme Angels, The Davis Sisters, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites, The Williams Brothers, The Fantastic Violinaires, Darrell McFadden and The Disciples, Troy Ramey and The Soul Searches, Luther Barnes and Shirley Caesar and The Sensational Nightingales. The group was blessed with the opportunity to make their presence felt through the medium of television, appearing on several nationally broadcasted network variety shows.
Tommy received numerous awards during is exceptional enduring career. He was inducted into the American Gospel Quartet Convention Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, the Legislature of the State of South Carolina, by Resolution, recognized Tommy Ellison and The Singing Stars for their outstanding contribution toward preserving the heritage of African American gospel music.

[@princessxo9658]

Thank you for this UA-cam account 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@libralove7707]

True song indeed. A lot people dont understand that once you done accepted jesus as your lord and savior you will never be the same again. People will always remember the stuff you use to do but your a new person now when you are in the lord. And none of that matters anymore. Thank you lord jesus for your love, for you saving me so that i dont have to die in my sins he made a way and all we have to do is take hold of it if we really want it that is. May the lord touch, hearts and their souls that hell is real and we need the lord Jesus to save us. God bless 😁

[@DottieVasquez-x4c]

Love it

[@felicia1267]

Yes My Lord, This is my motto for 2023,any one out there listening, I'm will live this song , Timmonsville S.C

[@TheGospelQuartetParadise]

It was 1974.. Oakland, CA.. London Lodge Hotel... I was with Tommy, Sam, Billie, Sam Moses, and Paul Beasley of the Mighty Clouds [at that time], and Lil Shot from the Violinaires were kicking it around in Tommy's room, and he asked me to sit in with him as he rehearsed this song... I was doing the part that John does on the recording. Apparently, I impressed him, because he asked if I wanted to go on the road with him. I had to decline, since I was singing with my brother & The Soulful Sons of Zion, plus had just become engaged. Sam and Billie are still going strong..

[@stan5585]

This is magnificent.

[@sandramcbride6892]

I'm Not The Same Pearson I Used To Be

[@lindacrowley2010]

Just found out Tommie Ellison passed away and it was in 2009 my heart is broken because I love almost everything they have made. I had the pleasure to meet him and the singing star's once when they came to King of king's Baptist Church in Pittsburgh they sang from their soul . I'm crushed upon learning of his passing and to find out he passed so long ago.

[@typrsn1]

+Linda Crowley His music will live on. I'll probably post something else from him next week.

[@celestematthews3266]

Tommy Ellison and the singing stars love it

[@rosenettepaddio2142]

Awesome song 🙏

[@yukichan4858]

Amazing ❤🕊🌹🙋‍♀️

[@kristalprice9064]

Take me back listing to my papa sing with he group 😥 I miss him every day

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

This is a great song and testimony.Tommy Ellison is gospel royalty!!

[@christophersimpson1817]

Thank You God "Iam Not The Same Person I Used To Be" I Love This Song!!!

[@mrsphenomenalcreations1343]

I love this music.. True quartet soul.. Thanks for sharing

[@typrsn1]

You're welcome.

[@Music-nt5ub]

Sing it!!True gospel classic

[@DiAcorea]

This takes me back to my childhood, and so many Sunday mornings of riding to church with my mother, listening to the local AM station.

[@giftofgabbs]

This is awesome

[@lindacrowley2010]

Thanks for putting his music out there for the world to enjoy. I'm sitting here now just listening to some of his earlier recording and enjoying myself. He was one of the best.

[@typrsn1]

+Linda Crowley You're welcome.

[@frankpatterson767]

does anyone have his song called crying days are over

[@kevinthompson2748]

is this a Johnny Taylor remake

[@justussquires2782]

Maybe.

[@tandt7694]

Pretty much. Same story, some of the same words. JT was 1968.