NASHVILLE, Tennessee – During Gospel Music Heritage Month, the Spruce Street Baptist Church Music Department will present “Songspiration,” a worship service honoring one of the most influential and respected vocalists in the history of gospel music, Sir J. Robert Bradley. The special service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13th at 11 a.m., honoring the late Bradley, recognizing his tremendous musical accomplishments, and officially naming the Sir J. Robert Bradley Choir Room. Area church leaders and the entire community are invited to attend.
Among service highlights will be video presentations featuring Bradley, special music, and a reception. The guest minister will be the Reverend Dr. Harmon E. Stockdale, Sr., former senior pastor of Spruce Street from 1975 to 1980.
“There have been so many incredible musicians and singers who have been a part of Spruce Street’s musical history and legacy, and Sir J. Robert Bradley is tops among them,” said Dr. Christopher A. Duke, SSBC Director of Music. “Bradley’s legacy in gospel music is undeniable, and during this month as we acknowledge the foundational roots and cultural significance of gospel music, there is no more fitting time than now to celebrate Bradley’s work and influence across the world.”
Born in Memphis in 1920, Bradley was known for his rich baritone voice and revered for combining a classical repertoire with African American spirituals. Gospel music legend Mahalia Jackson once said he was the greatest voice she had ever heard, “Nobody need mess with ‘Amazing Grace’ after Bradley gets through with it.”
Bradley toured across Europe and the Americas for nearly 70 years as a soloist and served as director of music for the National Baptist Convention USA. He became known as a favorite singer of civil rights leaders, including the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout his career, Bradley recorded dozens of songs, starting with his first gospel single in 1950 on Apollo Records. Known as “Mr. Baptist,” he earned the title due to his high-demand performances at convention meetings, national touring with the Good Will Singers Quartet, and other gospel concerts and events. His impressive career further included opportunities to sing at Carnegie Hall, for the king and queen of England in 1955 and, in 1975, was knighted by President William Tolbert in Liberia.
He used his singing as a means of breaking down racial barriers. While whites would not listen to African American preachers, Bradley said, “[but] they would listen to me sing.” Consequently, he was able to break down some racial impediments across the South.
A dedicated member of Spruce Street Baptist Church, Sir J. Robert Bradley died on May 3, 2007.
Based on reporting by Tennessee Tribune.
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