Cleveland’s MLK Celebration Chorus evolves the gospel genre while maintaining early roots

A door opens on the right side of the legendary Mandel Concert stage inside Severance Hall in Cleveland. The MLK Celebration Chorus, men and women of various ages and backgrounds — stream in dressed in black and white. As the 150 singers fill roughly eight rows of seats, the audience readies itself, just as it has for more than 45 years, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through music.

The 2026 concert began with soprano Latonia Moore performing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” accompanied by Taichi Fukumura conducting the Cleveland Orchestra. The chorus followed with an energetic blend of classical and gospel selections, including Allison Loggins-Hull’s “Fourth Movement from Grit.” 

Gospel standards such as “Total Praise” and “Every Praise Is to Our God” stirred the diverse crowd, prompting many to softly sing along.

A history of gospel through the Cleveland Orchestra’s MLK Celebration Chorus

The MLK Chorus was founded by Alvin Parris, a local minister, music director, and organist, in 1989. It was first called the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus and, for years, accompanied the Cleveland Orchestra at their annual MLK concert. 

Dr. William Henry Caldwell joined the faculty of Central State University in 1979.  Soon after, he started the music program, which led to the creation of the Central State University Chorus. The choir would often travel to Cleveland the weekend of MLK’s birthday and perform at various churches, and would lend their voices to Parris’s chorus.

“I put the Central State University music program on the map,” he said. “We were nominated for a Grammy in 1994. In 2003, the Cleveland Orchestra reached out to me and said that newly appointed conductor Franz Welzer-Most wanted to add some classical pieces, along with gospel, to the MLK Chorus’s selections for the annual concert to shake it up a bit. He wanted a Black group that could do a lot of different kinds of music. That’s when I was contacted for my reputation as a musician who was acquainted with both forms of music.”

Over the years, it’s clear that the spirituals many were accustomed to were being overshadowed by contemporary gospel. Yes, the piano and organ still play a vital role — but drums and guitars are also part of most ensembles, which has ignited some debate.  According to Caldwell, it’s part of the evolution of that genre of music.

“It has already crossed the line,” said Caldwell.  “I don’t have a problem with contemporary gospel, as long as it’s serving its purpose. If it’s making you a better person, making you come to the Lord, it’s all good. But it must be good, because sometimes the stuff you hear is not necessarily good.”

Michael Dixon and his wife, Sandra, joined the group seven years ago out of their passion for music, especially gospel. Dixon is no stranger to spirituals; he’s directed gospel choirs around Cleveland — and is currently a member of the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church’s mass choir. Dixon notes that many in the Black church still prefer the old standards.

“I mean, if you think about Martin Luther King, you think about his wife, Coretta, who was highly trained in classical music,” he said.  “Dr. King certainly appreciated that aspect of music. But he was also a Baptist minister down south, so he appreciated gospel also.  

“Kirk Franklin was among the first to introduce contemporary gospel. A lot of people didn’t like what they were hearing because it sounded too club-like. I visited a church where I enjoyed the ministry but didn’t care much for the praise and worship style of music. A blend of each is a way to pass along the historical significance of traditional gospel that’s rooted in African American heritage to younger generations,” Dixon added.

Entering the now and continuing to grow

The choir continues to grow, becoming one of the most diverse ensembles in Cleveland. According to Caldwell, members come from all over. Many are associated with various churches around Northeast Ohio. The average age of that group is about 65 to 70 years old. Many are retired teachers, nurses and doctors. This year, for the first time, the chorus welcomed a high school senior.

Rehearsals can be intense leading up to the concert. According to Dixon, members are expected to rehearse three days a week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. prior to the program. The rigorous schedule hasn’t deterred the significant surge each year in membership, especially among white members, along with others who appreciate the diverse music.

Paula Shaw fell in love with the MLK chorus after attending a concert. She recently celebrated her 10th year of performing with the group. Shaw’s passion for spirituals dates to her childhood, and as a student at Clark Atlanta University.

“It’s becoming more diverse each year — and it’s a good thing,” she said. “We are welcoming more young people. Most of the new members are joining through word of mouth. I’ve learned so much under the leadership of Dr. Caldwell. Through his gregarious personality and his no-nonsense approach to music performance, I’ve become a better musician.”

Various members of the group perform throughout the year at numerous events like Cleveland Cavaliers half-time shows and Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls.

Dixon hopes to be a part of the MLK Chorus for many years and can’t wait to don his white shirt and black slacks in January 2027.

“This is the highlight of my year to sing with the chorus,” he said.  “It’s a spectacular event.  It makes me a better teacher of music to my church students.”

For information about the group, go to Cleveland Orchestra’s MLK Celebration Chorus’ website.