Sweet Heaven Kings - "Oh Happy Day" | LIVE at The Kennedy Center
98,787
Published 2018-03-25
Part of Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. December 16, 2017.
Watch the full performance here:
• Sweet Heaven Kings - Millennium Stage...
The Sweet Heaven Kings is the premier brass band at the United House of Prayer in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The gospel brass band tradition is unique to this denomination. It was introduced into services by charismatic church founder Bishop Charles M. "Sweet Daddy" Grace. Grace established his first congregation in 1919 in West Wareham, Massachusetts, with an emphasis on the direct, physical experience of the Spirit. From the 1920s onward, as the church spread rapidly throughout the South, Grace began using brass instruments as the centerpiece of his all-day, all-night services. By the 1960s, trombones became the instrument of choice for House of Prayer bands, and groups were expanded to create a fuller, more multi-layered sound in the vein of large gospel choirs. The Kings of Harmony was formed in Washington, D.C., during this period and Norvus Miller emerged as the group's leader. Norvus "Butch Littlejohn" Miller Sr., who died May 1, 1994, described this music as "inspirational gospel whose purpose is to edify and glorify the Lord."
Sweet Heaven Kings is comprised of sixteen musicians, including two of Miller's sons, one of whom now leads the band. The brothers play first and second lead trombones. Instruments include three lead trombones (with two playing at a time), two sets of "run" horns (two trombones playing harmony parts), background trombones that simulate the body of the choir, sousaphone, baritone horn, and a percussion section with bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals. The instrumental "voices" are arranged in three- and four-part harmonies with the lead horns playing on top of the run horns. The music builds slowly through songs to a sustained crescendo known as "thundering," with lead players improvising and blowing with great intensity.
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All Comments (21)
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Family, this is what it's all about. Unity, Love, Christ.
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Black, you are god ! Your emotion are my
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I just cried in my heart. Thanks to my God for grace and love.
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I want to watch you all sing and play live when we are all together - you know where that’s going to be. Glory to God. Praise Jesus.
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This made Me smile from the beginning to the end ❤😊
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Nice brass horns! Know that they can do GOSPEL!!!
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You come in church Croatia ! I love all black Soul
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I wish I was there to join in the singing
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A m a z i n g ❤
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Just Beautiful!
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I love you guys
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Love it
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6:09 When I get to Heaven
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Awesome!
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Mercy
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진짜 감동♡ 나도 가보고싶네 ㅠ
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Sensacional.....
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Impresionante
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❤❤❤
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Hay alguien que no la rompa cantando en esa iglesia??? Genial la verdad!!!