The Gospel Hummingbirds

The Gospel Hummingbirds fuse traditional gospel modeled on the Swan Silvertones—their principal influence—with contemporary electrified gospel laced with blues and soul elements. Over the past couple of decades the ensemble has appeared at houses of worship, nightclubs, rock shows and blues festivals alike, yet their exuberant celebrations of faith stay constant in every setting. Formed in the 1970s by the father of lead singer and bassist Joe A. Thomas, the Oakland-based outfit has remained active ever since; Thomas himself joined on bass at the age of eight. In 1995 the remaining members were Roy Tyler, Clarence Nichols, James Gibson, Jr. and Mark Smith, Sr.