The Mississippi Mass Choir, a legendary gospel group from the United States, performed to a sold-out audience at the Auditorio de Tenerife last night (Sunday) as part of their "The Gospel Legend Tour."
The eagerly anticipated event reaffirmed the enduring popularity of gospel music on the island.
Founded in 1988 by Frank Williams, a prominent member of the Jackson Southernaires and an executive with Malaco Records, the Mississippi Mass Choir achieved extraordinary success with their debut album. Recorded in October 1988, the album topped the Billboard gospel charts just five weeks after its release in spring 1989.
That same year, the group earned accolades as Choir of the Year and Best New Artist at the James Cleveland Convention in New Orleans and received four Stellar Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Gospel Video.
A Global Legacy in Gospel Music
The Mississippi Mass Choir has built a remarkable international career, performing in the United States, Japan, Latin America, and Europe. They were the first gospel group to grace the stage of the Acropolis in Athens and performed for Pope John Paul II at his summer residence. Their pioneering global tours have left a lasting impact on gospel music worldwide.
Their relationship with Spain began in 1997, with a debut performance at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, followed by concerts in Girona, San Sebastián, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Tenerife holds a special place in their history, as they performed alongside the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra in 2010 during the traditional Christmas concert organised by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Authority.
Gospel’s Connection with Tenerife
This year’s performance highlights the choir’s enduring connection to Tenerife’s audiences. Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, described the event as a “cultural gift of the season,” underlining the significance of bringing world-class gospel music to the island.
Malaco Records, known in the United States as "The Last Soul Company," continues to represent the Mississippi Mass Choir, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.
As the final notes resonated through the auditorium, the concert left no doubt that gospel’s uplifting spirit and deep traditions remain a cherished art form, capable of transcending borders and languages.
