Page 5 - Joshua's Journal

I t began at home as an unannounced family tradi- record player. Little Richard, Clyde McFadden and Lloyd Price, a native of the area, were often heard playing from small discs known as 45’s. “I would listen, tion early every Sunday morning. On the record player at 33 and 1/33 revolutions per minute, and she would also show me the latest dance moves; I the harmony of female soloists, choirs and male quartets floated on the airwaves throughout the was her partner,” Pastor Washington said with a smile. two-bedroom home. Once the family arrived at the Although he was never involved in a band or choir, sanctuary, hymns of worship dominated the vocal praise it was a requirement in high school for students to and worship to God. learn the fundamentals The beginnings of a of music. “We had a musical influence for a teacher that required young man preordain- us to write and read ed to become a key music,” he said. “You figure within the had to draw your staff, African Methodist write your notes and Episcopal Church. be able to sing that song to the class.” This “I remember the first musical ability would time I felt the spirit of later provide a benefit God through a simple and a conflict during song, Only Believe,” Pastor Washington’s Reverend Dr. Lee P. ministerial walk. Washington recalled. “All things are possible The young boy would if you only believe.” become a man and I had this strange feel- leave home, never con- ing come over me, and sidering the possibility I told my mother. She that he could sing, said, “You will under- “I never even sang to stand it better by and myself.” After several by.” years away and follow- ing marriage, he would For Pastor Washington return home and join those early days of mu- the Robinson A.M.E. sical influence included Church Gospel Choir The Harmonizing Four, under the leadership of The Dixie Humming- Rev. Jesse Brown, Jr., birds, Mahalia Jackson, a young minister who and many other gospel believed in precision artists of the 40’s, 50’s singing. “It was when and 60’s. “Every Sun- I joined the choir day, their music could that I began to learn be heard in our house sectional singing... before church,” Pastor Washington remembered, “and soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Practices were intense. at church our choir really knew how to sing hymns.” If you were called at 2:00 am in the morning, you had Within his hometown, gifted singers, including his to know how to sing your part AND on key, Pastor father, a member of the local men’s choir, provided Washington recalled. an influence. “They had raw talent and were musical models for us; they were our encouragers.” The choir excelled and appearance requests increased as they toured the Eastern Seaboard eventually Pastor Washington’s musical abilities were also performing before the entire AME conference. influenced in a secular way. During the week an older “Attending the Quadrennial was a high point for us,” sister would often play Bebop music on the same Pastor Washington said. The Quadrennial is an AME www.reidtemple.org • 3 www.reidtemple.org • 3