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Harlem Gospel Choir

Harlem Gospel Choir

With deep roots that originate in the African-American church, dating back to the 18th century, gospel music has served as a powerful vessel used to deliver the Christian word of God to the masses. Few music collectives have embodied that word with the dazzling mix of rhythm, message, and performance as well as the world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir.

As one of the most critically acclaimed gospel choirs in the United States, Harlem Gospel Choir has performed at landmark events including the Grammy Awards, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and NBC’s Christmas at Rockefeller Center, as well as for prominent public figures such as President Barack Obama and Pope John Paul II. They have inspired millions of people of all ages to get up and dance while the choir shares their joy of faith through song.

Founded in the historical and talent-rich neighborhood of Harlem within New York City, Harlem Gospel Choir has made its name by delivering captivating performances filled with the most exceptional vocals the New York City area has to offer. The choir was founded by Allen Bailey in 1986, fittingly, on Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Allen was inspired by the lengthy lines he noticed outside of several of Harlem’s churches, and wanted to bring to the world the gospel music visitors to Harlem were lining up to experience.

True to their theme of “bringing people and nations together and giving something back”, Harlem Gospel Choir has been a mainstay in the New York community through their charitable giving. They have also partnered with charitable initiatives such as:

  • Operation Smile, for whom they have raised over $50,000
  • Feed The Children, for whom they raised over $60,000
  • ABC TV’s 2008 Coat Drive, helping to collect over 50,000 coats for New York
  • The Food Bank of New Jersey, supplying several hundred pounds of food to the underprivileged in New Jersey
  • Voices of September 11, aiding in various forms of support for families affected by the September 11th attacks
  • Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang, performing in camps that allow children with terminal cancer to embark on unique outdoor experiences

Holiday Shows

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and the various members of the Harlem Gospel Choir have performed at Sony Hall on this day for the last several years. In addition, the group has been in concert on other significant holidays in our hallowed halls including Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day.

The choir’s riveting performances have been experienced by countless live audiences across Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia and North America. Along the way, the Harlem Gospel Choir has shared the stage with Bono, Diana Ross, Sinead O’Connor, Andre Rieu, Nile Rogers, Achille Lauro, and many other high-profile performers.

Despite their world-renowned fame, the Harlem Gospel Choir remains true to its NY roots, and makes it a point to remain a fixture within the New York City gospel scene.