Down through the years, Gospel music has gone through several changes. Stemming from the acapella style of Gospel's Golden Age, to the very large and sometime overly-produced material of today's Gospel sound. Fortunately, there are still a few Gospel artists that believe in getting the message across and not just music. Such is the case with the W.D. Gospel Singers of Sacramento. These gentlemen have the ability to take the traditional approach in creating their material, and mix it with a soulful, but spiritual groove. Together this combination is what they call "Gospel Soul."
The
W.D. Gospel Singers were organized in 1981, by the Washington brothers (Willie,
Lonzie, and Clemmie) and the Dosty brothers (Arthur and Vernell). As time went
on, a few changes took place. Shortly after Vernell Dosty left the group, they
were joined by vocalist Charles Ward and 16 year old guitarist-vocalist Marcel
Smith. Today, the group consists of; Willie Washington (vocal), Charles Ward
(vocal), Marcel Smith (vocal/guitar), Marcus Davis (vocal/bass), Kalvin Daniels
(vocal), and Gene McClain (guitar). Together these men make up one of the most
exciting Gospel groups to ever come out of Northern California.
Check out the W.D.'s Have Mercy! release,
Old Time Religion