Today’s the last day of September, which means it’s the last day of Gospel Music Heritage Month. I wanted to make sure I talked about one of my FAVORITE pioneering gospel groups ever– The Barrett Sisters.
Growing up in Chicago, I didn’t know of anyone who hadn’t heard of ‘em, but I’ve come to learn that folks across the nation don’t necessarily know about Delois, Billie and Rodessa. So, this will be a refresher for some and an introduction for others… gather ’round, folks.
The Barrett Sisters are a trio of… sisters… who are natives of Chicago. Growing up in the 1930′s, the sisters saw the passing of four of their siblings to tuberculosis, but their lives were spared from the illness.
While in high school, Delois (the eldest sister) began singing with the famed Roberta Martin Singers. She traveled the world with the group for 18 years before returning home to Chicago and linking up with her younger sisters– Billie and Rodessa– to sing. They formed The Barrett Sisters in 1962 and recorded their first album a year later for Savoy Records. Today, they are known for their soaring voices and tight harmonies, which have helped to pioneer the sound of female gospel groups.
The Barrett Sisters have been featured on several television programs– including mainstream shows such as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Oprah Winfrey Show. They were also featured in the great gospel documentary, Say Amen, Somebody. The group was awarded the Bobby Jones Legend award at the 23rd Annual Stellar Awards.
Though the sisters, now in their late 70′s and early 80′s, do not perform much anymore, they’re still active in their local church bodies. Delois has been in a wheelchair for some time now, battling arthritis and other health issues. Pray for all three of ‘em, okay?
I’m embedding TWO videos of them. The first is a performance from the Say Amen, Somebody documentary (one of my faves), featuring the Barrett Sisters singing “No Ways Tired.”
The next is a video I’ve embedded on this site before. It’s from a PBS special hosted by Patti LaBelle called Going Home To Gospel (which I STILL have on VHS!). They’re singing “I’m Going To Fly Away”:
Whatd’ya think about THAT?! 
The Barrett Sisters! Vocal Powerhouses they are, especially Miss Deloise !
I visited with Deloris Barrett Campbell yesterday. She is a wonderful lady. She has problems with her vocal chords and ask that everyone pray that she will be able to sing and walk again by her birthday in March.
Can you post the video of the Barrett Sister receving their award at the Stellar awards and they are always in my prayers i love the Barrett Sister and God bless them and for anyone out there that may be sick remeber by his stripes we are healed and in John 14:14 he said if you shall ask anything in my name i will do it
Can someone please tell me where I can find the album that the Barrett Sisters did back in about 1986 or 1985 that contained the song "Just in Time". I have searched and searched and cannot find that song anywhere. I love that song and would like to get the lyrics if anyone has access to them. Thanks. I love the Barrett Sisters.
God is good.. Almost everyday I have to go on youtube and listen to my Gospel Legends "The Barrett sister's".. I thank and praise God for them cause if it wasn't him and the singer, we wouldn't have our gospel musice and singers today.. I love mii Gospel Legends very very much..!