When I first saw and heard The Masters of Harmony I was amazed. A pure, balanced harmony of four stunning voices. A vaulted ceiling in the host church amplified true a Capella gospel quartet musicianship. The Masters of Harmony were one of 6 to 8 gospel groups on the bill for the evening. They gave only a three song performance, 20 minutes at the most. The Masters of Harmony stole the show led by Kelly Thomas (far left performer), a true showman, at age 101.
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Several weeks later I visited Mr. Kelly Thomas at his home
in Detroit since 1946. In 1922 his family migrated from Earlstown, Alabama to get a job in Detroit. Years later he and his wife raised three children while he managed a Capella gospel quartet performances usually on Sunday. He worked at Chrysler’s Eldon Axle Plant for 30 years. He continues to benefit from his strong UAW pension.
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In the 1930’s there was a strong demand for live Sunday religious programing and he worked nearly every week at WJLB-AM. “Detroit used to be the best black gospel city” noted Brother Kelly. Over the years the quartets have made several recordings. “No records still exist, unless buried in the basement”.
Kelly has maintained a print archive of his musical history leading a Capella gospel quartets, beginning with the Marine Harmony Four in 1926. “we used to sing on the corner till midnight, or until the cops told us boys to go home”.
I again photographed the quartet in Novi, Michigan, as guests in an 1879 church with small dedicated gospel Baptist audience.
The current additional quartet members are Brother Walker, Brother Neil and bass singer Brother David, who has the most amazing voice I have ever heard.
Mark your calendar.
The next performance of Detroit’s Oldest Performing Musician, Mr. KellyThomas and The Masters of Harmony will be February 11, 2015 at theDetroit Public Library Annual Hackley Collection Free Musical Review. 7-9 pm. The event has a number of African-American musicians performing.
…..Brother David
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I saw you on Steve Harvey’s show. Thank you and God bless you.
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
I shall pass along your note of seeing The Masters of Harmony on the Steve Harvey program. July 17, Mr. Kelly turns 104.
You may see images of The Masters of Harmony as part of the photo series Detroit Giants of Gospel Music at: http://www.davidclementsproductions.com
Best…David
I would love to have a recording of your music. I just heard you on Steve Hardy’s show and your music is wonderful!
Dear Ms. Dickens,
I shall copy your note to Mr. Thomas Kelly. I am not sure if there are any recordings available of The Masters of Harmony.
July 17, Mr. Kelly turns 104.
You may see more images of The Masters of Harmony, part of Detroit Giants of Gospel Music photo series at: http://www.davidclementsproductions.com
Best…David
Awesome! Just saw them on TV.
Mr. Thomas, I saw you and your Gospel friends with Steve Harvey tonight on NBC. I loved your song and love that age has not slowed you down. My Father was a Classical Music Teacher and if he was still alive today, he would have loved your performance as well. Godbless you and your vocal group.
Dear Mr. Skogsberg,
I shall copy your note on seeing Mr. Thomas Kelly and The Masters of Harmony on the Steve Harvey program. July 17, Mr. Kelly turns 104.
You may learn more at:www.davidclementsproductions. Detroit Giants of Gospel Music .
Best…David Clements
I just saw Mr. Thomas Kelly and the Masters of Harmony on Little Big Shots Forever Young. Mr. Kelly caught my attention when he said he was from Alabama. I grew up in Alabama, now live in Georgia. WHAT A BLESSING!!! I truly wish I could purchase your music and share it with my 85 year old mother. Enjoyed listening to you tonight. Wish I could listen to you everyday. God bless you.
Dear Ms. Hill,
I shall copy and mail your thoughtful response to seeing Mr. Thomas Kelly and the Masters of Harmony on television. Mr. Kelly will be 104 on July 17.
You may see images of The masters of Harmony at: http://www.davidclementsproductions.com
Best…David Clements
Thanks for the blessing. I ha e a very dear friend with group Mr Walker please ask him to reach out to me my e mail is williecave810@gamil.com thanks