Mississippi Mass Choir

Biography

The Mississippi Mass Choir was founded in 1988 in Jackson, Mississippi, by Frank Williams, a prominent gospel singer with the Jackson Southernaires and an executive in Malaco Records' gospel division. After securing support from the label, Williams recruited talents like David R. Curry Jr., who became the choir's musical director, and held open auditions that drew over 100 voices from across the state. The choir's first rehearsal occurred in May 1988, and just five months later, on October 29, 1988, they recorded their debut live album, The Mississippi Mass Choir Live, at the Jackson Municipal Auditorium (now Thalia Mara Hall). This album held the number one spot on Billboard's gospel chart for a record 45 weeks, earning multiple Stellar Awards, James Cleveland GMWA honors, and nominations for Soul Train and Dove Awards.[1][2][3][5]

The choir quickly built on this success with albums like God Gets the Glory (1990), featuring Willie Neal Johnson, and their most acclaimed release, It Remains to Be Seen (1993), recorded live on January 23, 1993, which topped charts for a year and won Song of the Year at the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Tragically, this was Frank Williams' final recording with the group; he passed away from a heart attack on March 22, 1993, in Savannah, Georgia. Under directors like David R. Curry and later Dorcus Curry Thigpen, the choir—now around 150 members from diverse professions—continued producing hits, emphasizing traditional gospel choir sound with powerful interpretations of hymns and new compositions.[1][2][3][5]

Known for their motto 'Serving God Through Song,' the Mississippi Mass Choir has toured the U.S., Japan, and the Bahamas, winning numerous awards and establishing a lasting legacy in gospel music as one of the most influential ensembles, with consistent Billboard chart dominance and a commitment to spreading the gospel worldwide.[4][6]

Fun Facts

• The choir's debut album held the #1 spot on Billboard's gospel chart for a record-breaking 45 consecutive weeks, setting a benchmark for gospel recordings.[1][2][5]
• Their 1993 album It Remains to Be Seen featured Frank Williams' last recorded performance before his death just two months later on March 22, 1993.[1][3]
• Composed of about 150 members from diverse professions like students, nurses, police officers, doctors, teachers, and truckers.[2]
• The group has toured internationally, including Japan and the Bahamas, while maintaining their Jackson, MS base.[4][6]

Members

• Mosie Burks
• Frank Williams

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Frank Williams - Founder and visionary who assembled the choir and secured Malaco Records support (Debut album The Mississippi Mass Choir Live (1988); It Remains to Be Seen (1993)) [1988-1993]

Key Collaborators

• David R. Curry Jr. - Musical director and minister of music (Debut album and ongoing recordings) [1988-present]
• Dorcus Curry Thigpen - Choir director (Various albums post-debut) [1990s-present]
• Jerry Mannery - Executive director and head of Malaco's gospel division (Initial record deal and production) [1988 onward]
• Willie Neal Johnson - Lead singer on album (God Gets the Glory (1990); I’m Yours, Lord) [1990]
• James Moore - Lead singer on live albums (1991 and 1995 live albums) [1991-1995]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #contemporary-gospel, #gospel, #religious