Detroit's Evening of Gospel Music Throwbacks

Despite the rainy-fall like weather, Detroiters still made their way to Second Ebenezer on Detroit's East Side. Attendees stood in long-lines in great anticipation of "An Evening of Gospel Throwbacks", featuring the choirmaster, Dr. Ricky Dillard. Upon entering the sanctuary, guest were visibly excited to hear the sounds of "Detroit Gospel Journey Choir aka DGJ" and the unique directing skills by the legendary choir master himself.

The evening was special in a way that differed from previous years. The entire lineup of lead singers included some of Detroit's greatest vocalist such as Sherrie Nunn-Berry, Frank "Lance" McGee, Lisa Locke Carter, Evangelist Julia Curry-Carswell, Jason Flowers, up-and-coming artist Minister Des Wright and the legendary Soprano, Evangelist Renae Thomas of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The 40-member choir didn't just present a concert to those in the audience but they delivered a worship experience through song.

The spirit filled night was divided into two halves. The first half included songs like, "So Good", "Without God", Richard Smallwood's version of "Healing" and "I've got a reason" directed by Directress Kim Holmes, Pastor L. Deon Williams I and Dr. Michael E. Fletcher from the Michael Fletcher Chorale. "Sunday's Best" was the choir's theme for the second half being directed by Dr. Ricky Dillard and the choir did not come to play any games with their fashion. The choir, came out in an array of colors, some of the ladies with high heels, long dresses, patterns, prints, fascinators, and sparkles. While the men, were dapper in their suits and color coordinated socks, brooches, lapel pins/flowers, and jewelry.

Chatrice Sanders, shares her experience as a first-year alto, "The atmosphere was electrifying, and the spirit of unity and joy in the choir was unmatched. What truly stood out was how the entire room felt alive with the presence of the Holy Ghost-voices harmonizing, people worshipping and the energy flowing as if we were all part of one big, divine choir. Dillard's direction brought out the best in all of us, creating an unforgettable, spiritually uplifting night."

According to history, the Detroit Gospel Journey started as a vision by founder/visionary Marcel West. In 2006, the concept started off as YouTube videos of Detroit gospel music. From there, in 2010, gospel history facts were started as featured post on Facebook. By 2015, the vision took another turn and a documentary on Detroit's Gospel History became a concept. Debuting in 2018, after several recorded interviews with living Gospel Legends, the vison had expanded again. From the first concert until now, 6 years later, the choir has experienced singing behind some of Gospel Great and Legends. Beverly Crawford, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Kurt Carr, Vincent Bohanan, Crystal Rucker, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Evangelist Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and this year being directed by Dr. Ricky Dillard.

Detroit's rich history of gospel music has, produced many famous gospel singers, groups, choirs, artists and musicians. Since the 1930s, our city has been one of the prime centers of Black gospel music. Now, being a staple in the "black church", its influence has spread throughout the nation due to the nature and the experience that it cultivates during a worship service. Tanji Mason, who is a five-year veteran with the choir said, "One thing that I love about gospel music is that even when you're going through some things, a song, or a word in the song can change the trajectory of things that you're going through".

Just in case you don't know, the purpose of the Music Ministry in the church is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through song and to encourage believers in their walk with Christ. If you have never heard or seen "The Detroit Gospel Journey Choir" before, be on the lookout for more music and great concerts, Marcel West said.