The Story

Twenty one years ago, I received a telephone call from my younger brother John. He had just been contacted by the pop group “Madness” who had seen his choir on television and wanted to know whether he would be prepared for the choir to back the group on their new album.

John’s initial reaction was to decline but after listening to the track gave approval as it did not compromise his Christian faith. The song, ‘Wings Of A Dove’ was released as a single and reached number two in the national charts. For the first time this brought to the British public’s attention a sample of the gospel music being produced in the black churches in the UK.

With critically acclaimed live performances and television appearances, the choir soon built up an army of fans and admirers. Noteable celebrities like Ben Elton, Billy Bragg & Brian Eno counted The Inspirational Choir among their favourite gospel choirs and with this growing reputation it wasn’t long before CBS/Portrait Records (Don Reedman) came in, signed the choir and released ‘Sweet Inspiration’ with the memorable track, ‘Abide with Me.’

On this the 21st Anniversary year of the release of the album, The Inspirational Choir has long since disbanded although many of its members are today to be found actively involved within the church community. John Francis is now a Bishop and leads ‘Ruach Ministries’, one of the largest Black Pentecostal Churches in the UK.