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The Preserve Traditional Gospel Music
campaign's mission is to serve, to educate and to support organizations
and individuals that seek the preservation of one of the world's
most treasured art forms, Traditional Gospel Music. |
Stay Connected with the good ol'church music of the past, present, and the future. Traditional Gospel Music Artists - Choirs, Groups, Soloist, Quartets and Traditional Gospel Music LISTENERS Serve
- Educate - Support - Performing Arts - Concert Halls Tell us what Traditional Gospel Music means to you and send us your picture |
Since the age of six, I've been in front of the microphone some 55 plus years singing and traveling with my brothers all over the world. Singing songs I grew up listening to by artists that helped shaped who I am today. Artists that put a stamp on my heart and soul, so deep, 'til this day it still remains relevant after all these years. Artists like the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Sensational Nightingales, the Blind Boys, Mahalia Jackson, Thomas Dorsey, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, The Soul Stirrers, Mavis Staples, The Staples Singers, Dorothy Love Coates, Edna Gallman Cook, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Reverend James Cleveland, Swanee Quintet, Otis Redding, The Caravans, Shirley Caesar, Joe Tex, Joe Simon, Wilson Pickett, Bo Diddley, Stevie Wonder, and from the man who breastfed us wisdom and knowledge from kids to our first national recording contract, my dad, Leon "Pop" Williams and the legendary Jackson Southernaires. It's artist like these and many more that paved the way for myself, The Williams Brothers and many other artist to have a platform to write and sing traditional gospel music. And now I'm blessed to have the opportunity and privilege to be in front of the microphone, not just to sing this music, but a global multimedia platform to spread it across the country and abroad to the now and new generation in hopes that they will embrace it, appreciate it, and understand that this music, this Traditional Gospel Music is a part of our foundation, our roots, our rock, and our heritage. Traditional Gospel Music is a form of music that withstands the test of time from slavery to migration, segregation, integration, procrastination and in this generation, pushed aside, criticized, downsized but yet after over 300 years as the words of Doug Williams' song "I'm A Living Testimony," it's "Still Here!" The proof is is in the pudding as the legendary Edwin Hawkins sings, "Oh Happy Day", the legendary Andrae Crouch and Marvin Winans records a song like "Let The Church Say Amen" and it becomes a hit, like the Mississippi Mass Choir's "Your Grace and Mercy," Lee Williams' "I Learned to Lean on Jesus," Dottie Peoples' "On Time God," the Canton Spirituals "Fix It Jesus," and Evelyn Turrentine Agee's "God Did It." And, as gospel music's contemporary artist pay homage to traditional gospel church music like Mary Mary's Erica Campbell's hit song, "A Little More Jesus," Regina Belle's "God Is Good" and "This Means War" by Charles Jenkins. Is there a word or a name that sticks out to you in these songs? Yep, GOD! He's Everything! He's the same yesterday, today and forever. His Holy Spirit, His blood, His anointing, His salvation, His deliverance has not and will not ever change or die. And that s why Traditional Gospel Music will never die! It's filled with the same ingredients. That's why people are still being saved and delivered by Traditional Gospel Music today. And it's part of our black and white history, our American history, more important it's part of God's history...His creation. |
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 “I
love all of the types of gospel music and all of the artists that
present their style. However, we should always remember the bridge
that brought us over. Traditional gospel music, as defined by
our founder, Thomas A. Dorsey, should be cherished and glorified
because of our beginning. Let's not forget to be inclusive of
the traditional music that carried us along for years. We can't
let go of the new sound under the heading of gospel music but
we must maintain an element of how this great sound came about
and enhanced by today's market. I am a supporter of maintaining
the traditional sound of Black Gospel Music.” Bobby
Jones |
"Watch this parable,
I receive flowers for all occasions they are so beautiful. I put
them on the shelf. They last for a few days and then they die.
But when they send me a plant, that has a root on it all I have
to do is water it. And it will grow & grow. Well thats the
same way it is with gospel music. Its pretty & last for a
little while. But one thing about traditional gospel it will never
die. Because that is our roots."
Evangelist
Dorothy Norwood [ BACK TO TOP ] |
Nwaka
Onwusa | Curator [ BACK TO TOP ] |
"Traditional gospel music penetrates the
depth of the heart bringing forth inspiration and a hope that
weaves through the mind, body and soul."
Dennis
E. Cole [ BACK TO TOP ] |
 "The
beauty, diversity and complexity of Gospel music has never been
relegated to one style. Gospel music is timeless, enduring, and
speaks to the hearts of souls of people from all ages and denominations.
If we want to continue to see Gospel music progress and thrive,
we must find ways to celebrate and preserve the entirety of the
genre--from the church choir and the quartet, to the inspirational
and the rapper. ALL of it is viable and necessary for progression,
especially our foundations rooted in traditional Gospel music."
Eboni
Funderburk [ BACK TO TOP ] |
 Traditional
Gospel Music is timeless! Lets make sure it remains relevant!
Willie
Mae McIver [ BACK TO TOP ] |
 “For
over 27 years, the Chicago Mass Choir has had traditional gospel
music rooted in its commitment to excellence of Gospel Music.
We have been blessed to share our music ministry both nationally
and internationally. The traditional gospel music continues to
provide encouragement and support; as we share the Good News through
our music ministry.” Dr.
Feranda Williamson, President-CEO [ BACK TO TOP ] |
 “No
song in this world heals a soul when its hurting, like a traditional
song. When I'm going through, I reach back and sing a hymn!!”
Lucinda Moore |
 “Traditional
Gospel Music has an undeniable essence that supplies a timeless
foundational substance to all other Gospel genres. Whether moving
forward or reaching back, it always has a welcomed presence and
effect in any given worship experience. Let's vow to uphold the
standard of Traditional Gospel Music." Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith [ BACK TO TOP ] |
 “Traditional
gospel music is the time-honored indigenous music of our faith.
It speaks of our trials and triumphs as a people and ultimately
the victory we have through Jesus Christ.”
Jamel Strong |
[ BACK TO TOP ] |
 "Traditional
Gospel Music Is The Salt of The Earth, It's Seasoning For Your Soul."
Daulton Anderson |
 "Traditional
gospel music is as much a part of our culture as cornbread and collard
greens. It touches the heart of the nation and is a conduit of relief
to bring peace to a troubled people." Bishop Leonard Scott [ BACK TO TOP ] |
“Gospel
music is such a vital part of who we are and is the foundation
of American Music. It’s imperative that its legacy remain
at the forefront of the current and future landscape. I’
so excited that a project like this has come along and that
its being led by Melvin Williams, to ensure that this great
genre is persevered for years to come.” 
“Traditional
(Gospel) Music is What I Worship Through, Contemporary (Gospel)
Music is What I Jump To, I Go to Church to WORSHIP!!!”