Music & Family
Music in my family is a big part of our traditions and it's a way for all of us to connect. As I've mentioned before my family has been singing in a gospel group for over 40 plus years now. With this blog I've interviewed my grandmother who's the daughter of Albert Hope and Emma Hope who created the gospel group they have now.
Answer-"We got to meet " Willy Kneal Johnson " and the gospel keens and out of Huston Texas.
Here is an interview they did not too long ago. Alberta Wilson is my grandmother, and Chris Hope is my father! Also if you want to skip towards the end to heart them sing!
1)" How long have you've been singing"
Answer -" I've been singing with the family for 45 years "
2)" When was the first time you were allowed to sing in the " Hope family Gospel Group"
Answer - " I was about 18 years old when I started singing with the family" Our first performance was Highland Junior high school in 1973.
3)" Favorite memory when you were little singing with papa"
Answer - " When he was playing on the keyboard and mama leading the songs and singing with my brothers and sisters" My first song was " Will you be ready" that's your daddy favorite song"
4) " Favorite song"
Answer-" Jesus loves me " My mama led that song" My bother willy wrote that song" My brothers wrote all the song
5) "Why do you think it's Important to sing with family?"
Answer- "It's important because we got travel and be with different groups and we realized we were gospel legends. Spreading the word of God was so important. I met Shirley Caesar and all the other celebrities."
6) "When did realize you could sing?"
Answer- " When Judy didn't go, and I always sung background and one day I went to a program with them and boy when I sang it just took over from there "
7) " Favorite Celebrity you met at the time"
Answer-"We got to meet " Willy Kneal Johnson " and the gospel keens and out of Huston Texas.
8) "Any advice for younger gospel artist?"
Answer-" Keep going and stick to your dreams and always remember to put God first in everything you do and be happy with your talent"
9) "Do Ya'll plan to teach the younger generation "
Answer- "It's all already in you, it's in you, that's the legacy. It's a natural talent and a gift it came from my momma brothers"
10) " Any other stories you want to share"
"The way people would response to us singing and made me proud even though at the end of the day I was singing, I was background. I was so just so proud of our talents and our harmonies were just beautiful. We would go to places far from Gastonia and people would recognize us and it was just amazing. People will always recognize the Hope family"
In conclusion, hearing about how my family got started and how much joy they bring to people is just uplifting and wonderful! I'm so happy and blessed to be a part of this legacy and carry on their name.
Hi Jade! I love that you used your grandmother for your blog. I also find it amazing that they are able to do what they love while spreading God's word! I absolutely loved hearing your family sing. They were wonderful.
ReplyDeleteJade, I really appreciate your grandmother speaking about her experience as a gospel singing. Her long history of singing, and doing so to promote such a strong message such as spreading the word of god, helps remind me of the power music can hold. Thank you!
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