WS Chronicle

Last July, some of the leading ladies in gospel music came together for a power-packed live CD recording at the Temple of Deliverance COGIC, the historic Memphis, Tenn. church founded by the late Bishop G.E. Patterson as Bountiful Blessings Church in 1975.

Aside from being a superior preacher, Bishop Patterson was also known as a soul-stirring singer of traditional gospel standards such as “My Record Will Be There” and “Inside the Gate.”

The church’s current pastor, Superintendent Milton R. Hawkins, is keeping Bishop Patterson’s musical legacy alive by partnering with Habakkuk Music to release the CD “Pastor Milton R. Hawkins Presents In The Sanctuary,” which was recorded by the church’s 200-plus voice Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ Women’s Choir Live.

The 12 song CD, slated to be released in July, was produced by noted musician/ composer Derrick Starks and features the choir performing with soloists such as Karen Clark Sheard, Tamela Mann and Lisa Page Brooks. The first gospel radio single is the rousing “Everybody Praise,” which has broken into Nielsen’s gospel airplay chart. Carla Tolbert Taylor, a fixture in Memphis church circles, leads the hand-clapper. Her father was a singer prior to becoming deaf and it’s been her mission to vicariously carry out his singing aspirations through her career. The sprightly-voiced soprano was one of Bishop Patterson’s favorite singers and was a featured soloist in the church organization for years.

For more information, visit www.habakkukmusic.com.