Rev and the True Disciples

The group was formed through the vision of the family matriarch, Sis. Fannie Copeland. In May 2005, “Granny” as she is affectionately called, was thinking about how proud she was of her grandsons, many of whom were musicians at various churches in the Tampa Bay area. She thought it would be a wonderful idea if they were to all come together and form a group so that they could share all of their gifts and talents together as one. She then shared her vision with Minister Alphonso Lewis, whom had sung with various gospel groups throughout the city. He sat down with “Da Boyz”, as they were affectionately called, whom thought that it was a great idea and hence, Rev and the True disciples was born.At that time, the group consisted of the following: Vernon Golden on drums, Geoffrey Rogers ..s and Ryan Copeland on bass, Charles Booth, Jr, DeAndre Rogers, Paul Smith III, Marquay Ellington and Min. Alphonso Lewis as the singers. From that time on, the group began rehearsing and made their singing debut in August, 2005 at the Copeland Family Singers 3rd anniversary, which was held at New First Union M.B. Church. Conflicting church schedules prevented the boys from performing as they would have like and hence had to take some time off. But in August 2006, the group was reorganized to include 2 additional members, Alonzo Goodson, musician and Alphonzo Goodson, singer.Since the group has reorganized, they have been blessed with a plethora of opportunities to share their ministry throughout and outside the state of Florida. On June 13, 2008, the group received the Joy in Praise award for Up & Coming artist of the year. Their very own Ryan Copeland received the Joy in Praise award for Songwriter of the year on the same day.Their motto is Psalms 149:1, “Sing unto the Lord, a new song.”We would like to give thanks to our Lord God Almighty and also to the late Dea. Clarence Copeland for instilling in us how to sow the seeds in which he planted in us. That seed has grown into a ministry that will continue to strive while keeping God first.Rev. & the True Disciples