In Conversation with Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Joseph Williams, Jr., pastor of the Mount Airy Fellowship Church, Dr. Joyce Jackson, professor & former director of the African American Studies Program at Louisiana State University, Lovette Hines, artistic director/founder of the Music Education Program of the the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts.

Moderated by Cydney Williams, On the first Sunday of July in 1994 Cydney Williams and Warren Cooper began the OVATIONS GOSPEL MUSIC RADIO Tradition on WRTI, Temple University

September is Gospel Music Heritage Month and the Blockson Collection is celebrating the global music career of the Reverend Joseph Williams, Jr., who will be inducted into the Black Music Hall of Fame this year.

Rev. Joe, as he is affectionately known, is an original member of the gospel singing quartet, the Sons of the Birds. 

Rev. Joe started singing at age five with the Children's Church of the Air, performing at Presbyterian churches in Philadelphia and on radio and television programs. After a brief stint as a teen singing with popular groups, he joined the Gospel Stirrers. However, after he saw the Dixie Hummingbirds perform for the first time, he knew that was the caliber, professionalism, and showmanship he wanted to achieve. Before being called into ministry, Rev. Joe recorded with the Dixie Hummingbirds on their last album.

This program will be presented via Zoom. To join: https://temple.zoom.us/j/91499000220. 

All programs are free and open to all, and registration is encouraged. 

Contact Leslie Willis Lowry at lwillis@temple.edu with questions.