of what can happen when different people
of different backgrounds and cultures come
together on common ground and communicate
with a common voice, recognizing yet
celebrating their differences.
[WM] You’re no stranger to unifying unlikely
partners. Fourteen years ago, you did it on
a project that I was blessed to co-produce
with you. Gospel Goes Classical combined
members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra,
a full Gospel choir from Birmingham area
churches, a stellar rhythm section, and artists
Juanita Bynum, jazz artist Jonathan Butler,
and American Idol’s Ruben Studdard (for the
PBS broadcast only). Besides setting Billboard
history, it remains a hugely important recording.
What are your recollections about GGC?
[Henry] Alex, because of your patience and
kindness, we were able to create a project
that will go down in history as a most pivotal,
and definitive work fusing classical and Gospel
music. And, quite honestly, your leadership and
keen vision for what this project could be are
perhaps the only reason that it saw the light of
day. The music industry can be tough, as with
most things in life. And being able to navigate
all the necessary licenses, agreements, artists,
unions, etc., required someone such as
yourself to keep the ship steady. And that was
all before we got down to the creative aspects
of the project. But, what a work of art it turned
out to be!
B. DeMille”-type proje
symphony orchestra,
Choir, with world-class
Jonathan, and Juanita w
also have the opportunit
on my arrangements ju
But to see how millions
globe have been impac
blessed by Gospel Goes
one could ask.
[WM] Thank you for
humbling words! Your wo
is staggering. Stevie W
Chaka Kahn, Ellis Marsa
Having an opportunity to create a “Cecil
Gospel Goes Classical
54
June 2020