♫ Jazzapedia

The M&N Singers

Biography

The M&N Singers were a gospel group active primarily during the 1970s, known for their contributions to the American gospel and soul soundtrack genres. The group included Reverend John Wilkins, who performed and toured with the ensemble before embarking on a solo career as a preacher and musician. Their music reflected the rich traditions of Southern gospel, blending spirituals with elements of soul and rhythm & blues, and was influential in shaping the sound of contemporary gospel during their era.[5]

Emerging from the American South, the M&N Singers performed at churches, festivals, and regional events, building a reputation for heartfelt performances and tight vocal harmonies. Their repertoire featured both original compositions and traditional gospel standards, often characterized by uplifting lyrics and dynamic arrangements. The group’s legacy is closely tied to the regional history of gospel music, serving as a bridge between older spiritual traditions and modern gospel expressions.[5]

The M&N Singers' impact extended beyond their active years, as members such as Reverend John Wilkins continued to influence the genre through solo work and mentorship. Their recordings remain sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of classic gospel soundtracks, and their style has been cited as an inspiration by later generations of gospel musicians.

Fun Facts

  • Reverend John Wilkins, a member of the group, is the son of legendary blues and gospel musician Rev. Robert Wilkins.
  • The M&N Singers were known for performing at both church services and secular festivals, bridging audiences across genres.
  • Their music has been featured in regional soundtracks and is considered a collector's item among gospel enthusiasts.
  • After his time with the M&N Singers, John Wilkins became a preacher and continued to record and perform gospel music.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Rev. Robert Wilkins - Father of John Wilkins, influential blues and gospel musician (Gospel recordings, mentorship in musical upbringing) [1940s–1970s]

Key Collaborators

  • Reverend John Wilkins - Core member, vocalist and guitarist (Live performances, gospel tours) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

  • Contemporary Southern gospel artists - Inspired by the group's blend of soul and gospel (Regional gospel recordings) [1980s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Ride The Lightning (Deluxe Remaster) 1984-07-27 Album
Master of Puppets (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) 1986-03-03 Album
...And Justice for All (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) 1988-09-07 Album
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack / (Remastered & Expanded)] 1967 Album
The Mission: Music From The Motion Picture 1986 Album
…And Justice for All (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) 1988-08-25 Album
Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone (Remastered) 2004 Album
Load (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) 1996-06-04 Album
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered Edition] 1966 Album
Metallica (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) 1991-08-12 Album

Top Tracks

  1. The Ecstasy Of Gold - 2004 Remaster (The Good, The Bad And The Ugly [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack / (Remastered & Expanded)])
  2. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly - 2004 Remaster (The Good, The Bad And The Ugly [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack / (Remastered & Expanded)])
  3. Gabriel's Oboe (The Mission: Music From The Motion Picture)
  4. The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe (Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone (Remastered))
  5. Intervallo II
  6. Here's to you (feat. Joan Baez)
  7. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo (Titles) (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered Edition])
  8. The Mission (The Mission: Music From The Motion Picture)
  9. The Ecstasy of Gold - L'Estasi Dell'oro (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered Edition])
  10. Per un pugno di dollari - Titoli

References

  1. forcedexposure.com

Heard on WWOZ

The M&N Singers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Oct 31, 202515:24Stand By mefrom Sacred Soul-D Vine Spirituals Vol 2The Blues Breakdown