Biography
The Zion Harmonizers are a legendary gospel group founded in 1938 by Benjamin J. Maxon, Jr., a teenager from the Zion City neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. Drawing on the rich tradition of close-harmony singing that flourished in the city during the 1930s, Maxon formed the group with friends and family, including his brother Joe Maxon. Their early musical education was shaped by Maxon's aunt, Alberta French Johnson, leader of the esteemed Southern Harps, and the group soon became known for their quartet-style gospel harmonies, performing as the opening act for the Southern Harps and gaining recognition across Louisiana.
As the group matured, they continued to refine their a cappella style and four-part harmonies, becoming a fixture in New Orleans gospel music. In 1942, Sherman Washington joined the group, eventually becoming its long-serving leader and guiding the Harmonizers for over six decades. Under Washington's leadership, the group recorded extensively, toured internationally, and became a perennial presence at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where they anchored the Gospel Tent for over 40 years. Their sound, rooted in traditional gospel but open to contemporary influences, has made them a pillar of the New Orleans music community and a bridge between generations of gospel artists.
The Zion Harmonizers' legacy is marked by their commitment to community, their role in nurturing local talent, and their enduring presence on the gospel stage. They have performed at major venues, recorded with numerous labels, and inspired countless musicians with their dedication to the spiritual and musical traditions of New Orleans. Even after the passing of key members such as Sherman Washington, the group continues to perform and record, maintaining their status as elder statesmen of gospel music.
Fun Facts
- The Zion Harmonizers have performed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival since its inception, making them the only group with such a record.
- Sherman Washington, known as the 'Godfather of the Gospel Tent,' led the group for 63 years and curated the Gospel Tent at Jazz Fest for decades.
- Some members, including Chuck and Chick Carbo, later became successful R&B artists as part of The Spiders, scoring hits on the national charts.
- The group has toured internationally and performed at the House of Blues' gospel brunch for 20 years.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Alberta French Johnson - Aunt of founder Benjamin Maxon and leader of the Southern Harps; provided early musical training and inspiration. (Southern Harps performances, gospel concerts) [1930s–1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Sherman Washington - Joined as a member in 1942 and led the group for over 60 years, shaping its sound and public presence. (Leadership, recordings, Jazz & Heritage Festival performances) [1942–2006]
- Chuck Carbo and Leonard 'Chick' Carbo - Joined the group in the 1940s, contributed to vocal style and later transitioned with members to R&B as The Spiders. (Recordings as Zion Harmonizers and The Spiders) [1940s–1950s]
- Current members (e.g., Franklin D. Smith Sr., Marion H. Chambers Jr., Benjamin Francois III, Joseph B. Warrick) - Performers and musicians in the group's modern lineup. (Live performances, recent recordings) [2000s–present]
Artists Influenced
- New Orleans gospel artists and groups - Inspired subsequent generations through community leadership, festival performances, and mentorship. (Jazz & Heritage Festival Gospel Tent, local gospel scene) [1960s–present]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bringing in the Sheaves | 2014-03-15 | Album |
| New Orleans Gospel Glory! | 2008-01-08 | Album |
| Thank You Lord | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Never Alone | 2002 | Album |
| Thank You Lord | 2002 | Album |
| Never Alone | 1982-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Have a Little Talk With Jesus (Ultimate New Orleans)
- Since I Laid My Burden Down (Best of New Orleans Gospel Volume 2)
- I Want to Be At the Meeting (Bringing in the Sheaves)
- A Ways Away (Paper Thin)
- Jesus Is on the Mainline (Best of New Orleans Gospel Volume 2)
- I'll Fly Away (Best of New Orleans Gospel Volume 2)
- Lift Every Voice and Sing (Best of New Orleans Gospel Volume 2)
- I Surrender All (Best of New Orleans Gospel)
- A Ways Away (A Ways Away)
- Walk That Milky White Way (Best of New Orleans Gospel Volume 2)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Zion Harmonizers has been played 7 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.