The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) is located in
Oakland, California, US.
It was founded in 1986 as an outgrowth of a gospel music workshop, and became an independent organization in 1991. The choir has since toured globally, produced multiple CDs and appeared in films and on television. The choir's repertoire is diverse, and OIGC has collaborated with a variety of pop artists from different genres, including gospel, jazz, and hip-hop.
Founded in 1986, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir was born out of a gospel music workshop led by
Terrance Kelly at Living Jazz’s Jazz Camp West. It became an independent nonprofit organization in 1991. Since then, the Choir’s harmonies and gospel repertoire have led to performances with a variety of groups, such as
Joshua Nelson, the Prince of Kosher Gospel; the
Five Blind Boys of Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama, also billed as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama, is an American gospel group. The group was founded in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has featured a changing roster ...
; and the
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was bas ...
. The Choir also appears on albums by
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Maria Ronstadt (born July 15, 1946) is a retired American singer who performed and recorded in diverse genres including rock, country, light opera, the Great American Songbook, and Latin. She has earned 11 Grammy Awards, three American ...
,
MC Hammer
Stanley Kirk Burrell (born March 30, 1962), better known by his stage name MC Hammer (or simply Hammer), is an American rapper, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. He is known for hit songs such as " U Can't Touch This", "2 Legit 2 Quit" ...
,
Tramaine Hawkins, and others.
In addition, OIGC supports a youth choir. Started in 1997, they perform at a wide variety of local and other events. The choir provides musical, educational, and social opportunities for Bay Area youth, as well as the chance for mentoring and scholarships.
The latest arm of the OIGC family is the Community Choir, which was established in 2013. In less than two years, this choir has grown to over 70 members. A non-auditioned choir, OICC meets once a month and performs several times throughout the year, including their summer gospel concert.
See also
The choir has inspired other choirs, such as the
Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir
/sup>, to form.
This choir also has a youth portion.
A documentary film was made about the choir in 2018, called "One Voice: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir". It premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival and was featured on KQED's "Truly CA" series in 2020. One Voice was directed by Spencer Wilkinson of Endangered Ideas.
Recordings
Self-Produced
''The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir—Live!'', Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, 1991.
''We’ve Come a Mighty Long Way'', Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, 1995.
''Rejoice! Christmas with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir'', Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, 1999.
''Great Day: A Cappella Negro Spirituals'', Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, 2003.
''Hear My Prayer'', Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, 2011.
Appears on:
Kronos Quartet, '' Pieces of Africa'', Nonesuch, 1992
Hammer, ''Too Legit To Quit'', Emd/Capitol, 1991.
Tramaine Hawkins, ''Tramaine—Live'', Sparrow Records, 1990.
Linda Ronstadt, ''Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind'', Wea/Elektra Entertainment, 1989.
Notes
External links
OIGC Home Page
{{authority control
Choirs in California
Musical groups from Oakland, California
Musical groups established in 1986
1986 establishments in California