SHARING THE ACCOMPLIHMENTS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN NORTHERN NEVADA HISTORY
START YOUR HISTORY SEARCH FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN NORTHERN NEVADA
Sierra Gospel Singers
Organized in the mid 1950’s
in the small military community of Herlong Ca., this gifted group made a musical impact in Northern Nevada During a time of social growing pains in the Reno area the Sierra Gospel Singers were part of the cultural ground breaking and spiritual progression of the African-American community around the 50’s and 60’s.
Their melodious voices could be heard in African-American churches in Herlong, Reno, Quincy, Las Vegas & Susanville and recordings of their songs could be heard every Sunday morning on the radio. “Have I Given Anything Today” was their theme song and they opened with it wherever they sang. Other songs included “Thank You Jesus”, “Trouble In My Way”, “Wade In The Water” & “Old Ship Of Zion”, just to name a few.
The Sierra Gospel Singers rubbed shoulders with some of the greatest in gospel music at that time such as Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers. Pictured above, starting with the front row, left to right, we have Albert Robinson (Lead/Bass) & Joseph Bufkin (Tenor). Back row, left to right is Jim Cooper (Lead/Baritone), J. W. Towner (Tenor/Bass) & Onie Cooper (Manager/Lead/Bass/Baritone).
