Biography
The Wilmington Chester Mass Choir from Delaware functions as a vocal ensemble celebrated for its exuberant gospel harmonies and intricate arrangements, distinctions that have brought both a Grammy Award nomination and multiple Stellar Award wins. Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr. founded the group in 1978, selecting a name drawn from its primary locations in Wilmington, Delaware, and Chester, Pennsylvania, while recruiting members from congregations throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The ensemble issued its first recording, Victory Shall Be Mine, in 1988; the project featured the popular song "Ride on King Jesus" with vocalist Daryl Coley.
A follow-up album, He's Preparing Me, appeared in 1990 and achieved greater visibility by remaining on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart for more than a year, earning the choir its initial Stellar Award for Song of the Year. During this period the ensemble also contributed to Patti LaBelle's 1991 release Burnin'. After Davis passed away in 1991, Reverend Christopher D. Squire took over leadership and produced the third album, Stand Still (Until His Will Is Clear). Additional well-received projects followed, among them 1994's Change Will Come, 1995's Live, and 1997's Fear Not.
In 2000 the choir released Hosanna: And They Sing the Word, which included performances by Maurette Brown Clark, A. Jeffrey LaValley, and further guests, securing its first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album. Subsequent recordings comprised 2001's Live in Concert and 2007's It's Not Over. He's Been Good, issued in 2010, received Stellar Awards for Traditional Choir of the Year and Choir of the Year.
A follow-up album, He's Preparing Me, appeared in 1990 and achieved greater visibility by remaining on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart for more than a year, earning the choir its initial Stellar Award for Song of the Year. During this period the ensemble also contributed to Patti LaBelle's 1991 release Burnin'. After Davis passed away in 1991, Reverend Christopher D. Squire took over leadership and produced the third album, Stand Still (Until His Will Is Clear). Additional well-received projects followed, among them 1994's Change Will Come, 1995's Live, and 1997's Fear Not.
In 2000 the choir released Hosanna: And They Sing the Word, which included performances by Maurette Brown Clark, A. Jeffrey LaValley, and further guests, securing its first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album. Subsequent recordings comprised 2001's Live in Concert and 2007's It's Not Over. He's Been Good, issued in 2010, received Stellar Awards for Traditional Choir of the Year and Choir of the Year.
Albums