The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context.  Gospel music is composed and performed for many purposes that include esthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, and as an entertainment product for the marketplace.

Contemporary gospel music in general is characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature.  In comparison with hymns, which are generally of a statelier measure, the gospel song is expected to have a refrain and often a more syncopated rhythm.  Several forms of gospel music utilize choirs with piano and/or Hammond organ, drums, bass guitar or, increasingly, electric guitar.

One can pursue the "roots" of gospel music through the academic discipline of ethno-musicology (going back to Europe and Africa), through a study of the 2,000-year history of church music as well as rural folk music traditions.  But for practical purposes, gospel music as we know it began in the late 19th century with its creation in the mass revival movement. Today, gospel music subgenres include urban contemporary gospel, Southern gospel, bluegrass gospel and gospel blues.

In addition to Milton Biggham, founder of the award-winning Georgia Mass Choir and producer for Savoy Records of New York (whose biographic sketch may be reviewed below) and Kathy Taylor-Brown from Houston, Texas, one of the most commanding and powerful voices in the gospel music industry today, a host of local talent from black churches in Los Angeles will come together to create a unique and moving experience for our members.  Alise Collins, music producer and Billboard Gospel Music critic, one of the most important forces in this genre, will direct the performance and lecture.

MILTON BIGGHAM BIOGRAPHIC SKETCH:  In his more than 29 years in the gospel music industry, Milton Biggham has recorded, performed with, written for, and/or produced some of the biggest names in gospel including the legendary Rev. James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, Rev. Clay Evans, Rev. Timothy Wright, the New Jersey Mass Choir, LaShun Pace, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews and countless others.

This visionary is credited with the discovery of Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin.  Biggham produced Franklin’s first hit Joy with the Georgia Mass Choir and the McClurkin debut smash Speak To My Heart with the New York Restoration Choir.  As co-founder of the New Jersey Mass Choir, the Florida Mass Choir and the DFW Mass Choir, Biggham jump-started gospel's thriving choir music scene in the 80s.  In 1983 he founded the award- winning 100 voices Georgia Mass Choir with whom he scored a handful of Grammy nominations.  In 1996 the Georgia Mass Choir was brought to the attention of distinguished Hollywood producer Penny Marshall, resulting in a featured role in the Touchstone film, The Preacher’s Wife, starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, for which Biggham also served as Gospel Music Director.

As a powerhouse vocalist, Biggham enjoyed his biggest success on the charts on several collaborations with Rev. Clay Evans including gospel standards I’m Blessed and What He’s Done For Me, while earning two Grammies as the producer of two classic works from the late Rev. James Cleveland—Having Church and Lord Let Me Be An Instrument.

For his work in traditional gospel, Milton Biggham has more than 350 compositions to his credit, becoming one of the most sought-after producers on the gospel music scene.

His latest efforts include producing the first gospel album by famed singer and performer Lou Rawls.  Biggham also travels extensively, performing and conducting gospel music workshops throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia.  Rev. Biggham serves as pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.