Chicago Mass Choir

Biography

The Chicago Mass Choir was founded in 1988 by James C. Chambers, a visionary musician who had spent years developing his craft in Chicago's gospel community. Chambers began his musical journey as a young teenager directing the Radio Choir and organizing the youth choir at Haven of Rest M.B. Church. In 1971, he crossed denominational boundaries to establish the Ecclesiastes Community Choir, which flourished for over 20 years and became recognized as one of the country's finest singing aggregations. The Chicago Mass Choir emerged from the Ecclesiastes Community Choir Music Workshop, which Chambers initiated at Kennedy-King College in July 1988 with the purpose of enhancing gospel music performance quality, uniting the city's choirs, and providing a platform for musicians, songwriters, and soloists. The ensemble quickly gained national recognition, earning five Gospel Music Excellence Award nominations and the Best New Artist award in 1991, followed by the Song of the Year award in 1992 for their recording "I Can Go to the Rock."

Following Chambers' passing in 1994, Dr. Feranda Williamson, a founding member and featured soloist of the Ecclesiastes Community Choir, assumed leadership of the Chicago Mass Choir. Under her stewardship, the group has evolved into an internationally acclaimed ensemble known for its gimmick-free, straightforward approach to gospel music. The choir has recorded 18 albums, achieved multiple placements on Billboard's gospel charts, undertaken numerous European tours, and earned the 2017 Stellar Award for Traditional Choir of the Year. Dr. Williamson was recognized in 2021 with an Eddy Award from the Impact Television Network for her superb leadership and dedication. The ensemble maintains a core of founding members and musicians with over 20 years of service, while continuing to collaborate with prominent producers and musicians such as Percy and Jeral Gray.

Fun Facts

• The Chicago Mass Choir's first three album projects were recorded as a workshop choir at the conclusion of week-long summer workshops at Kennedy-King College, rather than in traditional studio settings.
• In 1991, the Chicago Mass Choir's debut album 'Right Now' was nominated in five categories for the Gospel Music Excellence awards and named Best New Artist in the same year.
• The ensemble has maintained continuity with several founding members and musicians who have served for more than 20 years, creating a stable and experienced core group.
• Dr. Feranda Williamson, the current president and CEO, is also the dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies at Capella University, balancing her academic and musical leadership roles.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Music Instructor at Chicago Vocational School - Guided James C. Chambers in crossing denominational barriers and organizing the Ecclesiastes Community Choir (Ecclesiastes Community Choir formation) [1971]

Key Collaborators

• Percy Gray - Prominent producer and musician who worked with the Chicago Mass Choir (Various Chicago Mass Choir projects) [Multiple decades of service]
• Jeral Gray - Prominent producer and musician who worked with the Chicago Mass Choir (Various Chicago Mass Choir projects) [Multiple decades of service]
• Dr. Feranda Williamson - Founding member, featured soloist of Ecclesiastes Community Choir, and leader of Chicago Mass Choir since 1994 (18 albums including 'Hold On, Don't Give Up' (1996), 'You Love Me' (1997), 'Calling On You' (2001), 'Live in Nashville' (2003)) [1988-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #gospel, #traditional-gospel