South Carolina Gospel Choir

The South Carolina Gospel Choir is the expanded reformation of the F.O.C.U.S. Gospel Singers, a group that collaborated on recordings with renowned artists such 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 Charleston-based gospel ensemble from South Carolina. Established in 1997, the choir selected its members from the city's churches to accurately reflect the talent of the extraordinary gospel artists in Charleston. The choir consists of 9 to 15 voices, depending on whether it performs in concert or on tour, and sings to the accompaniment of keyboards (organ or piano), bass, guitar, and drums. The South Carolina Gospel Chorale is a vibrant example of exciting traditional soul and contemporary gospel. Led by Wayne Ravenell, The South Carolina Gospel Chorale's performances took audiences on unforgettable journeys through the history of African-American music, from slave songs to the current sounds of modern congregations. They evoked the same inspiration as the spirituals sung on plantations, performed James Brown's greatest hits, and paid loving tribute to Thomas A. Dorsey, the creator of gospel. In 2005, Michael Brown succeeded Wayne Ravenell as the director of The South Carolina Gospel Choir, an activity that he combines with his responsibilities as a national minister of music of Live Ministries Fellowship Inc., an organisation founded by Bishop Brian D. Moore. Reverend Brown has upheld the work of his predecessor, highlighting South Carolina in his presentations and opening up the choir's range of musical influences without losing the infectious rhythm of traditional gospel. The South Carolina Gospel Choir brings together the best gospel artists of Charleston to offer the city's music at conventions, concerts and festivals around the globe. The choir has performed at the most prestigious venues in the United States and is well known in Italy and Germany.