The South Carolina Gospel Singers is the expanded re-establishment of the F.O.C.U.S. Gospel Singers that has been featured on recordings by such artists as God’s Property, Trin-i-tee 5:7, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark Sheard, Byron Cage, Natalie Wilson, New Direction, Alvin Slaughter, Hezekiah Walker, Sha’ Simpson, Tye Tribbett & G.A., and Anthony Hamilton. Wayne Ravenell was the founder and musical director of this powerful and dynamic gospel group from Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1997, the group’s members were recruited from churches throughout the city and accurately represent the high standard of gospel music in Charleston. Depending on the concert or tour, the line-up consists of 7 to 15 voices with organ/piano, bass, guitar, and drums.
The South Carolina Gospel Singers is a vibrant display of traditional soulful music and contemporary gospel. Under the direction of Wayne Ravenell, The South Carolina Gospel Singers have made their performances an unforgettable journey through the history of black American music, from the songs of African-American slaves to the current sounds of modern congregations. They have been able to recall in the same performance the spirituals sung on the plantations, interpret great hits by Tina Turner or Whitney Houston and pay a heartfelt tribute to Thomas A. Dorsey, the creator of gospel.
In 2005, Michael Brown replaced Wayne Ravenell as director of The South Carolina Gospel Singers, an activity that he combines with his responsibility as National Minister of Music of the Live Ministries Fellowship Inc., an organization founded by Bishop Brian D. Moore. The Reverend Brown has continued the work of his predecessor, giving South Carolina a greater color in his performances and opening the field of musical influences without losing the contagious rhythm of traditional gospel. The South Carolina Gospel Choir brings together Charleston’s top gospel talents to showcase the city’s music at conventions, concerts and festivals around the world. In the United States, they have performed in the most prestigious venues and are a regular presence in Italy and Germany. After a five-year hiatus, they will return to Spain for Christmas 2024 with “Tina Turner Happy Days,” the new production by Grandes del Gospel.
