Latest Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2023
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB INVITES CINCINNATI
AUDIENCES TO A FREE CONCERT
CINCINNATI – The Morehouse College Glee Club is the premier singing organization of Morehouse College, traveling all over the country and the world and is set to perform here in Cincinnati next month. The historically all black, all male choir, will perform at Zion Baptist Church located at 630 Glenwood Avenue in Avondale, on Saturday, March 11, at 5:00 p.m. Presented by Morehouse College Alumni Association, Cincinnati/ Dayton Chapter, the concert is free and open to the public although contributions are encouraged.
World renowned for its music, the club was established in 1911 and formed at the black men’s university in Atlanta. Demonstrating excellence not only in choral performance but also in discipline, dedication, and brotherhood, the Morehouse College Glee Club is America’s oldest all-male collegiate glee club. The distinguished ensemble has a long tradition of public appearances throughout the United States and abroad and has sung with noted celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole. The choir has also performed at the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations and the Olympics. But their most notable was at the funeral for one of their own alumni — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In addition, you may have heard them on the soundtracks to three Spike Lee produced films, School Daze, Miracle at St. Anna and Red Hook Summer. Their musical talents also can be heard on ten albums that include the 2011 release Centennial Celebration in recognition of the ensemble’s 100th year of musical legacy.
“The audience should prepare to be tantalized by the performance from this prestigious historically black institution,” stated Paul M. Booth, Division Manager, Office of Human Relations. “They are known the world over for their exceptional talent, their finely tuned skills, and the quality of their artistry. We are humbled that we are able to celebrate and uplift these young artists as they continue to reach new heights in the music world. I am honored to welcome this incredible group of singers to the Cincinnati community.”
The Morehouse College Glee Club & Quartet is currently directed by Dr. David Morrow, a 1980 Morehouse graduate and class valedictorian who received a master’s of music degree from the University of Michigan in 1981 and earned a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in 1995. Dr. Morrow has been a member of the Music faculty at Morehouse College since 1981. In 1987, he succeeded Dr. Wendell P. Whalum as Director of the Glee Club. He is also Director of the Wendell P. Whalum Community Chorus, Co-Director of the Morehouse-Spelman Chorus. He was recently appointed chair of the music department.
About the Office of Human Relations
The Office of Human Relations serves as a catalyst to promote the building of positive relationships between and among the various groups and cultures that make up Cincinnati. The Office works to mobilize institutions and individuals to resolve diversity issues while developing mechanisms to ensure equitable treatment of all persons.
The Office of Human Relations also functions as an integral part of furthering relationships between various community groups and the City of Cincinnati Government.
About Morehouse College
Morehouse College is the only historically black college focused on educating men. Founded in 1867, the College is the nation’s top producer of black men who go on to receive doctorates. Morehouse is also the top producer of Rhodes Scholars among HBCUs with five Morehouse Men receiving the honor. The College was recently named on the list of U.S. institutions that produced the most 2019-20 Fulbright Scholars, the nation’s flagship international educational exchange program. Prominent alumni include: Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General; Shelton “Spike” Lee, award-winning American filmmaker; Maynard H. Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta; and Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Morehouse currently has more than 17,000 alumni in 14 countries. For more information visit www.morehouse.edu
About Morehouse Alumni Association Cincinnati/Dayton Chapter:
The local chapter was relaunched in August 2020. Over the past almost three years, the chapter has made a significant impact on young men in the area and the community by partnering with local school districts, schools and organizations. The chapter has participated in a number of college fair and school sponsored HBCU activities. The chapter has held a number of events including an annual freshman sendoff and student information sessions. For more information visit the alumni chapter website http://morehousecincinnatidaytonalumni.com and contact local chapter members at morehousecincydayton@gmail.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Marla Hurston Fuller, marla.fuller@cincinnati-oh.gov, 513.332.5145