Mississippi Mass Choir

The Mississippi Mass Choir is an American gospel choir based in Jackson, Mississippi. The Mississippi Mass Choir is considered to be one of the most influential ensembles in its genre. Under the musical direction of David R. Curry Jr., and under the choir direction of Dorcus Curry Thigpen, the 100-member choir developed a sound that made them a constant presence on Billboard's gospel charts. Each of their recordings have reached the top position on the charts. Their debut album, Live, recorded during a 1988 performance at the Jackson Municipal Auditorium, remained on the charts for 45 weeks and earned the group James Cleveland GMWA awards as Contemporary Choir of the Year and Best New Traditional Artist of the Year. Their second album, God Gets the Glory, reached number one two weeks after it was released in 1990. The Mississippi Mass Choir's most successful album, It Remains to Be Seen, topped the charts for 12 months and received a Soul Train music award as best gospel album of 1993. The album was the choir's last with founder Frank D. Williams, a member of the Jackson Southernaires and an executive in the gospel music division of the Malaco record label. Determined to bring together the best gospel voices in Mississippi, Williams had convinced Jerry Mannery, the head of Malaco's gospel division, to sign the choir to a record deal and serve as executive director. With three albums released since Williams' passing, I'll See You in Rapture, Praise the Lord, and Emmanuel (God With Us), the Mississippi Mass Choir continues to dedicate itself to its self-described mission of "serving God through song." The Mississippi Mass Choir has opened doors for fellow Mississippi choirs,groups, and soloist including Larissa Tate & Romans VIII, Ben Cone III & Worship, The Voices of Hope, Dathan Thigpen & Holy Nation, and The Anderson Sanctuary Choir. The Mississippi Mass Choir will record their 8th live recording in early 2007. This recording has said the be the choir's 20th Anniversary. Writers will include Ben Cone III, David Curry, Jr., Jerry Smith, James Mitchell, and Milton Biggham. The choir will be under the direction of founding directress Dorcus Thipgen. Malaco Records released an official statement that the Mississippi Mass Choir will record a Christmas album. (1st to be done by a choir)The project will be scheduled for a live recording in June followed by the release in October 2007.