Harlem Gospel Choir brings inspiration to world

Allen Bailey, center, is the founder of the Harlem Gospel Choir, which will perform around the state beginning tonight.

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Everyone can relate to gospel music, because they can identify with a tragedy in life," said Allen Bailey, who founded the choir on Jan. 15, 1988, on the Rev. Martin Luther King's birthday as a tribute to the legacy of King.

"Gospel music is about people who suffered, about problems in life. Yet it's therapeutic and inspirational; if you feel bad, you'll feel better when you listen to gospel music. As my mother used to say, black people couldn't afford to go to a psychiatrist when they felt lousy, so they went to church to feel better."

Bailey said the Harlem choir logs 200,000 miles a year, bringing its music and mission to the world.

"Our purpose was to foster good relationships and better understanding of the African-American culture and gospel music, as it relates to the black church," he said in a phone call from his New York headquarters.

Bailey was just back from Ireland when he spoke.

"When you work for the Lord, you don't have days off. You don't rest. He took a rest, and look what happened," he chuckled.

Bailey is a seasoned traveler and a savvy wizard of humankind. His choir has worked with performing artists ranging from Diana Ross to Whoopi Goldberg, from Harry Belafonte to the Dixie Humming Birds. For 30 of his 64 years, Bailey also has worked in the entertainment business, promoting a myriad of diverse pop acts such as Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, The Commodores, Prince, Isaac Hayes and Mr. T.

"Working for the Lord is easier," he quipped. "In the other business, you have to deal with egos."

No, he didn't name names.

As the creator of the Harlem Gospel Choir, he's part impresario, part minister, part healer. And totally committed to his job.

Bailey said the choir has provided comfort and sanctuary for brothers of all breeds, all over the world. "We have achieved our mission," he said. "And with what's happening in the world now, everyone wants to be inspired. This is a time for inspiration."

He said Sundays in Harlem are like a mass open house. "All the black churches open their doors and invite people of all races to come in and worship. Sometimes, a mass choir of 150 boys performs, and it's a wonderful experience to see," he said.

Bailey's church of 5,000 members is the Greater Refuge Temple in Harlem.

The choir also shares its gospel music at B.B. King's Blues Club on W. 42nd Street, in the heart of Times Square, for those who don't venture uptown to Harlem. And yes, the sessions swing.

His traveling choir numbers 14, culled from members of participating Harlem churches. "Not everyone can travel year-round, so we rotate singers," said Bailey.

At a typical Harlem Gospel Choir performance, folks stand up, stomp their feet, clap their hands and "make a lot of noise," said Bailey. "In New York, people bring instruments to the church. And they make a joyful noise.

"In Santiago, Spain, we even performed in a cemetery; there were people entombed in the walls and listeners stood on the grass listening. It was amazing."

Bailey said he particularly enjoys his work because "you always get a chance to affect people's lives. When I was in entertainment, I had to stroke people's egos. Now, it's remarkable at our meet-and-greet after our shows; you hear comments about how, when you get inside the hall, it's like visiting heaven's church."

The choir's current tour is themed "Give Peace a Chance World Tour" and already has embraced nations in Eastern Europe, South America, the French West Indies and the United Kingdom.

"In some countries, we present a song for that particular audience," said Bailey. "Generally, our music is universal, so there's no language barrier."

In Japan, they'll perform "Sukiyaki"; in Italy, "Santa Lucia."

Perhaps, said Bailey, a Hawai'i return visit might include a Hawaiian song.

He said he and the singers will be in Milan, Italy, over the Christmas holidays.

"Oh, no, we can't be home," Bailey said about a yuletide respite. "We're hardly ever home. But really, if you're a choir and you're home for the holidays, that would mean that you're not too popular."

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.