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W.D. Gospel Singers

About Me


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Through the years, Gospel music has gone through several changes. Stemming from the a cappella style of Gospel's Golden age, to the very large and sometime overly produced material of today's Gospel sound. Fortunately, there are still a few artists who believe in getting the message across and not just the music. Such is the case with the W.D. Gospel Singers of Sacramento. These gentlemen have the ability to take the traditional approach in creating their material, and mix it with a soulful, but spiritual groove. Together this combination is what the WD's call "Gospel Soul." The W.D. Gospel Singers were organized in 1981by Washington brothers (Willie, Lonzie, and Clem), and the Dostie brothers (Arthur and Vernell). As time went on, some changes took place. The Dostie brothers left the group, and the WD's added vocalist Charles Ward and 16year old guitarist-vocalist Marcel Smith. Today, the group consists of; Willie Washington, Charles Ward, Marcel Smith, Marcus Davis, Eugene Lomax, Anthony Brown C.L. Fredricks and Louis Thompson. The W.D.'s have opened for or toured with The Gospel Keynotes, Pilgrim Jubilees, Five Blind Boys of MS., Five Blind Boys of Ala., Soul Stirrers, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Highway QC’s, Shirley Caesar, Taj Mahal, Bobby Rush, Dr. John, Carlos Santana, John Lee Hooker, Little Milton, Al Green, Lou Rawls and many others. Their soul stirring live performances in and around California have earned them a loyal following.Since 1993, the WD's have enjoyed performing at other (non-religious) venues, the Reno Hilton Reno, NV. Heritage Festival Sacramento, CA., Palms Davis CA., and the prestigious San Francisco Blues Festival, S.F., CA. just to name a few. In 1994, Have Mercy Records debuted the WD's first Compact Disc ("Old Time Religion") that received excellent reviews and regular rotational spots on various gospel and R&B radio stations throughout the country. In 1996, the WD's made their first major tour beginning with the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, Iowa. Chicago, IL., Indianapolis, IND., Kansas City, MO., St. Louis, MO., Denver, CO., Las Vegas, NV. Los Angeles. In 1997-8 WD’s spent time on the road, and working with other Have Mercy Recording artists with various projects (e.g. “Penance” by Arbess William). In 2001, the W.D.’s completed their current Have Mercy Records release, “Workin’ the Road”. The promotional disc is in high demand from both religious and secular disc jockeys. This recording promises to be one of there best recordings. In 2003-05, the WD’s performed at the Monterey Blues Festival with other noted performers, Clarence Fountain, and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Temptations, Lou Rawls, and the Rev. Al Green.In 2006 the WD’s signed VESPER RECORDS. New CD "My Everything" release in 2007

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Music:

Member Since: 15/08/2007
Band Members: WILLE WASHINGTON (11/2/30 - 5/6/09) Lead Vocalist Member since 1981 Idabel, Oklahoma (Home) Group Affiliations: True Light Gospel Singers (OK), Spiritual Five of Sacramento, CA. Willie was the founding member of the W.D. Gospel Singers, and was unwavering in his service God and his group. Willie’s major influences were that of R.H. Harris and Archie Brownlee.Charles Ward Lead Vocalist Member since 1981 Natchez, Mississippi (Home) Group Affiliations: Natchez Tornados (MS), Swanee Quintet, The Evereadys, (Sacramento, CA.) Clouds of Glory, (Sacramento, Ca) Charles (Ward) serves as lead vocal for the W.D. Gospel Singers. His style of singing is reminiscent of the late O.V. Wright. Charles has the ability to touch the audience whether he is singing, speaking or praying. You can feel the spirit within him.Marcel Smith Lead Vocalist Member since 1981 Sacramento, CA (Home) Group Affiliations: Soul Prophets (Sacramento, CA) Marcel grew up in the W.D. Gospel Singers and has been a part of the group since its 1981 inception. Some of his major influences are: Sam Cooke, Archie Brownlee, Ira Tucker, Bennie McClain and Willie Washington. Marcel enjoyed success as the vocalist of the Soul Prophets (Sacramento Blues band). Marcel serves as the groups lead vocalist principle songwriter/arranger, visionary and business manager.Anthony brown DRUMMER Member since 1994 Sacramento, California (Home) Group Affiliations: South City Cobras, Soul Prophets, Blue Soul, Gospel Highlights (All of Sacramento, CA.) Anthony is a phenomenal drummer and is very disciplined in his “IN THE POCKET” approach. His goal is to keep a solid foundation for the group to build upon.Marcus davis 1st TENOR/BASS GUITARIST Member since 1995 Stockton, California (Home) Group Affiliations: Spiritual Five (Stockton) Voices of Power and Praise (Stockton), Soul Prophets (Sacramento) Marcus is the “Bassist Extraordinaire”. Marcus has no limitations in his musicianship he continues to create nuances to enhance the groups soulful sound. Marcus is a true original in every since of the word.Eugene Lomax GUITARIST Member since 2001 Oakland, California (Home) Group Affiliations: Spiritual Corinthians (San Francisco, CA) Eugene (Lomax) Consistent in providing the rhythm/lead guitar to the W.D. Gospel SingersC.L. Frederick BARATONE Member since 2002 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Home) Group Affiliations: Tones of Zion (OK), Canaanites (OK) Superior Angels (Oakland, CA), Spiritual Keys (Oakland, CA) C.L. (Fred), is the quiet spirit of the W.D. Gospel Singers. He remains disciplined in singing and quartet protocol. There is a host of knowledge C.L. brings to the group.Louis Thompson 2nd TENOR Member since 2003 Jackson, Mississippi (Home) Group Affiliations: Superior Angels (Oakland, CA), Gloryland Singers (Las Vegas, NV) Roy Tyler and New Direction (Oakland, CA)
Influences: Archie Brownlee, Sam Cooke, Ira Tucker, R.H. Harris, Clarence Fountain,
Sounds Like: There are so many styles that come into play when talking about the the sound of the W.D.'s. Just listen and you be the judge.
Record Label: Vesper Records and Have Mercy Records

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