Atlanta: The 411...

Atlanta is the capital of and the largest city of the U.S. State of Georgia. According to the latest census estimates, the city has a population of 425,000 and the Atlanta metropolitan area totaled 4,708,297, making it the ninth-largest metropolitian area in the United States and the 41th largest city proper. Atlanta is a arguably a poster-child for cities worldwide experiencing rapid urban sprawl, population growth, and commercial development.

Atlanta's history is vast in comparison to most cities in the South. The city was largely destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War, but was still chosen as the state capital in 1868. Reconstruction began and the city continued to growth amist the current circumstances as well as the Great Depression of the 1930s. In the 1960s, Atlanta was a hotbed for the American Civil Rights Movement. In the 90s, Atlanta hosted the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics . Many have labeled Atlanta certain nicknames such as ATL (also the codename given by the IATA Airport Code system), the "unofficial capitial of the South" and the New York of the South.

Popular resorts for Atlanta continue to usher visitors into the super city of Atlanta yearly, which include the world's largest aquairum to date, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Dome, Underground Atlanta, Piedmont Park, Auburn Street, Six Flags Over Georgia and Stone Mountain (which features a Mt. Rushmore carving of the Union leaders of the Civil War).

The Orgins...

Though the bulk of their pervasive beginnings didn't become an immediate public attraction until the late 1970s and throughout the 80s, Atlanta, Georgia has a very extensive resume of local groups that recorded in or around the city of Atlanta during the early portion of the 19th century. Not much documented resources or detailed information can be traced on the groups and artists during the pre-war days of Atlanta artists, but Document Records released a good portion of golden collections from the Morehouse College Quartet, Morris Brown Quartet, Rev. C.D. Montgomery, Thankful Quartet, Deacon W.H. Gallamore, Independent Quartet, Progressive Four, Middle Georgia Singing Convention No.1 and the James Brothers Quartet. But these were the early days of recorded gospel music, and after careful review of the material, it is best to label the musical attempts of this period as being Negro folk songs or "spirituals". As time would later unfold, the bulk of Atlanta's rising stars would spring up during the 1960s and would continue on to this date. National attention begin to focus on the mighty potential Atlanta possessed when Rev. Milton Biggham decided to create the Georgia Mass Choir in 1983 and most importantly, the emergence of the independent music company, Atlanta International Records, founded by Alan Freeman, which specalized in traditional and contemporary gospel music.

Spotlight on Atlanta Gospel Artists...

Rev. Richard "Mr. Clean" White
Known for his illustrious storytelling and sermon-felt compositions, the legend is best known for his appearances at the Rev. James Cleveland's Gospel Music Workshop of America and work with the Churches of God In Christ Midnight Musicals and national recordings. His most important songs of interest include "Bend, Don't Break", "The Will of God", "Jesus Dropped The Charges", "God's Not Through Blessing You", "It's Almost Midnight", "Accept What God Allows" and "Your Tears".

Rev. Dreyfus Smith
Youthful pastor with a churchy vibe, he has recorded two projects on the AIR Gospel label and has written material for Dottie Peoples.

DOTTIE PEOPLES at live recording at New Birth, Atlanta. Known for: flashy dresses, composing "Closet Religion" and "On Time God" and her appearances in several gospel stageplays.

Dottie Peoples
Known by many as the "Songbird of the South", Peoples made a big jump into the gospel scene in the 1980s after recording for Rev. Jasper Williams on Church Door Records; his music label. She was later signed to AIR Gospel and made a triumphant run of hits including "For My Good", "He's An On Time God", "First Class Physican", "Pure Love" and "Closet Religion". She is best known for recording with her back-up choir, The Peoples Choice Chorale.

Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr.
Recognized pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, he was highly instrumental in discovering Dottie Peoples. He recorded several projects showcasing his vocal skills as well as popular sermons on the labels of AIR Records, Church Door Records and Paula Records.

B. Chase Williams
He jumped on the recording scene with Shabach, a community choir, and displayed powerful energy and directing skills comparable to Ricky Dillard and Hezekiah Walker. His best known song, taken from his Intersound/CGI debut, "Take A Trip" became an underground hit and suddenly launched its way up Billboard Gospel charts. He recorded several projects since then and has written songs for Byron Cage, Dottie Peoples, Mark S. Hubbard, Deleon Richards and the Atlanta Centennial Mass Choir.

Anointed Pace Sisters
After touring with Rev. Gene Martin for his Word of Action crusades, this quartet of sisters featuring Duranice, LaShun and Phyllis Pace became popular favorites at the Churches of God In Christ conventions. They went on to record two projects for Savoy Records; which both featured multiple signature tunes for the female group such as "Hallelujah Praise The Lord", "When God Is The Building", "24-7" and "His Spirit Is In This Place".

BYRON CAGE at Stellar Awards (2004). Known for: "The Presence Of The Lord", "Thank You", "Shabach" and "Jesus Will Fix You"

Byron Cage
Now being labeled as the Prince of Gospel, the national recording artist was known for years as being the Minister of Music of Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. He recorded two projects in the 90s on the AIR Gospel label and later moved to GospoCentric. His musical style is best described as being both churchy and contemporaized while he follows the patterns of his musical mentors; the late Thomas Whitfield and the late Rev. Donald Vails.

Dr. Jonathan Greer & the Cathedral of Faith (COGIC) Choir
At one time, the Cathedral of Faith Church of God In Christ was the largest Pentecostal church in the city of Atlanta. Much of this success was granted towards their successful music ministry - for years handled by Mr. Maurice Culpepper. They are best known for recording "He's Worthy"; one of the most celebrated contemporary gospel songs of the late 80s.

Keith Brooks & New Creation
Formed in 1990, this group's reputation of serving as a community choir began to increase and their schedules expanded to include singing background for LaShun Pace, Dorothy Norwood, Dottie Peoples, Diana Ross and Rev. Gerald Thompson. They recorded their debut project on AIR Gospel in 2000.

James Bignon & the Deliverance Mass Choir
After serving as musical director of the Georgia Mass Choir, Bignon decided to start his own group which recorded several projects during the course of 1990 to 2004. He is also a public figure at the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and has written a considerable amount of popular gospel tunes including "All The Way", "I Came To Lift Him Up", "Magnify The Lord", "I Thank You Lord", "On The Other Side Of Through" and "Heaven Belongs To You".

Dirk Chaney
After graduating from Morehouse College, Chaney went on to help assist the Atlanta Chapter of the GMWA and was eventually sought out for his exceptional directing skills. He directed for several artists including the Georgia Mass Choir and Dorothy Norwood. Chaney decided to create his own group, Chosen Aggregation. The group recorded two independent projects which gained a considerable amount of attention. Sadly, Chaney died of serious health complications on November 17, 2002.

Georgia Mass Choir
Founded in the 80s, the choir is led by Savoy Records' executive director Rev. Milton Biggham and music director Rev. Kenneth Paden. The mass choir consisting of over 200 members has recorded for Whitney Houston and is best known for recording "Joy" (featuring Kirk Franklin), "Come On In The Room", We've Got The Victory" and "Hold On, Help Is On The Way".

DOROTHY NORWOOD posing for album cover. Known for: Work with Caravans, Georgia Mass Choir and her "Feel Like..." and "Live" album.

Dorothy Norwood
After serving faithfully with the Carvans, Norwood, an Atlanta native, struck gold as she went solo recording dozens of projects throughout the years on both Malaco/Savoy and AIR Music labels. After charting with her infamous "Johnny And Jesus" and "Denied Mother", along with her ingenious storytelling, she was asked to tour with the Rolling Stones in 1972. Her signature songs include "Shake The Devil Off", "Victory Is Mine", "Better Days Ahead", "Have Your Way Lord" and "I Still Have Joy".

Rev. Timothy Flemming
A native of Macon, GA, Flemming became pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and was highly known for his spoken word products during the 80s. His church choir bears a mighty reputation in the city as being one of Atlanta's top choirs. The choir has been under the direction of the late Wilbert Lemons, Rev. Gerald Thompson, Ricky Dillard and B.Chase Williams. He is also the owner of the independent music label, God's Strength Records.

Bishop James Morton
Known as the brother of gospel legend and pastor Bishop Paul S. Morton, James has a credible reputation in the gospel music industry for recording his church choir and recording with Bishop Carlton Pearson and the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir. He also released a well-received project, "With My Whole Heart", which paid tribute to Thomas Whitfield and featured some of Dirk Chaney's last compositions while he was the Asst. Minister of Music there.

LaShun Pace
While singing with her siblings, the Anointed Pace Sisters, in the 1970s, LaShun emerged into a commanding vocalist and was highly sought out during the late 80s for Savoy recording artists including Dr. Jonathan Greer, Rev. Clay Evans and the Georgia Mass Choir. She was later signed to the label and enjoyed a great measure of success with her albums "He Lives, "Shekinah Glory" and "A Wealthy Place". She is now on the EMI Gospel imprint. Her singing style can be best described as being infectious, belting and highly dynamic.

Kevin Bond
Gospel producer and musician, Kevin Bond, bursts on the scenes as a prolific keyboardist for Edwin and Walter Hawkins.His resume' later expanded to include work for Stephanie Mills, Donald Lawrence, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and T.D. Jakes. He is currently the Director of Music and Arts at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta (pastored by Bishop Eddie L. Long).

Maurice Culpepper
For years, this outstanding director and musical leader dominated the gospel choir scene in Atlanta with the Cathedral of Faith (COGIC) Choirs. He has written and arranged compositions throughout his career and has backed for Byron Cage, LaShun Pace, Keith Brooks, Velmer Watkins and Angela Christie. He has a group called Praise Power and is the Minister of Music at Citadel of Hope Evangelistic COGIC, pastored by Supt. Nathan L. Simmons.

Babbie Mason
Contemporary Christian songwriter and gospel artist, Mason became a instant hit in 1984 and enjoyed a series of hit songs including "Each One Reach One", "Love Is The More Excellent Way", "God Has Another Plan", "Stop By The Church" and "The Only Hope". She also helped launch the career of gospel sensation Helen Baylor. She now calls Georgia her home and hosts her annual Babbie Mason Music Conference International in Atlanta.

TYLER PERRY, professional snapshot. Known for: Stageplays including "Madea's Family Reunion", "Madea Goes To Jail", "Madea's Class Reunion" and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman".

Tyler Perry
Gospel stageplay writer, producer, director and actor born in New Orleans, LA, he later made his move to Atlanta, Georgia and launched his career in gospel stageplays while his popularity in the role of Mable "Madea" Simmons launched the success of hit productions including "Madea's Family Reunion", "Madea's Class Reunion" and "The Diary of A Mad Black Woman". The latter was also transformed into a successful motion picture; reaching the #1 spot at the Box Office. He currently resides in Atlanta, GA.

Jonathan Alvarado
After beginning his musical career as director for Daryl Coley, lending his gift at the Gospel Music Workshop of America and leading the music department at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Bishop Eddie L. Long), Alvarado was led to start his own church, Total Grace Christian Center, and has grown into a vibrant community of believers that expresses their love for God with powerful and dynamic worship. He is married to another preaching machine, Toni G. Alvarado.

Troy Ramey & the Soul Searchers
Gospel quartet group that has released several projects including "Call Jesus", "He Brought Me Out" and "We've Come This Far" on the Atlanta International Records label. The group has been around for over forty years.

Evangelist Juandolyn Stokes
Her voice has been heard on multiple recordings of Joe Pace & the Colorado Mass Choir, GMWA Women of Worship, Rev. Ernest Davis, Jr's Wilmington Chester Mass Choir and James Bignon. She is a radio broadcaster and the pastor of Deeper Life In Christ Ministries in Decatur, GA.

Hot Spots To Visit...

These places have great web access, but if you are within the city limits of Atlanta, you may want to sprint a few pints of gas to these neat rest stops. Packed with praise, enriching fellowship and the powerful presence of God.

AIR Gospel
Historic independent music label housing gospel classics from Dottie Peoples to Rev. Gerald Thomson, from Rev. Timothy Wright to Luther Barnes.
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Pastored by renowned mega-church evangelist, Bishop Eddie L. Long, New Birth is a city in a city with a 30,000+ seat stadium, bookstore, library, nursery, gym and much more. Plus, the choir is amazing. Oh yeah, check out the many conferences and concerts being hosted here. A mouthful.
Total Grace Christian Center
Pastored by Jonathan and Toni Alvarado, Total Grace is a wonderful, loving and charismatic church in two locations. Music ministry is one of the best skilled in the city. We urge you to check out the main location.
Berean Christian Bookstore
Popular Christian bookstore in Atlanta.
Club Jubilee
A Christian outlet and alternative for nighttime entertainment filled with live DJs, spoken word, open mic sessions, rappers, singers and much more. Held once every fourth Sunday between 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Buckhead.
ATL Gospel
Website hosting dozens of music that you can link to your webpage or website. Also the happenings in the Atlanta area are posted here.
Megafest
An annual mega-conference featuring Woman Thou Art Loosed, ManPower, tons of family-oriented events and concerts all under one roof. For the last two years, it has been hosted in Atlanta and they are returning their once again. Sponsored by T.D. Jakes Ministries.

If you know of any ATLANTA, GEORGIA spots that are worthy of being mentioned, email PRAYZEHYMN at let us know of the great happenings in the city of Atlanta, GA.