Kim McFarland, Monique Walker, Táta Vega…
At a time, these were some of the choir/ensemble soloists whose names were practically synonymous with the leader of that choir or ensemble.
You saw Andraé Crouch, you expected to see and hear Táta Vega. You saw Hezekiah Walker, you expected to see and hear Monique Walker. You saw Milton Brunson & The Tommies and you’d better get to see and hear Kim McFarland! With solos on various songs by their respective groups, these and other voices served as the benchmark for the sound of contemporary choir music.
Out of curiosity– who are the choir/ensemble soloists of the new school?
My mind instantly wanders to folks like Zacardi Cortez (James Fortune & FIYA), David McClure (JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise) and Lillian Lloyd (with Ricky Dillard’s New G).
Who else comes to mind???
Richard Smallwood: Maurette Brown Clark, Vanessa Williams, Charisse Nelson-McIntosh, Darlene Simmons Kurt Carr: Yvette Williams, Nakitta Clegg Fox, Timiney Figueroa Caton, Vonnie Lopez, and Nikki Potts Any project out of Houston: Rhonda McLemore, Alvanetta Nelson Jonathan Nelson and group: Jason Nelson Potters House Mass Choir: Brenda Whitfield-Ellis Youthful Praise: Bishop Eric McDaniel (he's not in the group, but he's a mainstay on their projects) Chicago Mass Choir: Lemmie Battles. Mississippi Mass Choir, Mosie Burks, Milton Biggham Donald Lawrence: DeWayne Woods, Blanche
Anaysha Figueroa, Nikki Ross, Candy West , Nicole Binion, Jason Nelson, Deon Kipping....those are the first that come to my mind.
Other than what's already been mentioned: Hez - Kervy Brown Youthful Praise - Deon Kipping D. Lawrence - Sheri Jones-Moffet (one of my TOP 3 fav sopranos, btw) Brooklyn Tab - Alvin Slaughter Old Kirk - Tamela & David Mann, and the guy who led the 2nd verse on "Now Behold the Lamb" John P. Kee - Sheila, Isaac, I can't remember the thin ladies name... G.A. - I can't remember either of their names, but the guy and girl who led "Who Else but God" Excuse my blonde moment, lol. Help a sista out and post the names I've forgotten. :-)
Daniel johnson- israel and new breed Nikki ross- ricky dillard and new g Any of the kurt carr singers Blanche- donald lawrence and co.
Youthful Praise - Melissa Bell Nikki Ross - Just about any project Michelle Prather, Nakitta Clegg, Nikki Potts....just about all the Kurt Carr Singers Juanita Contee - Jonathan Nelson & Purpose Ashley Mackey - Darrel Petties & SIP
When/where does the "new" school begin? Is it by decade? Years in the biz? If the choir is still together? Who's the one lady who sings with Richard Smallwood on that one song "Anthem of Praise"? I think her name is Charisse. And I'm a little surprised nobody mentioned Melonie Daniels. And who knew that, in addition to being featured on several gospel songs, she sang the theme song to the show "Half & Half"? Mia_v4c already mentioned my one stand out: Tamela Mann. Is there a difference between a choir LEAD and a choir soloist?
Dont forget about Freda Battle & the Temple Worshippers. You think of April Thompson (of Ashmont Hill), Clarence Powell, Shirley White and Tawanna Fraizier.
Israel and New Breed - Daniel Johnson and Stacey Joseph
Here are the some of the names I think you're looking for: Old Kirk - Dalon Collins John P. Kee - Are you talking about Maranda Curtis? (I've never seen her, only heard her, so I don't know if she's thin. LOL!)
@mia the guy from ga is Aaron Camper and I think the girl was Angela White? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. Brandon Winbush should also get some recognition.
James Hall and Worhip & Praise - Tunesha Crispell, Anita Wells, Will Richardson, Keisha Whitley, and Katrina Spence How could ya'll leave them out
I think of Phil tarver and shekinah glory ministries.
lol...from G.A....u mean Angie White and Aaron Camper
What about Candy West of Myron Butler and Levi
Zacardi Cortez-James Fortune
Fred Hammond- Joan Rosario
You can't forget Lejeune Thompson, Arnetta Murrill-Crooms & Erica Bratton-McCullough from Donald Lawrence & Tri-City. All three were featured soloists on Tri-City's projects down through the years.
The standouts who you definately can count on when a certain group is singing lead is Candy West for Myron Butler and Levi. She was a soloist for Kirk Franklin too in the late 90's-mid 00's. Also Zacardi Cortez for James Fortune and Fiyah. Also you can't forget Sheila Lakin from John P. Kee Projects. She always leads at least one song on his projects. Also some of you guys are naming people who maybe lead one song for the choir. But when I think about the soloist for a choir, I think about that one person(s) that you see with that director or group leading almost ALL the time.
Record labels have killed the choir's as artist. It's all P&W and teaspoon deep.
I always been a fan of Kim McFarland,she is one anointed woman.
I really really really agree with you Andre ...cos although we're tossing around a lotta names most of them arent choir lead vocalists but group lead singers.....I do miss the mass choir days maaaaaaaaaan that was message music and as someone mentioned in another post you didnt have to try and find reasons to convince yourself it was gospel cos the lyrics were biblically on point..........hmmmm guess those were the good old days...I think that aside Brooklyn Tabernacle who are holding it down for old school choir music u dont really have many actual choirs these days.... lol@ teaspoon deep comment...
Timiney has been around for a minute. She, also, used to sing with Hezekiah. (Lord, Send Your Spirit Down......) I think I'm telling my age a little......
Charisse was taking me in from "Thank You" back in the day. The thing is, not only could she sing her head off, but she EXHORTED! I still can't sit still when she starts singing in "Anthem of Praise".
Dalon was the saaaame guy who did the solo for "Conquerors" and "Let me Touch You" off of "Whatcha' Lookin' 4"! What a voice....took me in...