Five quartets were honored last night at a special quartet program that was part of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild annual summit weekend.
The event, held at Greater Harvest Baptist Church on Chicago’s south side, recognized the Soul Stirrers, Pilgrim Jubilees, Inspirational Charms, Christland Singers and Victory Travelers for their excellence in quartet singing. Tyrone Porter (left), GMWA Quartet President, served as master of ceremonies.
Representing the various groups were some of their legendary lead singers such as Willie Rogers (Soul Stirrers), Clay Graham (Pilgrim Jubilees) and Deacon Reuben Burton (Victory Travelers).
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee (above) was the headline performer on a program that included the Douglas Sisters and Victory Travelers (below). Graham shared harrowing stories about what the Pilgrim Jubilees encountered on the road during the days of Jim Crow.
TBGB’s Bob Marovich was honored and humbled to help present the honors to the quartets.
Hats off to Tyrone Porter; Dennis Cole, Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild President; and Zadella “Mama” Curtis for organizing last night’s celebration.
Photos: Bob Marovich
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Bob, was the event taped? I’m such a fan of Mr. Graham’s and the rest of the Pilgrim Jubilees. I’m sure you’ve seen this video, but just in case:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZqXR-LuP9Q
Thanks, Marie
Hi, Marie — the event wasn’t taped, at least to my knowledge, but plenty of professional photos were taken.
Thanks for the video!