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Welcome to this site dedicated to the wonderful record album art of Harvey.  The purpose of this site is to post images of as many Harvey album jackets as we can locate, and share information about the artist.

Throughout the 1960's Harvey produced paintings for the covers of Savoy Records and their subsidiaries Sharp, Regent, and Gospel. Most were gospel albums, but there were also a few jazz and one blues cover. With the help of many friends, I've identified 197.

The record jackets are signed on the front, "Harvey", and on the back of many of the records Harvey is given credit for the album art. No other name. We have been unable to learn the identity of the mysterious Harvey, although a lot of thought and effort has gone into trying. We've asked record collectors around the world, searched the Internet, contacted Savoy Records, and even tried sending images to art dealers in New York to see if any could identify the artist. Nothing. Where did all these paintings go?

There are theories about Harvey. An early one was that he might have been
Bill Harvey, long time art director at Elektra Records. But this theory has been pretty well debunked.

Scholar/collector Eric Majette, Jr. spoke with Rev. Lawrence Roberts, long-time producer for Savoy Records. Rev. Roberts said that they never knew the identity of Harvey. Harvey lived in New York, and was very secretive. They would send him a title or concept and he would produce the painting. The paintings were not expensive, and they paid him in cash.

Gospel historian/radio host/blogger Bob Marovich also interviewed Rev. Roberts, asked him about Harvey, and heard a similar but slightly different story. Rev. Roberts indicated that he actually met with Harvey to discuss the album concepts, that he was a young man at the time, and Bob had the distinct impression that they were discussing someone of the caucasion persuasion. Bob also came up with the ingenious idea of seeking information from the Modern Box Co. of Newark, that printed the Savoy album covers. Out of business and no records. Another dead end.

I exchanged email some time back with an unidentified gentleman who claimed; "It is believed by gospel music historians that Harvey was Herman Lubinsky, the original owner/producer of Savoy Records." He said that the Harvey covers stopped when Fred Mendelsohn bought out Mr. Lubinsky. He further stated; "A professional artist did analyze these pictures and determined they were not done by a professional artist but by a male over the age of 65 years old." I've never heard this theory advanced by other knowledgeable people, but there was a mention on the Intoxica website that in a Japanese book of jazz albums the Harvey painting adorning the Curtis Fuller album is attributed to "H. Lubinsky". 

At the beginning of the year Ken Walter alerted me to a Birka Jazz website, featuring Savoy jazz album covers. On that site there is a brief discussion of Harvey, including the lines, "On Art Pepper's album Surf Ride (MG-12089) the painting is signed Harvey Ragsdale. Could it be the same Harvey?" It doesn't look like the same artist, but then our Harvey certainly had the ability to work in a variety of styles. On the same site the unattributed cover of The Charlie Parker Story (MG-12079) looks like it could be another Harvey Ragsdale to me, but a bit more like our Harvey. There was a Harvey Ragsdale who played bass and vibes with Martin Denny, whose albums also sported some very exotic covers. But this Harvey Ragsdale was from Hawaii, and so probably drops off our list of suspects.

In December (2009), writer/lyricist/graphic artist Phil Thomson posted a WONDERFUL article on Harvey. Phil's thoughts, especially on the themes portrayed and the artwork itself, are an invaluable addition to the Harvey discussion. You can find the article here:

Harvey: The mysterious, cult-following designer of gospel album sleeves

Just recently Jean-Francois Villetard got in touch and identified three "undiscovered" Harvey covers. Two are for Charlie Parker albums, and both are fantastic (see Jazz/Blues Harvey's section)! It's hard to believe we overlooked these for so long, and it surely makes one wonder if there aren't several or even many more left to identify.

I've now uploaded images of all the Harvey covers of which I'm aware. There are 134 on the Savoy label (including the 8 jazz/blues albums), 46 on the Gospel label, 10 on Sharp and 7 on Regent. At the bottom of this page there images of three unsigned, uncredited, possible Harvey covers. If you are aware of others please let me know. If you have better quality scans I'd love to have them.

All feedback welcome.

John Glassburner
July 2010
jbg@efn.org

                     Click on scans to view larger images:

SAVOY RECORDS





James Cleveland with The Gospel All-Stars
OUT ON A HILL
Savoy MG-14045
1961
The Famous Ward Singers
A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Savoy MG-14047
The Imperial Gospel Singers
FOUNTAIN OF BLOOD
Savoy MG-14048
THE ANGELIC GOSPEL CHOIR OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NUTLEY, NJ
Savoy MG-14049




THE GOSPEL HARMONETTES
Savoy MG 14050
THE FAMOUS DAVIS SISTERS
Savoy MG-14051
JAMES CLEVELAND AND THE GOSPEL CHIMES
Savoy MG-14052
1962
THE GOSPEL CLEFS
Savoy MG-14053

The Roberta Martin Singers
IT WAS THE BLOOD
Savoy MG-14054
The Gospel Chimes
FATHER I STRETCH OUT MY HAND TO THEE
Savoy MG-14055
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
LITTLE LUCY SMITH AT THE ORGAN PLAYS YOUR FAVORITE GOSPEL HYMNS
Savoy MG-14056
JIMMY JONES AND THE SENSATIONALS
Savoy MG-14057

James Cleveland and the Angelic Gospel Choir
THIS SUNDAY IN PERSON
Savoy MG-14059
1962
The Ward Singers
JUST OVER THE HORIZON
Savoy MG-14060
The Davis Sisters
SOMEWHERE IN GLORY
Savoy MG-14061
The Gospel Harmonettes
MY FATHER'S CHILDREN
Savoy MG-14062

JAMES CLEVELAND WITH THE ANGELIC CHOIR VOL. 2
Savoy MG-14063
1962
The Swindell Brothers
THIS TROUBLE OF MINE
Savoy MG-14064
Rev. Charles Watkins and the Pentecostal Mass Choir
SHADY GREEN PASTURES
Savoy MG-14065
The Roberta Martin Singers
FROM OUT OF NOWHERE
Savoy MG-14066

The Gospel Chimes
LEARN HOW TO WAIT
Savoy MG-14067
THE SOUL OF JAMES CLEVELAND
Savoy MG-14068
1962
The Banks Brothers
FOR MY  SAKE
Savoy MG-14071




Ruth Davis and the Davis Singers
ON THE RIGHT ROAD NOW
Savoy MG-14072
Robert Anderson
IN TIMES LIKE THESE
Savoy MG-14073
MYRTLYE JACKSON SINGS SONGS OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION
Savoy MG-14074
Jams Cleveland and the Angelic Choir Vol 3
PEACE BE STILL
Savoy MG-14076




THE SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN STATE CHOIR
Savoy MG-14077
The Raymond
Rasberry Singers
DELIVERANCE WILL COME
Savoy MG-14080
Evangelist Rosie Wallace
GOD CARES
Savoy MG-14081
The Banks Brothers
WONDEROUS CROSS
Savoy MG-14082


The Dorothy Norwood Singers
JOHNNY AND JESUS
Savoy MG-14083
October 24, 1963
THE MAGNIFICANT VOICES OF THE A'CAPPELS
Savoy MG-14084



James Cleveland and the Cleveland Singers
THE SUN WILL SHINE AFTER AWHILE
Savoy MG-14085
1963
The Jewel Gospel Singers
THE HARVEST
Savoy MG-14086
The Raymond Rasberry Singers
PRAY WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG
Savoy MG-14087
The Swindell Brothers and Rev. Johnnie Wilkerson
HOLY TRAIN
Savoy MG-14090

Big John and the Golden Echoes
RIDE AWAY TO HEAVEN
Savoy MG-14091
The Blendwrights
OVER THE SUNSET MOUNTAIN
Savoy MG-14092
The Dorothy Norwood Singers
THE OLD LADY'S HOUSE
Savoy MG-14093
March 18, 1964
The Barrett Sisters
JESUS LOVES ME
Savoy MG-14094 

The Bradley Singers
HE'LL ROLL BACK THOSE DARK CLOUDS
Savoy MG-14095

James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir Vol. 4
I STOOD ON THE BANKS OF THE JORDAN
Savoy MG-14096
1964

The Roberta Martin Singers
THE FAILURE IS NOT IN GOD IT'S IN ME
Savoy MG-14097
The Gospel Chimes
WE SERVE A MERCIFUL GOD
Savoy MG-14098
The Southwest Michigan State Choir directed by Mattie Moss Clark
NONE BUT THE PURE IN HEART
Savoy MG-14099
The Mighty Gospel Giants
HEAVENLY FATHER
Savoy MG-14101




The Banks Brothers and the Greater Harvest Church Choir of Newark, NJ
IT TOOK A MIRACLE
Savoy MG-14102
James Cleveland and the Cleveland Singers
HEAVEN, THAT WILL BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME
Savoy MG-14103
1964
Evangelist Rosie Wallace and the Choir of the First Church of Love, Faith and Deliverance
WAKE UP IN GLORY
Savoy MG-14106
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
Dorothy Norwood and the Combined Choirs of Atlanta, GA
THE BELL DIDN'T TOLL
Savoy MG-14107
February 10, 1965


The Gospel Clefs
THE PRECIOUS NAME
Savoy MG-14108
Bill Moss and the Celestials
GOD HAS BEEN SO GOOD
Savoy MG-14109




The Jewel Gospel Singers
LET'S HAVE CHURCH
Savoy MG-14110
The Gospel Lords of Harmony
IF GOD GAVE US EVERYTHING WE NEED...WE WOULDN'T HAVE NEED TO PRAY
Savoy MG-14111
The Epps Gospel Singers
JUST TRY JESUS
Savoy MG-14112
1965
Dolores Barrett and the Barrett Sisters
I'LL FLY AWAY
Savoy MG-14114

The Harold Bailey Singers
LORD, I'LL GO
Savoy MG-14115
Robert Anderson
ONLY BY GRACE
Savoy MG-14116
The Roberta Martin Singers
HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME
Savoy MG-14199
The Southwest Michigan State Choir with Mattie Moss Clark
SALVATION IS FREE
Savoy MG-14120
(Thanks to Matt Starr)

Rev. Cleophus Robinson
HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE LOVED BY GOD
Savoy MG-14121
The Golden Crowns of Charlotte, NC
HAVE YOU GOT OIL IN YOUR VESSEL
Savoy MG-14123
THE ANGELIC CHOIR SINGING SONGS OF FAITH AND INSPIRATION
Savoy MG-14124

DR. C.J. JOHNSON IN AN OLD TIME SONG SERVICE
Savoy MG-14126
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
Dorothy  Norwood
HE WILL NEVER LET GO MY HAND
Savoy MG-14127
July 11, 1965
HARRISON SMITH PRESENTS THE OLD TIME PRAYER MEETING
Savoy MG-14128
The Gospel Lords of Harmony
GOD'S LOVE WILL NEVER DIE
Savoy MG-14129

The Magnificent Male Choir of Atlanta, GA
AT THE THRONE OF GRACE
Savoy MG-14130
James Cleveland and the Cleveland Singers
HE LEADETH ME
Savoy MG-14131
The Raymond Raspberry Singers
I COULDN'T FIND NO SATISFACTION
Savoy MG-14132
Bill Moss and the Celestials
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD
Savoy MG-14133

James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir Vol 6
THE GRACE OF GOD
Savoy MG-14134
C. 1966
DR. C.J. JOHNSON PRESENTS THE OLD TIME SONG SERVICE
Savoy MG-14135
Dr. William Hawkins
A CONTRACT WITH GOD
Savoy MG-14136
(Sermon)
Robert Anderson
IF YOU DENY YOURSELF
Savoy MG-14137

Dolores Barrett and the Barrett Sisters
CARRY ME BACK
Savoy MG-14138
Evangelist Rosie Wallace
NO ONE BUT JESUS
Savoy MG-14139
c. 1966
Dorothy Norwoodand the Combined Choirs of Atlanta, GA
A DENIED MOTHER
Savoy MG-14140
The Harold Bailey Singers
ADOPTED IN THE ROYAL FAMILY
Savoy MG-14141

The Neoplitan Spirtual Church Choir
HE'S THERE
Savoy MG-14142
The Famous Boyer Brothers
TAKE YOUR TROUBLES TO JESUS
Savoy MG-14143
The Flying Clouds of Montgomery, AL
THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Savoy MG-14144
The Sunrising Kings
RING OUT THE NAME OF JESUS
Savoy MG-14145

The Roberta Martin Singers
ONE STEP AWAY
Savoy MG-14147
The Howard Lemon Singers of Detroit, Michigan
USE WHAT YOU HAVE FOR GOD
Savoy MG-14149
Elder Hightower and Sister Massey
IT'S A LONG LONG WAY
Savoy MG-14150

The Southwest Michigan State Choir
A CITY CALLED HEAVEN
Savoy MG-14151
The Morning Stars of Savannah, GA
THE ADOPTED CHILD
Savoy MG-14152
The Majestic Male Choir
THE TIME IS NOW
Savoy MG-14154
The Famous Boyer Brothers
STEP BY STEP
Savoy MG-14155

DR. C.J. JOHNSON PRESENTS THE OLD TIME SONG SERVICE
Savoy MG-14156
(Thanks to Kevin Kiley)
Dorothy Norwood and the Combined Choirs of Atlanta, Georgia
THE SOLDIER FROM VIET NAM
Savoy MG-14157
c. 1966
The Gospel Lords of Harmony
GRANT ME THIS DAY
Savoy MG-14158
Prof. Herman Stevens
THE POET OF THE GOSPEL ORGAN PLAYS YOUR FAVORITE HYMNS
Savoy MG-14160

The Jewel Gospel Singers
I KNOW THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY
Savoy MG-14161
Bill Moss and the Celestials
MY CHILD CAME HOME
Savoy MG-14162
(Thanks  to  Matt Starr)

Rev. Charles Watkins and the Pentecostal Singers
THE LOST SHEEP
Savoy MG-14164
UNITED SINGING CONVENTION BIBLEWAY CHURCH
Savoy MG-14170
The Morning Stars of Savannah, GA
THIS TRAIN
Savoy MG-14174
c. 1967
Dorothy Norwood and the Combined Choirs of Baltimore, MD
THE SINGING SLAVE
Savoy MG-14175

JAMES CLEVELAND SINGS SONGS OUR MOTHER TAUGHT US
Savoy MG-14176
The Magnificant Male Majestic Choir
ASK HIM TO GUIDE YOU
Savoy MG-14179
(Thanks to Kevin Kiley)
DYNAMIC GOSPEL DUETS BY DOROTHY NORWOOD AND JAMES HERNDON
Savoy MG-14182
THE BANKS BROTHERS WITH THE GREATER HARVEST BAPTIST CHURCH
Savoy MG-14184
(Thanks to Matt Starr)

JAMES CLEVELAND AND THE CLEVELAND SINGERS
Savoy MG-14188
c. 1967
PROF. HERMAN STEVENS SINGS AND PLAYS YOUR FAVORITE HYMNS
Savoy MG-14189

Dorothy Norwood and the Dorothy Norwood Singers
A BEREAVED CHILD
Savoy MG-14190
c. 1967
James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Savoy MG-14195
c. 1968
The Roberta Martin Singers
PRAISE GOD
Savoy MG-14197
The Famous Davis Sisters
THEY THAT WAIT ON THE LORD
Savoy MG-14199

Harrison Johnson and his Los Angeles Community Choir
BECAUSE
Savoy MG-14210
Dorothy Norwood and the Dorothy Norwood Singers
THE STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS
Savoy MG-14212
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
Southwest Michigan State Choir with the Church of Christ
Mattie Moss Clark Director
I'LL TAKE JESUS FOR MINE
Savoy MG-14215

THE BANKS BROTHERS AND THE GREATER HARVEST BACK HOME CHOIR
Savoy MG-14216
The Flying Clouds of Montgomery, Alabama
SINCE I LAID MY BURDEN DOWN
Savoy MG-14219
(Thanks to Howard Robinson)

Rev. Charles Watkins and the Pentecostal Singers
BAPTIZED
Savoy MG-14223
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
SINGING IN MY SOUL
Savoy MG-14224
Rev. Charles Watkins
PORTRAIT OF A GOSPEL SINGER
Savoy MG-14235
DR. C.J. JOHNSON PRESENTS THE OLD TIME SONG SERVICE LIVE IN ATLANTA, GA
Savoy MG-14251
(Thanks to Kevin Kiley)

THE ANGELIC CHOIR OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NUTLEY, NJ
Savoy MG-14254
Thanks to Scott Schillo
THE DYNAMIC O'NEAL TWINS
Savoy MG-14255
c. 1970
DOROTHY NORWOOD AND THE O.L.B YOUTH CHOIR OF ATLANTA, GA
Savoy MG-14259
c. 1970
DR. C.J. JOHNSON PRESENTS THE OLD TIME SONG SERVICE RECORDED LIVE AT THE ROCKY MOUNT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Savoy MG-14273

The Morning Stars of Savannah, GA
I'VE BEEN BLESSED BY THE HAND OF GOD
Savoy MG-14518
THE BEST OF ROSETTA SISTER THARPE
Savoy SGL 7029
(Thanks to Matt Starr)

GOSPEL RECORDS

THE VOICES OF JORDAN
Gospel MG-3011
The Blind Boys of Alabama
GOD'S PROMISE
Gospel MG-3013
The Tommy Brown Singers
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Gospel MG-3014
The Imperial Gospel Singers
THE SOWER
Gospel MG-3015

The Caravans
I WON'T BE BACK
Gospel MG-3016
THE VICTORY CHORAL UNION OF PHILADELPHIA, PA
Gospel MG-3017
The Bibletones of Buffalo, NY
YOU KNOW MY HEART
Gospel MG-3018
Rev. Charles Craig and His Tabernacle Chorale
HEAVEN
Gospel MG-3020

The Southern Echoes of Chicago, IL
HAVE YOU BEEN WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE
Gospel MG-3022
Esther Ford and the Exodus Singers
I WILL GO
Gospel MG-3023

The Meditation Singers
SANCTIFIED LORD
Gospel MG-3024
The Imperial Gospel Singers
STAY IN HIS WILL
Gospel MG-3025
The Original Victory Choral Union
HE'LL WELCOME YOU
Gospel MG-3026
The Sensational Six
JUST BEYOND THE RIVER
Gospel MG-3027
(Thanks to Cornelius Beale)

The Meditation Singers
GOD'S GOING TO TROUBLE THE WATER
Gospel MG-3028
The Young Adult Choir of Saint Luke Community Christian Church
WHAT WE NEED
Gospel MG-3029
JESSY DIXON AND THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY CHOIR  
Gospel MG-3030
The Anna Murell Singers
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Gospel MG-3031

The Imperial Gospel Singers
THE LORD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH
Gospel MG-3032
The Birds of Harmony
JESUS IS A FRIEND
Gospel MG-3033
THE PENNSYLVANIA
STATE CHOIR OF THE
CHURCH OF GOD IN
CHRIS
Gospel MG-3034

Jessy Dixon and the
Chicago Community
Choir
I CANNOT FAIL THE
LORD
Gospel MG-3036
THE ORIGINAL CHURCH
OF GOD IN CHRIST
RADIO CHOIR
Gospel MG-3037
The Meditation Singers
I'M HOLDING ON
Gospel MG-3038
(Thanks to Jean-Francois
Villetard)
The Gospel Wonders
AS LONG AS I'VE GOT JESUS
Gospel MG-3039

Jessy Dixon and the Chicago Community Choir
A CHILD OF GOD
Gospel MG-3040
The Drayton Gospel Singers
COME UP TO MOUNT ZION
Gospel MG-3042
The Original Church of God In Christ Radio Choir
HAVE YOU BEEN WASHED IN THE BLOOD
Gospel MG-3043
The Solid Rock Choir
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Gospel MG-3044

Charles Fold and the Gospel Messengers of Cinncinati, OH
I'M GOING TO MAKE IT
Gospel MG-3045
The Imperial Gospel Singers
LET US SING TOGETHER
Gospel MG-3046
St James Young Adult Choir
CHILD OF THE KING
Gospel MG-3047
(Thanks to Jeff Garbus -
The Record Graveyard)
Liz and the Gospelettes
I MUST TELL JESUS
Gospel MG-3048
The Caravans
CHOOSE YE THIS DAY
Gospel MG-3049

The Heavenly Tones
I LOVE THE LORD
Gospel MG-3050
The Gospel Wonders
HOLD ON, HE'S COMING
Gospel MG-3052
Jessy Dixon and the Dixon Singers
THESE HEAVY BURDENS WON'T LAST ALWAYS
Gospel MG-3055
REV. OWEN ROGERS AND THE MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH OF BOONTON, N.J.
Gospel MG-3060

Jessy Dixon and the Chicago Community Choir
WHEN WILL I STOP LOVING GOD
Gospel MG-3062
The Caravans
HELP IS ON THE WAY
Gospel MG-3064
The Bonnet Harmonizers of Washington, DC
THE STORM IS PASSING OVER
Gospel MG-3065
JESSY DIXON AND THE DIXON SINGERS
Gospel MG-3068

The Famous Caravans
IF YOU EVER NEEDED THE LORD
Gospel MG-3071
JESSY DIXON AND THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY CHOIR
Gospel MG-3073
The Gospel All Stars
I LOVE THE LORD
Gospel MG-3074
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
Jessy Dixon and the Chicago Community Choir
BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
Gospel MG-3099

SHARP RECORDS

The Harmonizing Five
THE HANDS OF THE LORD
Sharp SMG 2009
REV. H.B. CRUM AND THE GOLDEN KEYS
Sharp MG-2010
The Corinthian Gospel Singers
A CITY CALLED HEAVEN
Sharp 2011
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
The Murie Singers
JEWELS
Sharp MG 2012
(Thanks to Robert Termorshuizen)

The North Philadelphia Juniors
IN THE BUILDING
Sharp MG 2013
The Ellison Singers
HE'S HOLDING ME
Sharp 2014
The Sally Jenkins Singers
HELP ME TO RUN THIS RACE
Sharp 2015

THE GREATER HARVEST BAPIST CHURCH CHOIR OF CHICAGO, IL
Sharp 2016
The Gospel Messengers
HIS LOVE  
Sharp 2017
The Gospel Cavaliers
THIS IS THE MOMENT
Sharp 2019

REGENT RECORDS

The Smith Sisters
LORD SEND THE RAIN
Regent 6109
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
The Gospel Redeemers
THE LORD IS THE MASTER
Regent 6110
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
Prof. Alex Bradford and the Bradford Singers
I'M GOING TO WORK TILL THE DAY IS DONE
Regent 6111
(Thanks to Matt Starr)
The Royal Silvertones
JESUS, I LOVE YOUR NAME
Regent MG-6112

The Gospel Redeemers
JUDGEMENT DAY
Regent MG-6116
Prof. Alex Bradford and the Bradford Singers
I FOUND THE ANSWER
Regent MG-6117
Rev. Robert J. Lucas and the Christian Choir
HE'S A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM
Regent MG-6118

POSSIBLE HARVEY'S
Here are some covers that look like Harvey's
but aren't signed or
credited to him.
The Voices of Christ of Berkeley, CA
FILL MY CUP
Savoy MG-14274
The Bibleway Radio Choir
STAY WITH ME
Savoy MG-14409
THE ORIGINAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST RADIO CHOIR
Gospel MG-3082
(Thanks to Jean-Francois
Villetard)
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