The Grammy Award Winning
New Orleans Gospel Soul Children
In 1967, eight Booker T. Washington High School students in New Orleans, Louisiana, came together to form a gospel choir. This group, “The Gospel Souls,” under the direction of the late Leonard Ranson, was searching for a choir organist. As he was affectionately known, Ranson knew of an organist, the late Albert Sylvester Hadley, and encouraged him to join the group. With the help of Albert and the members of the choir, Albert became the choir’s organist.
As the organist of the Gospel Souls’, Albert became impressed with the articulate voices in the group. He invited the members to assist him with First Emmanuel Baptist Church Youth Choir, pastored by the late Samuel Hadley. Pastor Hadley, who was Albert’s uncle, welcomed the group’s assistances. After many rehearsals and rendering songs of praise during the church services, the two groups decided to unite to create “The Children of the Gospel Souls.” By 1969, the group's name had evolved to “The Gospel Soul Children.” The choir started under the directorship of the late Leonard Ranson and Albert S. Hadley as musicians. First Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 1829 Carondelet Street in New Orleans, is the birthplace of the choir, and a few of the original members of the Gospel Souls have remained active supporters of the choir. Leonard, although he was directing, preferred to do more lead singing, which allowed Albert to build confidence in directing. Accolades are given to Bernard Plains, who served as the musician for the group for many years. Also, to the late Peter Wells, who assisted on many occasions.
The choir’s style, discipline, creativity, and decorum enticed many to join the organization. Under the direction of Albert S. Hadley, the choir grew in large numbers and they. Albert continued to direct the choir until his death in 1989, Norman Joseph Shepard took the helm as leader of the group. Norman’s energetic style of directing was similar to Albert’s and could lead the choir during this challenging time. The choir remained under the directorship of Norman until his death in 1994, August Johnson III and Veronica Downs Dorsey became the choir’s first co-directors. Throughout the years the choir has experienced the leadership of many capable directors. Clyde Lawrence, the late Charles Cockerham, Jeffery Pelrean, and Professor Craig Adams, all with individual abilities, worked diligently in the advancement of the choir.
In 1991, the Gospel Soul Children was incorporated with governing by-laws and obtained its 501(c)3 statutes. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the choir reestablished and has been faithfully sharing their love of God through gospel music.
Approaching its 55th year of existence, The New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, Inc. continues to be an icon in the New Orleans community. This choir is known for its precise movements, and choir decorum has gained popularity throughout this country as a national recording artist. As a recording artist, the choir is known for favorite songs such as, ‘Prayer and Faith’ (Prayer and Faith, Rosemont Records), ‘Old Rugged Cross’ (Knight Records), ‘Genesis’ and ‘There’s a Joy in Serving God’ (Live in Nashville, Benson – Onyx International), ‘Am I Worthy’ & ‘I Made a Step’ (Live in New Orleans, Mardi Gras Records), and ‘Down by the Riverside’ and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ (New Orleans Gospel Soul Children Live, Plumbline Records).
As a community choir, the New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, Inc. has received recognition throughout the gospel community as the ‘Best Teenage Choir’ ‘Best New Artist of the Year’ (Gospel Music Workshop of America), and ‘Best New Recording Artist’ (Dove nomination). The choir also received the Grand Staff Award for ‘Best Community Choir’ (New Orleans Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America) and ‘Best Community Choir’ (NOLA Gospel Awards). Black Men of Labor Legacy Award, Key of Gospel (Lifetime Achievement Award), Lifetime Achievement (NOLA Gospel Awards), and Gospel Alive Lifetime Achievement Award (New Orleans Jazz Fest Foundation). In 2021, the choir won its first Grammy for their collaboration on Jon Batiste’s Album, “We Are”, which won Album of the Year.
The New Orleans Gospel Soul Children, Inc. has over 35 active members. The choir continues to rehearse on Tuesday evenings and continues the tradition of sponsoring a 2nd Sunday Night monthly musical. In keeping with the culture of the choir founders, the Board of Directors and Advancement Association is actively working toward advancing the choir spiritually and financially.
We thank God for all His blessings and for covering us throughout the years.
