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Biographical Sketch for the Littlejohn Brothers
The Littlejohn Brothers have been singing gospel music for over 25 years. The group was formally organized in 1979 as an "a cappella" trio of older brothers Terrance, Orville, and Darryl Littlejohn. At the insistence of their parents, younger brothers Randall and Kenneth joined the group later that same year. Currently, the group consists of brothers Terrance, Orville, Darryl, Randall (Drums), and Kenneth (Keyboards), Rodney Birdsong (Guitar), Hilton Hunter (Bass), and John Kimbley, Jr. (Percussion), who joined the group in 1995, 1996, and 2001 respectively. The group has released two recordings. The first, "Old Enough", was completed in 1981, followed by "Elevate My Mind" in 1984. The Brothers are currently in the studio working on their 3rd recording, due to be released April 2005. The recording will feature songs written and arranged by the group. Throughout their 25 year history, the "Brothers" have had the privilege of performing with some of the top artists in the Gospel Music Industry. These artists include The Williams Brothers, The Winans, Witness, The Clark Sisters, the Rance Allen Group, the Canton Spirituals, Rev. Timothy Wright, Dr. Charles Fold and the Charles Fold Singers, and the Jackson Southernaires. The Brothers have also performed throughout the United States at several large venues including the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., in Atlanta GA (1984) and in Cincinnati OH (1985), the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., in Birmingham AL. In 2003, the Brothers performed at the GMWA Board Meeting, which was held in Dayton OH. One of the most rewarding community activities that the Brothers have been part of was the Young Peoples' Interdenominational Mass Musical (YIMM). The vision for the musical arose out of a need to purchase drums to enhance the Music Department at St. Luke. In February 1985, the Littlejohn Brothers in conjunction with the St. Luke Young Adult Choir, held the first Young Peoples' Interdenominational Mass Musical (YIMM), at the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. The first YIMM choir consisted of over 100 youth and young adults from several churches in the Dayton area. For the next 10 years, the YIMM was conducted each February, steadily growing in participants and community involvement. The number of participants grew to over 400 young people from more than 50 churches from the Miami Valley area, easily making it one of the largest youth and young adult musical celebrations in the city. In conjunction with the Musical, an Oratorical Contest was held with scholarships being awarded to several participants. For their efforts, the YIMM received several recognitions, including one from the State of Ohio, Governor George V. Voinovich. The "Brothers" are all members of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton OH, under the leadership of Pastor Sylvester Walker. The "Brothers" all serve in the Music Ministry as part of the Music Staff and the choirs. The members of the group serve in several different ministries in the church. Rev. Orville Littlejohn, who served as an Associate Minister from 1989-2000, currently serves as the Pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church in Southfield MI. John Kimbley currently resides in Dallas TX. The Littlejohn Brothers combine melodious harmony with a blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music to achieve a signature style that is all their own. The "close-knit" harmony that is a by-product of their family relationship is unmatched. The harmony is very well complimented by the musical arrangements that are defined by the band members. |