We received the article sent to us by Roberto Buono about the performance of the Harlem Gospel Choir in New York the 27th of April
On April 27, 2025, New York’s Blue Note Jazz Club hosted one of the season’s most anticipated
musical events: a performance by the Harlem Gospel Choir, a legendary group that has been
enchanting audiences with its powerful and captivating gospel music for over three decades. Part of the
choir’s long tradition, this concert attracted the attention of music lovers, tourists and New Yorkers,
offering a unique experience that combined spirituality, energy and the celebration of African American
culture.
Founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, the choir has had a lasting impact on the world music scene. The idea
for the choir came to Bailey while attending a celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. in Harlem.
The choir is made up of some of the finest singers and musicians from the many Black churches in
Harlem, dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of African American culture and gospel music.
Each performance focuses on the unity of people and nations, giving something back to them through
music. With over 50 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Bailey has worked with greats
such as Frankie Lyman, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and many others, contributing
to historic events such as Rumble in the Jungle and We Are the World. His death in 2018 marked the
end of an era, but his vision lives on through the choir.
The Harlem Gospel Choir is the most famous gospel choir in the United States and one of the most
renowned worldwide, with a career spanning over 30 years. In 1988, U2 renamed them “Angels in
Harlem” in recognition of their magnificent performance of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking
For,” a song they recorded with the band. Since then, the “Angels of Harlem” Gospel Choir has toured
nationally and internationally, earning the reputation of being the “Angelic Ambassadors of Harlem”
for their authentic and joyful spirit, which is the essence of gospel.
Throughout their long career, they have transcended cultural boundaries, uniting people and cultures
through their music, conveying messages of love, peace and hope. This legendary choir has had the
honor of performing on historic occasions for two Popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, two U.S.
Presidents, Carter and Obama, the Royal Family, and Nelson Mandela, as well as participating in
international events such as the Michael Jackson Memorial in Times Square, Elton John’s 60th birthday
and many more.
The Harlem Gospel Choir has collaborated with global music icons such as Bono of U2, Keith
Richards of the Rolling Stones, Andre Rieu, Diana Ross, The Chieftains, Ben Harper, Pharrell
Williams, Jamie XX and Gorillaz, becoming a symbol of unity through music. Through its
commitment, the choir seeks to promote a greater understanding of African-American culture and
gospel music, transmitting its values and messages to millions of people around the world.
The roots of gospel music lie in the history of African slavery in America. As early as the 1700s,
African slaves brought their musical tradition with them, fusing it with the Christian faith they had
adopted, creating a unique musical form. Gospel music, born from the suffering of slavery, has
influenced genres such as blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, leaving an indelible mark on world music.
Today, the Harlem Gospel Choir continues to keep its legacy alive, spanning continents with its
powerful performances and bringing a message of hope that touches the souls of all who listen.
Among the most iconic performances of the choir, the famous Sunday Gospel Brunch at the Blue Note
Jazz Club in New York stands out, where every Sunday morning the Harlem Gospel Choir offers a
unique experience of music and conviviality. In one of the world’s temples of jazz, Sunday brunch turns
into a collective ritual made of soul, spirituality and authentic flavors. An unmissable moment for
tourists and New Yorkers, in which the gospel tradition meets the intimacy of a historic club and
American cuisine.
The performance at the Blue Note Jazz Club was a perfect showcase for the talent and passion of the
choir. With its well-rooted tradition and a repertoire that embraces gospel classics, the Harlem Gospel
Choir offered the audience a performance that took everyone on an unparalleled emotional journey.
The members of the group, including Michelle Brown, Felicia Farley, Micheline Louis, Richard Tipton,
Jeff Primus, Nadia Smith, Kiaama Hudson, TJ Walker and Treyvaughn Johnson, enchanted the
audience with their extraordinary vocal ability and overwhelming energy. Each song, performed with
passion and determination, touched the hearts of the listeners, taking them to a higher level of spiritual
awareness. The repertoire included some of the most popular songs by the audience, such as “Amazing
Grace” and “O Happy Day”, as well as original songs that reflect the continuous evolution of the choir.
The Harlem Gospel Choir is not just a musical group, but a real experience. Its performances are
moments of profound connection, in which music becomes a vehicle of pure emotion. Every note,
every word, every gesture on stage is charged with meaning, and the spectator cannot help but feel part
of something greater, of a tradition that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
With its performance at the Blue Note, the Harlem Gospel Choir once again demonstrated its role as a
global ambassador for gospel music and African American culture. By breaking down cultural and
religious barriers, the choir continues to bring the message of peace, hope and unity to thousands of
people around the world.
In an age where music has the power to unite people, gospel music is a powerful medium to
communicate universal values. With its blend of religious tradition and African American roots, gospel
music has had a profound impact on modern music, influencing genres such as blues, soul and rock ‘n’
roll.
The performance on April 27, 2025 was a perfect example of how the Harlem Gospel Choir not only
celebrates its legacy, but also continues to innovate, taking gospel music to new heights and new
audiences. The Blue Note Jazz Club, with its intimate and historic atmosphere, provided the perfect
stage for this fusion of tradition and modernity, making the event even more special.
The Harlem Gospel Choir has often engaged the audience, cheerfully interacting with the Blue Note
patrons, often calling on stage amused spectators of all ages.
Their performances are much more than concerts: they are experiences that touch the heart, lift the
spirit and celebrate joy and freedom. The intense and engaging sounds of the choir transform into a
hymn to the soul, capable of enchanting and inspiring anyone who listens to them.
The Harlem Gospel Choir is also much loved by the European public, where it is the protagonist of
regular tours in the main cultural capitals. In Italy, it is eagerly awaited every year during the Christmas
holidays, especially in Rome, where it performs in concerts that have now become a tradition at the
“Auditorium Parco della Musica”, always receiving great enthusiasm and participation. The choir has
also left its mark at the Blue Note in Milan, bringing the warmth and strength of gospel to some of the
most prestigious theaters in the city.
Setlist – Harlem Gospel Choir @ Blue Note NYC – Sunday, April 27, 2025
1. The Anthem (Bbminor) – Choir
2. Let It Rise (F major) – Michelle
3. Souled Out (F major) – Kiaama
4. I’ve Been Looking for You (Emajor) – Choir
5. He is Able (B major) – Richard
6. Do You Know Him (Amajor) – Choir
7. Amazing Grace (C♯ / Emajor) – Nadia / Felicia
8. The Blood Still Works (Amajor) – Choir
9. O Happy Day (C♯ major) – Micheline
10. Celebrate (G major) – Kiaama
11. Can You Feel It (G major) – Choir
12. Happy (F major) – Jeff
Lineup: Michelle Brown; Felicia Farley; Micheline Louis; Richand Tipton; Jeff Primus; Nadia Smith;
Kiaama Hudson; TJ Walker; Treyvaughn Johnson
Roberto Buono
