Singing God's Work: The Inspirational Music, People, and Stories ofthe Harlem Gosple Choir

by Allen Bailey, Penelope Holt

Overview

Tired of the big egos populating the entertainment industry where he worked as a talented tour manager, Allen Bailey decided in 1986 that if he was going to serve a boss, he wanted one who wore a halo, not a baseball cap. It was during a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King at the Cotton Club in Harlem in 1986 that his idea to form The Harlem Gospel Choir was born. Inspired by Dr. King's summons to be of service and help build nations, Bailey founded the Harlem Gospel Choir.

Since then, this world-famous choir of powerhouse Harlem singers and musicians has logged more than a million touring miles. It has sung for rock stars and world leaders, including Nelson Mandela and two Popes. A singing ministry that brings "church" along with foot-tapping, hand-clapping, soul-swelling, spirit-lifting performances to venues around the world, the Harlem Gospel Choir is a force for good, for healing and for joy.

In his inspirational memoir, Allen Bailey shares his stories of life on the road with pop stars and gospel singers. Helping to plan "The Rumble in The Jungle", the Ali-Foreman fight. Performing on Oprah with Lisa Marie to celebrate Elvis' 70th birthday. Visiting the armed forces via the USO and DOD. Giving joy to the special children at Paul Newman' Hole-in-the-Wall-Gang Camp in Ashford, CT. Singing at Sir Elton John's 60th birthday party, or just inspiring audiences and gospel lovers around the world, from Ireland, to Poland, to Japan. This is a feel-good account of life on the road with a choir and its founder devoted to Singing God's Work.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940012950369
Publisher:	York House Press
Publication date:	11/14/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	175
File size:	435 KB

About the Author

Allen Bailey has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 40 years, beginning as a promotional director and advance man for film stars and recording artists, such as Lionel Richie & The Commodores, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Isaac Hayes. Don King appointed Bailey entertainment coordinator for Rumble in The Jungle, the heavy-weight championship match between Muhammed Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. With extensive experience combining talent management, theatrical production and fundraising, Allen assisted in production of 1985 s We Are The World and USA for Africa in 1986. Always active in Harlem, he helped coordinate the concert for Nelson Mandela in Yankee Stadium, and scouted talent for The Harlem Week Jazz and Music Festival. He now spends most of his time touring with The Harlem Gospel Choir.

Penelope Holt was born and educated in England and now lives in America. She is also the author of "The Painter's Gift", co-author of "Singing God's Work: The Inspirational Music, People, and Stories of the Harlem Gospel Choir", and contributor to "Trust Your Gut: How to Use Your Intuition for Business Success".

Editorial Reviews

"This is a book that will inspire you, enlighten you as well as entertain you. Allen Bailey takes you on a journey of his life which has given me a more indepth understanding of the man, his mission and the inspiration that he breaths into the Harlem Gospel Choir and their music. If you have not heard these angelic voices you are and have done yourself a grave injustice. They bring the church to you. Mr. Bailey in motion picture form gives you his humble up bringing from the mean street of Harle

Eric Muhammad

'This is an excellent book that I could not put down after I started reading it. A true rags-to-riches story that I found entertaining and educational. I highly recommend this book as a very good read"

Sandra Middleton