The Gospel Hummingbirds are synonymous
with tight harmony, creating outstanding inspirational music with urban
rhythm and blues. James Gibson, spokesperson for the group, coined
their style as “Rhythm and Gospel”. R&G for short. Audiences from
all over the world have marveled at the way the Hummingbirds
effortlessly bring them to an inspirational frenzy, leaving them
clamoring for more.
To see these musicians on stage is an experience you’ll never
forget. The show begins with the band setting the tone for the show
with music that gets your audience rocking. Then the vocalists hit the
stage with soulful sounds that leave no doubt that you are in for a
treat. In no time the Gospel Hummingbirds will have you clapping your
hands, dancing in the isles, and maybe even singing along. In the end,
you will be exhausted but thoroughly entertained.
Joe Thomas, Sr. founded the “Birds in the early 1960’s. Soon they
became known all over the world as one of the most elite musical groups
in their field. Since their inception they have recorded five albums.
“Route 66 To Heaven”, “Signs of Revelations”, “Steppin’ Out”, “Taking
Flight”, and their latest compilation, “Live In Paradise”. In 1993, The
Gospel Hummingbirds album “Steppin Out” earned them a Grammy Nomination
in the category of “Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album”. That same year
it received the
French “Jazz Academy Award” as best gospel album of the year.
Although they started singing in the “Church” ( and they still do), in
1987 they were invited to perform at the famous Eli’s Mile High Club, a
blues nightclub in Oakland, Ca. Since then they have successfully taken
their music to rock, blues and R&B fans in nightclubs, blues and
jazz festivals here in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Italy,
France, and Belgium. The group has shared the bill with; The Five Blind
Boys of Alabama, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Dixie Hummingbirds, John
Lee Hooker, Little Milton, B.B. King, Etta James, The Persuasions,
Commissioned, Huey Lewis and The News, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Pop
Staples, Otis Rush, and Joe Louis Walker.
Over the years, as with any group with longevity, there have been
personnel changes. The current Gospel Hummingbirds are; James Gibson
vocals, Morris LeGrande guitar and vocals, Gerald Dayce vocals, Mark
Kenoly lead vocals. Somehow with each personnel change, they just keep
getting better.
Billboard Magazine has spoken of their music as “Not just for sacred
music lover, but for anyone with an abiding interest in great roots
sounds”. Downbeat Magazine says “ This is a must-listen for folks who
still equate heavenly music with harps and wings”.
It has been suggested that they perform other kinds of music, but The
Gospel Hummingbirds remain true to their Faith and true to “R&G”.
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