Barbara Johnson Tucker facts for kids

Barbara Johnson Tucker is a talented singer of Christian music. She was born in Conroe, Texas, in the United States. She is known for her powerful voice and inspiring performances.

About Barbara Johnson Tucker

Barbara Johnson Tucker was born in Conroe, Texas, on June 28, 1944. Her parents, Ernest James and Annie Eloise Johnson, were from Montgomery, Texas. When she was a child, Barbara sang with her mom and siblings. They were called the Johnson Family. They sang at their church in Houston and around the Gulf Coast area. Many of their songs were written by her mother, Eloise. Barbara is a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Her Education and Family

Barbara went to schools in Houston, including Jack Yates High School. She also attended Texas Southern University. For a short time, she helped students with their singing at the university.

Barbara was married to Kermit Tucker. They had one son, Robert Christian Tucker. Robert gave them two grandchildren, Matthew Jonathan and Chelsea J'nai Tucker.

Barbara's Singing Career

Barbara Johnson Tucker is a well-known singer and producer in Houston. She sang the national anthem at games for the Houston Oilers football team. She also sang for the Houston Rockets basketball team. You could also hear her on local Christian TV shows.

Performing in New York

In 1969, Barbara moved to New York City for a year. She got a special singing role in a play called The Great White Hope. This play had 60 actors and starred James Earl Jones. Barbara led the cast in a "congregation song." This song was about Jack Johnson escaping. While in New York, she also had her first big concert at the Carnegie Recital Hall. She also filmed several TV commercials that were shown across the country.

Important Performances

Barbara sang at the state funeral for Congressman Mickey Leland in 1989. After returning home, she retired from her job at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1992. Her church then held a special concert for her. This concert marked the start of her full-time music ministry.

Barbara became famous around the world for being the first artist to record "Order My Steps." This very popular song was written by Glenn Edward Burleigh. Barbara released an album that won two Texas Gospel Music Awards in 1993. It won for Best New Album and Song of the Year.

She also sang at the state funeral for United States House of Representatives member Barbara Jordan in 1996. In September 2000, she performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented her at this concert.

Her Albums and Recordings

While working at the US Post Office in Houston, Barbara helped start the Houston Post Office Chorale. This group sang all over Texas for 25 years. Barbara was featured on their two albums, along with her sister, Joy.

Working with "A Chosen Few"

Barbara manages and directs her background singers, called A Chosen Few. They have performed for President Bill Clinton. They have also sung all across the southern United States. In August 2002, they performed a 20-piece Christmas cantata. A cantata is a special musical story. This one was called "Born to Die" by Glenn Edward Burleigh.

Later Releases

In 2005, Barbara released a DVD called A Glimpse of History. This DVD is 35 minutes long. It shows the history of African-American music contributions. In June 2015, when she was 71, she recorded a single song. It was called All That You Have Done for Doranor Records.

Family Recordings

Her very first recordings were with her family. The Johnson Family has one LP record called Sunshine After the Rain. This record was made to remember her father. They also made a 45 rpm record of her mother's song, Dear God, I Thank You. Barbara sang this song again on her popular CD, Order My Steps. Her brother also wrote a fun Rap song about his softball friends called "The Right On Trot."