Gospel music has always been a large part of the African American culture. Through the last years this genre of music has expressed the inner most feelings, expectations and hopes of makind. Today, gospel music has reached the ears and touched the hearts of people all over the world and is appreciated by those who know and understand the spiritual power that flows through the sound and the encouragement that emanates from each message.
The Music:
The SAN FRANCISCO GOSPEL DIVAS are a true testimony that the gospel music sound and its message is still alive and well. The Divas are four of the most astounding female voices that ever have been heard. Cassandra Mathews, keyboard and vocals; Elisa Anderson, soprano; Bernetta Dunham, alto; and Karen DeVone, tenor. Each member began her musical career at an early age and is a gifted artist in her own right. God’s anointing exudes throughout their voices and the messages are profound!
THE SAN FRANCISCO GOSPEL DIVAS:
Cassandra Mathews – The composer,
arranger and director of The Divas, Cassandra
has accompanied and sang with the legendary king of gospel, the late Rev. James Cleveland; gospel greats Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Kathy Taylor Brown, Dr. Bobby Jones (of the acclaimed “Dr. Bobby Jones Show), Helen Stephens and the Voice of Christ, Emmit Powell and the Gospel Elites; and The Gospel Music Workshop of America. A passion and one of the highlight of Cassandra’s career was when she portrayed the role of Roberta Flack in a musical drama presentation. Cassandra has traveled throughout the United States and Europe spreading God’s Word through song. Profound scanting, preaching and playing are just a few attributes to describe Cassandra’s gifts in her ministry.
Elisa Anderson – Since day one Elisa has used her crystal soprano voice to mesmerize listening audiences from the United States to Italy, Germany and Japan. She began singing as a young child in her grandfather’s church, and was lead soloist for it’s recording No Matter What Men Say or Do. Developing her gift, Elisa later joined community choirs, has performed for notable motivational speakers Iyanla Vanzant and Michelle Singletary and was dubbed as “The Songbird”. The years of experience has opened many doors for studio work and performances with many of gospels greatest artists – Rev. Daryl Coley, Bishop Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins’ Community in Praise Choir, just to name a few. Elisa’s octave range is like velvet, smooth and distinct.
Bernetta Dunham – For over four decades, Bernetta is a veteran singer of gospel/spiritual music, and other music genres she has pursued. Bernetta’s voice has been heard on radio and television jingles, voice-over recordings with special sound effects. While traveling extensively throughout the San Francisco Bay area, and the USA, Bernetta has performed with many well known artists such as: Patti LaBelle, Lenny Williams, Stevie Wonder, Sandra & Andre Crouch “The Cogics”, Leon Russell, Edwin Hawkins, Bishop Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir, and numerous others. Bernetta’s voice is exceptional.
Karen DeVone – A singer and entrepreneur, Karen has traveled throughout the United States and Asia, with special concerts in Japan. Karen is a featured lead singer on one of the world’s most outstanding, renowned choirs. Bishop Walter Hawkins’ Love Center Choir, Love Alive V. She has performed and recorded with some of greatest acclaimed recording artists, such as Edwin Hawkins, Oleta Adams, Donald Lawrence, Celine Dion, Richard Smallwood, Tramaine Hawkins, BeBe Winans, Patti LaBelle, The Gospel Music Workshop of America, and many others. Karen has a wail in her delivery that is unmistakable.
So clap your hands and pat your feet to the soulful, jazzy, bluesy, traditional, contemporary, magnificent gospel sounds of Cassandra Mathews and the San Francisco Gospel Divas. HOLD ON!
THE BEST FEMALE GOSPEL QUARTET AROUND !!!
