Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir
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| Also known as | MJGC |
| Origin | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Genres | Gospel music |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Labels | justin-time.com |
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir is a famous singing group from Montreal, Canada. They are known for their powerful and uplifting Gospel music. Gospel music is a type of Christian music that often features strong vocals and inspiring messages. While they mostly sing gospel, the choir also performs other styles like jazz and traditional Zulu music.
Contents
The Story of the Choir
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir started in 1982. It was founded by Trevor W. Payne, who also directed the choir. Their very first performance was at the St. James United Church in Montreal.
How the Choir Began
The choir was created to celebrate a special event. It marked the 75th anniversary of Montreal's oldest black community church, the Union United Church. This church is located near the Atwater Market in Montreal.
Two other important people helped start the choir. They were Reverend Frank Gabourel and Daisy Peterson Sweeney. Daisy Peterson Sweeney was the sister of famous jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. She taught both Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones how to play the piano. Many of the first choir members came from a group called The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir. Trevor Payne had also directed that choir before.
Early Success and Awards
In 1983, the choir signed a record deal with Justin Time Records. They released their first recording in 1986, featuring guest singer Salome Bey. In 1995, one of their albums, Jubilation V: Joy to the World, won a Juno Award. Juno Awards are like the Grammy Awards for Canadian music.
The choir also won other awards. In 1987, they were named "Outstanding Recording Artist" by the Association of Gospel Music Ministries. From 1993 to 1995, a Canadian magazine called Jazz Report named them "Vocal Group of the Year." In 2007, they released a special album called Jubilation XI – Looking Back, Vol. 2, which looked back at 25 years of their music.
Performing Around the World
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir has performed in many places. They have sung at gospel events in Montreal, across Canada, in the United States, and in Europe.
They have shared the stage with many famous artists. These include Celine Dion, Ray Charles, New Kids on the Block, and Oliver Jones. The choir has also performed at big events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. They have released eleven CDs in total, and some of these have won Juno Awards.
In 2017, Trevor Payne, who started and led the choir for many years, retired as its director.
Music Albums
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir has released many albums. Here are some of their recordings:
Montreal Black Community Youth Choir Albums
- The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir (RCI 424)
- Goin' Up Yonder (Presqu'ile PE 13501)
Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir Albums
- Highway to Heaven (Justin Time JUST 10-2, 1986)
- Jubilation II (Justin Time JUST 21-2, 1988)
- Jubilation III – Glory Train (Justin Time JUST 35, 1990)
- Jubilation IV – A Capella (Justin Time JUST 46-2, 1992)
- Song of Songs (Enja ENJ-7057 2 1993)
- Jubilation V – Joy to the World (Justin Time JUST 54-2, 1994)
- Jubilation VI – Looking Back (Justin Time JUST 66/67-2, 1995)
- Jubilation VII – Hamba Ekhaya – Goin' Home (Justin Time JUST 96-2, 1997)
- Jubilation VIII – A Capella Plus (Justin Time JUST 167-2, 2001)
- Jubilation IX – Goin' Up Yonder (Justin Time JUST-183-2, 2002)
- Jubilation X – I'll Take You There (Justin Time JUST-215-2, 2005)
- Jubilation XI – Looking Back, Vol. 2 (Justin Time JTP 7502-2, 2008)
Awards and Recognitions
The choir has received several awards for their music.
Golden Note Award
- 1987: Outstanding Recording Artist (from the Association of Gospel Music Ministries)
Juno Awards
The Juno Awards are Canada's most important music awards.
- 1990 nominee: Best Roots and Traditional Album for Jubilation II
- 1991 nominee: Best Roots and Traditional Album for Jubilation III – Glory Train
- 1995 winner: Best Blues/Gospel Album for Jubilation V – Joy to the World
- 2003 nominee: Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album Of The Year for Jubilation VIII – A Capella Plus
