How the collaboration between three historic and celebrated choirs debuting in Atlanta in days, began

The Spelman College Glee Club is celebrating its 100th year in Atlanta. It is the oldest collegiate choir of African-American women in the country.

“Music plays a significant role in breaking down racial separation in the United States," declared Dr. Kevin Johnson - musician, composer and Choral Director at Spelman College. “it’s all about the love. The world needs music and we will deliver it in a powerful way, together.”

Dr. Johnson is the son of Willie T. Johnson, the founder of the Golden Gate Quartet (1931-1947) and the man who changed the course of popular American music: He famously “jazzed up” traditional spirituals in the Jim Crow South. 

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As I spoke with Dr. Johnson this week, he was sharing his excitement for a pair of Atlanta concerts involving Spelman, Morehouse and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; now rechristened as the Choir at Temple Square.

The first concert is Sept. 9 at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, which is located on the Morehouse campus. This will be a private performance. The college glee clubs will join the choir again on Sept. 11 for a concert at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

How did this collaboration between the three historic and celebrated choirs begin?

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Dr. Kevin Johnson is the son of Willie T. Johnson, the founder of the Golden Gate Quartet (1931-1947) and the man who changed the course of popular American music.

“It started in April 2023," Dr. Johnson began. "Rev, Lawrence Edward Carter Sr. [Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College] presented the President of the LDS Church [Russell N. Nelson] an award." 

As part of the ceremony, Rev. Lawrence told the Salt Lake City newspaper The Deseret News that he wanted to get Morehouse, Spelman and the Tabernacle Choir together via the internet.

“it would be powerful. Unifying. Surprising and [the] shattering of a stereotype.” 

Dr. Johnson recalls the unique performance, now, with a laugh. "At the last moment - because of a family crisis- I sang baritone; and played the piano to music I had written.”

The concert was a huge hit.

Both glee clubs (Spelman and Morehouse) were invited to Salt Lake City and Temple Square in October of 2023 to perform on the beloved Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints program, “Music and the Spoken Word.”

“It was a surreal experience," Dr. Johnson said. "Mind-blowing. The choir there has been around since 1847. The tabernacle. The massive organ.

"And no one in our group of students had ever been to Utah. It was truly unforgettable.”

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Dr. Johnson conducted “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” and “What A Wonderful World."

He told me the tabernacle was sold out. An audience of 3,000 in Salt Lake City.

"There were tears. It was very emotional, and educational. The students were reacting with surprise and 'wow!' "

“It was a remarkable moment in the history of the choir," The Tabernacle Choir President Michael O. Leavitt added after that Intermountain performance last year.

The Tabernacle Choir, founded in 1847, first performed for an American president in 1911. 

To be part of the celebrated group, you must be a member of the LDS Church, between the ages of 25 and 55, and live within 100 miles of Salt Lake City.  The process to be considered for the choir is arduous, stretching over 9 months. There are 16 weeks of training, and a four-phase audition test.  All 360 members are unpaid volunteers who practice and perform weekly. 

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The Spelman College Glee Club is celebrating its 100th year in Atlanta. It is the oldest collegiate choir of African-American women in the country.

With all of that in mind, what to expect in Atlanta for the choral groups - this time?

“Monday, we will do a tribute to Bernice Johnson Reagon [legendary Albany, Ga. native, civil rights leader, musician, choral leader, professor and co-founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock], who died in July,” shared Dr. Johnson. “Then [on] the 11th, I’ve taken the words of abolitionists and put them to song, titled Songs For The People.

"It's an honor to be part of all this.”

Dr. Johnson believes the power of music changes society for the better. “We live in troubled times; lots of separation. Music is the great unifier, always.”

In December, Spelman College will host a luncheon to celebrate its glee club centennial. Members past and present marking the sweet vocal legacy of 100 years.

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The Tabernacle Choir featuring The Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs, "Music & The Spoken Word"