GOSPEL AND THE KING
Elvis the man, his musical legacy, and gospel music are inextricably linked. From his formative years growing up in musical hotspot Memphis, Tennessee, to the very end of his life, personally and artistically, gospel was ever-present to Elvis.
The King of Rock and Roll owes his crown to music traditions that date back more than one hundred years—and have influenced scores of artists, genres, and styles ever since.
With performances of Elvis's "Jailhouse Rock" and B.B. King's "Every Day I Have the Blues," this illuminating show will change the way you listen to rock and roll forever.
Elvis, born in 1935, grew up singing traditional rural gospel in the churches of Tupelo, Mississippi. By the time Elvis first picked up a guitar, Black musical icons including the founding Father of Gospel, Thomas A. Dorsey, and the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, were bringing gospel music to mainstream secular audiences.
Equally influential to Elvis's music was the burgeoning rhythm and blues scene, with key players pushing the boundaries of musical genres and forging new sounds. Trailblazing guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe and groundbreaking pianist Fats Domino were building what would become rock and roll.
The stage was set for a young boy from Memphis, Tennessee, to change music forever.
Gospel, rock and roll, and the music of Elvis Presley collide in this rocking show which features vocal artists Angie Fisher, Ashley Faatoalia, The DC6 Singers Collective, Pasadena Chorale, special guests Urban Voices Project Choir, and more, all led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ashley Faaotalia has been singing for as long as he can remember. Opera News calls his singing “hauntingly beautiful”crediting him with “a voice of winning purity and variety of expression” and The San Francisco Chronicle calls him “Sweet-toned.” In these first few years of his professional career Ashley has become a sought-after vocalist for new works and experimental projects working closely with composers from across the country including, Lewis Pesacov, Rand Steiger, Bruno Louchouarn, Christopher Cerrone, Anne LeBaron and many more.
Angie Fisher has built a sterling reputation as an in-demand session and background vocalist. The versatile singer has done studio sessions and toured with artists including Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, and Celine Dion. The Pasadena, Calif. native’s natural talent first came to light at the tender age of four. During a childhood influenced by such icons as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Daryl Coley, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Sisters and a host of others. Fisher began singing professionally at 14. She has appeared on such television shows as “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “American Idol” and “Saturday Night Live.”
The DC6 Singers Collective are a Los Angeles-based ensemble of dynamic and energetic a cappella, gospel, and Motown singers. The DC6 Singers Collective have brought their uplifting and charismatic performances to audiences across the country via film (Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”), national television (The Ellen DeGeneres Show, etc.) and live events across the country. In harmony, the DC6 Singers Collective delivers a unique approach to gospel and Motown standards and breathes new life into classic and current pop standards.
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Founded by Jeffrey Bernstein in 2009, the Pasadena Chorale is an auditioned community chorus presenting affordable high-quality choral concerts and educational programs to the greater Pasadena Community. All of the Pasadena Chorale’s regular concerts are offered on a “Listen First, Then Give” basis, ensuring that all are able to attend, and encouraging the generous support of those who are able. The mission of the Pasadena Chorale is to create choral music that educates, uplifts and inspires as many people as possible.
Rooted in Skid Row through music, community, and openhearted inclusion of the most marginalized members of society, Urban Voices Project amplifies artistic expression to improve well being, strengthen social networks, and inspire individuals to be their own best advocates. They partner with social, civic and healthcare organizations to engage individuals and families across the greater Los Angeles area in music workshops that inspire and empower. Urban Voices Project's outreach choir performances shift the narrative and perception of homelessness in today’s society.
ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Led by Rachael Worby
VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
Jeffrey Bernstein, Artistic Director of Pasadena Chorale
Leeav Sofar, Artistic Director of the Urban Voices Project
David Lee, Artistic Director of The DC6 Singers Collective
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS
Alan Steinberger
Jamey Tate
KEYBOARDS
Alan Steinberger
BASS
Edwin Livingston
GUITARS
Carlinhos Rocha
Justin Smith
STEEL PEDAL GUITAR
Mark Cohen
DRUMS
Jamey Tate
Thank you to our generous season sponsors:
Anonymous (2), Avery and Andrew Barth, Michael Casey, Nancy and Michael Harahan, The Havner Family Foundation, Ellen and Harvey Knell, The Jerry and Terri Kohl Family Foundation, Lois Madison: The Madison Foundation for Families, Debbie and Rick Powell, and Alyce de Roulet Williamson.