Gospel concert pays tribute to gospel greats
Singers from multiple denominations gathered to honor traditional gospel music at a concert.
In connection with the Gospel Industry Network, Temple of Praise and Restoration Outreach Center Church of God In Christ (TOPROC) and Greater Bethel AME Church hosted the Choir Throwback concert at DaySpring Baptist Church located at 1945 NE Eighth Ave. on Sunday.
About 100 people gathered in the sanctuary to listen to gospel songs from Walter Hawkins, James Cleveland, Keith Pringle, Edwin Hawkins and Hezekiah Walker that were performed by various choirs.
According to its website, Gospel Industry Network (G.I.N.), was created in 2019 to show appreciation and advance the contribution of gospel music from the music veterans of the past to the generations of music professionals in the present and future.
Dr. D.E. Richardson, founder and pastor of TOPROC, was the leading director for the concert, said G.I.N. is a great way to showcase new artists and to give different agencies an opportunity to listen to new talent.
“This is a network to connect musicians, singers and producers who love gospel,” Richardson said.”
Gospel songs describe the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Richardson said a true gospel is a song describing the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“We have a heart and passion to sing the gospel,” Richardson said. “The turnout shows that people are hungry for it.”
About 30 people were in the choir carrying out the dress theme for the night which was Elegant Black.
The Rev. Ron Rawls, pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church, served as the narrator for the event.
“Gospel music allowed African Americans to profess their love for God,” Rawls said. “I’m so appreciative that God loves me so much. God is opening some doors for things you’ve been praying for. The least you can do is show how much you appreciate him.”
Richardson introduced soloists to the audience as the choir sang with the performers.
One of the singers Richardson introduced to the congregation said she is glad to be healed.
“Let us not rest in the anointing of the Lord,” said Lena Gillis, of Gainesville. “He is a healer. He’s in this house and he’s shifting the atmosphere.”
Rawls then prayed over the audience asking God to provide a miracle in everyone’s life.
“Lift your hands up and let God show you a miracle in your life,” Rawls said. "You’ve done all you can, worked at it, and stayed up all night. Now it’s time to give it to God.”
Richardson said it is important to count your blessings.
“You never know what the people sitting beside you have been through,” Richardson said. “You got to give praise because you don’t know when your season is coming.”
The Rev. Dr. Marie Herring, pastor of DaySpring, gave the final remarks.
“I feel like I’ve been in music heaven,” Herring said. “It is simply beautiful. This group is awesome. This needs to keep going.”
The next Choir Throwback concert will be at 5 p.m. March 12, 2023 at Jerusalem Church of God by Faith located at 1230 NE 156th Ave.