By J. MATTHEW COBB
Founder, Editor-In-Chief of PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
Updated: August 7, 2006
THE 1990'S BROUGHT ABOUT major transitions in the structures of mass choirs including smaller ensembles, more church mass choir creations and less chapter choir orientation from Cleveland's organization. Prominent mass choir groups that dominated the gospel recording scene at this time included the Mississippi Mass Choir, the VIP Mass Choir (founded by John P. Kee), the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir (founded in the late seventies by the late Rev. Ernest Davis, Jr. whom also was involved in the Gospel Music Workshop of America), the Colorado Mass Choir, the Alabama State Mass Choir (COGIC), Miami Mass Choir, the Deliverance Mass Choir and the African American Religious Connection (A.A.R.C.) Mass Choir.
Today, most of the mass choir have faded down in number. Blame it on multiple reasons such as urban influences, label demands and the years of enduring the misconceptions that have plagued the understanding of this wonderful concept. The big myth that still lingers around the "mass choir" movement is that mass choirs are directly related to the Gospel Music Workshop of America. That belief is untrue: with the recent creations of the Potter's House Mass Choir, the Voices of Victory Mass Choir, the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir and the New Samaritan Mass Choir being birth out of the church experience proving ultimately that mass choirs are still in order. But it should be remembered that mass choirs promoted unity and togetherness within the African-American culture and showcases the enduring beauty of the ultimate celebration we will surely witness in the heavens when God calls us home to be with Him. We cherish this landmark creation and celebrate the many years these mass institutions have impacted the legacy of gospel music.
OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
We perish because of the lack of knowledge. Get schooled.
Malaco Records - Mega-soul music group housing some of the greatest choirs in music history including the Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, Florida Mass Choir and the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir.
Gospel Music Workshop of America - Home of the GMWA.
Chicago Mass Choir - Discography, photos, event calendar and much more.
Joe Pace - Homepage of songwriter/choir director Joe Pace and more info on the Colorado Mass Choir.
Rodnie Bryant & CCMC - Homepage of Rodnie Bryant & the Christian Community Mass Choir.
Mississippi Mass Choir - The offical website on America's beloved mass choir.
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