History was made on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at the legendary Newark Symphony Hall breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gospel Choir in Iselin, N.J. The McDonald’s Gospel Super Choir was made up of 1,171 singers of all ages, from across the McDonald’s New York tri-state area and as far away as Philadelphia. This record-breaking event was produced and directed by Emmy-winning A. Curtis Farrow. “We did it! We brought the record back to our country where gospel music was born! The community really showed up!” he said.
The choir performed six songs; “Oh Happy Day” featuring Bishop George Searight of Abundant Life Family Worship Church of New Brunswick, “Amazing Grace,” featuring Cissy Houston accompanied by jazz great Nat Adderley Jr.; “Stand,” featuring Gospel Great Donald Malloy; “Amen,” featuring gospel pioneer Milton Biggham; “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Maurice Johnson; and “Total Praise,” featuring Lorraine Stancil Lawson. This amazing evening came to a crescendo when the official announcement was made and the theater erupted in gospel pandemonium.
The previous record of 1,169 singers was held by the London Community Gospel Choir, which featuredhundreds of singers from gospel choirs across Europe.
As a launch to Black History Month, this record-breaking choir was sponsored by the New York Tri-State Owner Operators Association and McDonald’s Corporation.
Check out more images from this historic event in the gallery. –joi pearson
Source: Irving Street Rep and Love•Peace•Joy
