Like most of America during the 1960s, Texas was wrought with race riots and strife.
But it was still a place where gospel music thrived amongst black communities, mixing the old world with a new, changing one.
For Marcus Mosely - who sang in the church choir and had a mother always with a song under her breath - his foray into gospel music was part of growing up and was set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.
"I saw how, as people would march for their rights, they would sing these gospel songs to bolster their spirits," said the now Vancouver resident.
"I'd watch as they'd march into rows of policemen with guns and sticks, singing 'I Shall
Not Be Moved' or 'We Shall Overcome'. It gave them power."
Mosely is now bringing the rich sounds of the Marcus Mosely Chorale to Richmond for the first time this Friday, April 19 at the Fraserview Church.
After leaving Texas, he traveled the world singing and starred in several productions such as Show Boat.
A few years ago, he began his own gospel choir with the mandate of inclusivity, influenced by what he witnessed in Texas.
The choir addresses social justice issues through this mandate and the songs.
"I've seen people oppressed, so how can I turn around and oppress somebody else?" Mosely said.
"Everyone is struggling for their own type of freedom, to be recognized."
"It's the greatest choir," said Colin Foo, one of the choir's Richmond residents. "It's not truly religious, but more focused on the style of gospel music."
Unlike a traditional gospel choir, the members come from a various faiths. The singers also incorporate con-temporary hits such as "What if God was One of Us?" by Joan Osborne or the Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye".
Foo was part of a previous choir where Mosely was the musical director, and once Mosely broke off to form his own chorale, Foo followed. Every Monday, the Richmond actor treks to Vancouver for rehearsal.
"It's a wonderful experience," said Foo, excitedly.
"We never say people cannot sing, people who love to sing will find a way to do so."
His enthusiasm was infectious for fellow Richmond resident Michael Levan, who works at a store in Terra Nova. Levan saw the chorale perform last fall and recognized Foo when he came into the store.
"He convinced me to join, so I did," said Levan. "And I've been loving it ever since. Friday will be my first performance. I'm not so much nervous, just very excited about it."
With little background in singing and almost no knowledge of gospel music, Levan has now developed an appreciation for the genre.
As a physician in Richmond, Shel Nathanson was always aware of the healing powers of music. But joining the Marcus Mosely Chorale allowed him to experience it first hand.
"I've often seen how music improves one's mental state and helps people get over some severe illnesses, it's something they can turn to," he said.
A number of professionals also jumped on board because they liked the choir's vision, including musical directors Bill Sample and Lonnie Delisle.
"Our goal is to celebrate music," said Mosely. "No one will ever feel preached at."
Friday's performance includes guests The Sojourners, an award-winning trio Mosely is also part of. The performance starts at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.themarcusmoselychorale.ca or call 778-3401818.
BY YVONNE ROBERTSON [email protected]
