Chicago Mass Choir's CEO Feranda Williamson Talks About the Choir's Longevity and Future

The legendary Chicago Mass Choir has just finished production on its 16th recording. Entitled "We Give You Praise," the new CD was helmed by award-winning producers  Percy Gray, Jr. and Jeral Gray, Sr. Known for such stellar hits as "Holy Ghost Power," "I Pray We'll Be Ready," "Mighty Good God," and "God is My Everything," Chicago Mass Choir has become an Internet sensation of late with almost 20 million collective YouTube views of its performances. New Haven has already produced four video clips to be released in conjunction with "We Give You Praise."

We are so honored to be able to catch up with Chicago Mass Choir's Dr. Feranda Williamson for this exclusive interview. 

Hallels:  Thank you Dr. Feranda for doing this interview with us. Being the president of the Chicago Mass Choir, what do your duties involve?

As the president-CEO, I am responsible for the strategic leadership of the organization and to ensure that the organization continues to grow and achieve its mission to provide excellence in Gospel music; as well as support for the community.  Ultimately, I am responsible to ensure that we produce quality music that represents our Gospel tradituon brand. I provide direction and support for all entities of the organization. 

In addition to my responsibilities as Pres-CEO, I am responsible for the booking and management of Chicago Mass Choir. 

Hallels:  The Chicago Mass Choir has been blessing us with music for 25 years, what do you think keeps the choir together going from strength to strength? 

First, we are committed to prayer and supporting our individual churches and community.  We have been blessed with members that have a strong belief in Christian values and understand the importance of community service; as well as understanding that our music ministry is an opportunity to give our reasonable service for all of God's blessings that he has bestowed upon us.

We understand the importance of staying true to our ministry and we are unapoletically committed to sharing our traditional-based choir music throughout the world.

Hallels:  Over the years, the choir has had performed with many artists across many TV programs, if you were to single out an event that means most to you, what would it be?  And why?

Although there are several artists that have impacted us in such a wonderful and positive way, I have to say our recent guest appearance with a rock band, Umphrey McGee at an outdoor concert at Ravinia.  This truly spoke to true evangelism outside the wall of the church.  We were able to minister to thousands of people and were blessed with social media feedback of people saying that they were blessed by the Gospel music of Chicago Mass Choir. This was our second time appearing with the band. 

Another experience would definitely have to be the 11 year tour aboroad where again, we were able to minister to people who perhaps did not have a relationship with Christ and were encouraged by our Good News through Gospel music. 

Hallels:  Are there any artists you would like to work with in the near future or in the future? 

It woukd be great to collaborate with Earth, Wind and Fire, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Chicago Chamber Orchestra -- these are just a few.

Hallels:  Let's talk about your new single "Thank you, Thank You Jesus."  What's the inpsiration behind this song?  And why did you choose it?

This song was written by our producer, Percy Gray, Jr.  It speaks of giving thanks regardless of your current situation, even during challenging situations.  You can always count your blessings!!!  ---"THANK YOU, THANK YOU JESUS--FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ME!!!

Hallels:  Congratulations, on signing with New Haven Records, why did you sign with them? 

We are truly family with New Haven. This was actually a re-signing with Ken Harding, president of New Haven and New Haven Records.  We are just blessed to work with a record company that gives us the latitude to be creative to produce music that truly represents Chicago Mass Choir. We have had a very long standing relationship and just happy to reunite with New Haven Records.

Hallels:  Is the choir preparing for its new album now?  If so, when will the album be released?  And can you tell us about what the new album will be like?

The full project is scheduled to be released in January 2016.  We are true to our Traditional Gospel Music and have focused our  efforts on making sure that we are able to include a variety of music that will appeal to all people.

Hallels:  Over the last 25 years, how has Christian music changed for the better and for the worse?

In my opinion there is no worse.  Christian music has expanded to appeal to people from all types of backgrounds and orientation to music.  It is important that the music is truly a form of evangelism.  For me, evangelism extends beyond the walls of the church and in doing so, the Christian music needs to provide the GOOD NEWS--the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that will meet people at their level to encourage and provide hope. 

Tags : chicago mass choir chicago mass choir news chicago mass choir latest chicago mass choir interview feranda williamson interview feranda williamson