More on GMWA Detroit Chapter

Our History

In ł968, our founder Rev. James Cleveland gathered musicians from across the United States in an effort to brainstorm his idea of creating a venue to exhibit gospel music. The results of these discussions brought into existence the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The Motor City was selected for the first Board meeting, held in March of 1968; with the inaugural national convention convening at historic King Solomon Church the summer of 1968. Local affiliate chapters-- including the Detroit Chapter soon followed. Officials of this newly formed chapter established a solid foundation for others to follow that is consistent with the national organization’s motto, “GMWA: Where Everybody Is Somebody.” Soon musicians, directors, singers and other fans of gospel music joined and participated with the Detroit Chapter and its choir.

The Detroit Chapter has been and continues to be a strong unit within the national body. In the past fifty years, the Detroit Chapter has had nine local leaders and from its membership has held twelve national leadership positions. An expanded and recommitted GMWA Detroit Mass Choir released three recordings: Detroit Remembers Volume 1 (2001), Volume 2 (2006) and Tribute to the King. These releases were produced to serve as a lasting tribute to the music legacies of several gospel music pioneers who had roots in the Detroit Chapter. 

The choir has developed several kindred fellowships. In 2011, the GMWA Detroit Mass Choir began a spirit-filled fellowship with its sister choir, the Gospel Music According to Chicago (GMAC). Through this ongoing connection, the GMWA Detroit Mass Choir travels biennially to Chicago, Ill., and vice versa, with a shared mission to preserve and proclaim each city’s great heritage in gospel music.

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The GMWA Detroit Mass Choir, now under the general leadership of Iris A. Taylor, Ph.D. in partnership with its’ capable Board of Directors, remains committed to the preservation of quality gospel and religious music in our churches and community. We also engage in providing support to programs for girls and a nursing home ministry. The choir remains open to anyone interested in participating. Current membership includes professionals and enthusiasts who are vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, directors and those who just love good church music. Consistent with the national GMWA organization, membership in the GMWA Detroit Mass Choir affords individuals an opportunity to learn, train and exhibit excellence in various genres of gospel and religious music. As instilled by its founding leaders, today’s GMWA Detroit Mass Choir endeavors to perpetuate and promote excellence in gospel and religious music. We stand strong, embedded in our community, committed to our legacy and in full support of GMWA.