The Greene Sisters to perform Saturday
The Greene Sisters of Baltimore, who have shared the stage with gospel legends such as James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Shirley Caesar, and the Staple Singers, are returning to the gospel scene.
The group is giving a free concert tomorrow night at Israel Baptist Church.
Speaking with Maxine Webb this week, she said that she and her sisters – Edna Isaac, Joyce Sanders and Sherry Bogier (the newest member) - will sing crowd favorites and originals songs such as "Rushing of a Mighty Wind (Blow Wind Blow)" and "My God is Able."
Their father, the Rev. Albert Greene, formed the original group, which included Isaac, Sanders and Webb, and a few "singing sisters" that weren't relatives. They performed locally and also traveled the world performing before military audiences as part of the USO.
But in the 1970s "life happened,’’ she said. And for the most part, the group disbanded.
"I went to college,’’ Webb said. "My sisters went onto be moms and pursue other interests ... We had some concerts but nothing like we use to.’’
They are all grandparents and now have time to rededicate themselves to their first love. Two years ago, they performed with the legendary the Mighty Clouds of Joy in Lanham. There were so many who requested that they return to gospel.
"The time is right,’’ Webb said.
The group, with its new band the Winds of Change, will sing an array of gospel that includes country western, Negro spirituals, contemporary and traditional. Some music will have a bluesy flavor.
The concert will be in the church's new sanctuary at North Washington and East Preston streets. Doors open at 4:45 p.m.; concert at 6 p.m. Information: 410-732-3494.
