THE GOSPEL HUMMINGBIRDS

The Gospel Hummingbirds are synonymous with tight harmony, creating outstanding inspirational music with urban rhythm and blues. James Gibson, Jr.,  spokesperson for the group, coined their style as “Rhythm and Gospel”. R&G for short. Audiences from all over the world have marveled at the way the Hummingbirds effortlessly bring them to an inspirational frenzy, leaving them clamoring for more.

To see these musicians on stage is an experience you’ll never forget. This show begins with the band setting the tone for the show with music that gets your audience rocking. Then the vocalists hit the stage with soulful sounds that leave no doubt that you are in for a treat. In no time the Gospel Hummingbirds will have you clapping your hands, dancing in the isles, and maybe even singing along. In the end, you will be exhausted but thoroughly entertained.

Joe Thomas, Sr. founded the “Birds in the early 1960’s. Soon they became known all over the world as one of the most elite musical groups in their field. Since their inception they have recorded five albums. “Route 66 To Heaven”, “Signs of Revelations”, “Steppin’ Out”, “Taking Flight”, and their latest compilation, “Live In Paradise”. In 1993, The Gospel Hummingbirds album “Steppin Out” earned them a Grammy Nomination in the category of “Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album”. That same year it received the  French “Jazz Academy Award” as best gospel album of the year.

Although they started singing in the “Church” ( and they still do), in 1987 they were invited to perform at the famous Eli’s Mile High Club, a blues nightclub in Oakland, Ca. Since then they have successfully taken their music to rock, blues and R&B fans in nightclubs, blues and jazz festivals here in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, Italy, France, and Belgium. The group has shared the bill with; The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Dixie Hummingbirds, John Lee Hooker, Little Milton, B.B. King, Etta James, The Persuasions, Commissioned, Huey Lewis and The News, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Pop Staples, Otis Rush, and Joe Louis Walker.

Over the years, as with any group with longevity, there have been personnel changes. The current Gospel Hummingbirds are; James Gibson,Jr. vocals, Morris LeGrande guitar and vocals, Gerald Dayce vocals, William Norwood lead vocals and Clifton Gamble keyboards and vocals. Somehow with each personnel change, they just keep getting better.

Billboard Magazine has spoken of their music as “Not just for sacred music lover, but for anyone with an abiding interest in great roots sounds”. Downbeat Magazine says “ This is a must-listen for folks who still equate heavenly music with harps and wings”.

It has been suggested that they perform other kinds of music, but The Gospel Hummingbirds remain true to their Faith and true to “R&G”.

Critics Quotes

This music is for all people, and you shouldn’t have to go to a black church in a black neighborhood to find it... The Scripture says. “go into the hedges and highways and work.”
Gospel Hummingbirds

The Hummingbirds’ propulsive, soulful gospel that is beautiful even while capturing the edginess of urban life. 
The Denver Post

Where have these guys been? 
The Los Angeles Reader

Like the Neville Brothers, the Gospel Hummingbirds know that the best R&B has one foot firmly in the church. 
Fred Shuster / Los Angeles Daily News

...Their  harmonies are pure and sure, and their rhythms combine the street and the pulpit into an effortless puree.
Philadelphia Inquirer

Gospel music is about making a joyful noise, ...The Hummingbirds practically raise the roof with their sweet harmonizing. 
Chicago Tribune

What’s extraordinary about this group is that they have managed to cave a niche in both worlds, singing their impeccable and ebullient vocal harmonies in neighborhood churches as well as concert halls, blues festivals and smoky clubs. 
Dan Ouellette - Downbeat

In my opinion, if God could sing he’s sound like the Gospel Hummingbirds.  And when they ask, ‘Does anybody here/Know something about the Lord?,’  the answer is obvious- they do. 
Beverly Mire / The Gavin Report

Not just for sacred music lovers, but for anyone with an abiding interest in great roots sounds. 
Billboard