Biography
The original Sunset Jubilee Singers was organized in 1930 by the late Bro. Quillie Smith and dedicated by the late Dr. John S. Givens in Lincoln Theater. The group was originally named the Sunset Four of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Harlem. The essence of the group was a vow that was made in 1963 by the late Thomas Williams to Quillie Smith, in which he pledged to "whatever come what may, the Sunsets must continue the work of Lord". As the group evolved, new members came and went each one dedicating their service to the uplifting of the group's mission.
During a broadcast in 1963, Bro. Thomas Williams was called home to glory. But before his passing, he relinquished the banner of the Lord over to Dea. William Kelly, Bro Ralph Morange, Bro. Carl McCarter, Bro. Rufus Thomas and Bro. William Greathouse with each vowing to keep the group together.
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After changing their name to the Sunset Jubilee Singers in the late 1960's the Lord continued to anoint this group in service as they traveled ministering the word of God through songs. Dea. Kelly and Bro. Morange were constantly trying to infuse new life into the Sunsets. In 1979, Rev. Leon Brothers, Sr. joined the group dedicating his life to service for the Lord. For the first time in the Sunset Jubilee Singers history, the youngest member who at the time was 12 years of age, Master Leon Brothers, Jr. was installed into the group by Dea. Kelly. As the group continued the following members were installed: Dea. Gene Brothers and Bro. Thomas Youmans.
Before his passing in 1989, Dea. Kelly requested of Rev. Brothers to continue the promise that's been carried down through the years. Rev. Brothers in 1990 recruited Dea. Kelly's son Robert D. Kelly to assist in spreading the word of God in songs. In 1991 one of the pillarstones of the Sunset's, Bro. Ralph Morange was called home and in 1993 Bro. Carl McCarter passed on leaving the existing members to continue on. New members came, in 1991 Bro. Lewis Bussey and 1994 Bro. Russell Dingle and in 1998 Dea. Kelvin Bonds, and to this date the youngest member Master Alexander Brothers.
"Step by Step We'er Nearing the Kingdom, Step by Step We're going home"
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.