THE SOLID ROCK ENSEMBLE

The Solid Rock Ensemble was founded by Harry T. Lyde as a way of spreading the Word of God through music . The current members reside in New Jersey, New York, and the Southern United States. The Ensemble made its debut at the McDonald’s Gospelfest, advancing as finalists in 1989 and 1990.

Since its inception, the Ensemble has traveled throughout the United States lifting the name of Jesus in song and ministering through music at various venues. In 1998, the Ensemble had the distinction and honor of singing at the National Baptist Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, and in May of 2001 and 2005, the Ensemble was presented in concert at the historic Trinity Church, Wall Street, New York.

The musical selections performed by the Ensemble are original compositions by Rev. Gloria Lyde German, the director, accompanist, and featured soloist. Other soloists and lead singers for this CD include Saunja Butler, Marilyn Lyde, Pamela McDaniel, Sharita Stewart, the late A. Freeman Johnson, and special guest soloist, Rev. Michael J. Jordan.

Having previously recorded a maxi-single entitled “Jesus Christ Is Lord,” the members are ecstatic about the release of their first CD, “I’ve Been Redeemed,” which is dedicated in memory of Arthur Freeman Johnson, Rev. and Mrs. Nelson Lyde,  Rev. and Mrs. L. W. Williams, and Deacon and Mrs. Nathan Smith.

The Frierson Brothers Biography

            The Frierson Brothers have been a musically talented family for over 32 years inspired by their parents, Joe and Essie Frierson Sr.  Joe Frierson, Sr. traveled throughout the south with his growing family as a member of the Queen City Gospel Singer of Kingstree, South Carolina.  As Joe and Essies’ family continued to grow each child was taught how to sing and harmonize thus becoming the Frierson Singers.  The Frierson Singers received their first form of performance training from a cousin, Mattie Wilson who groomed the children to be great singers and performers without losing the main reason for their gift, God.

                As years went on, all 10 children began participating in various singing and acting classes in school and also learned how to play various instruments.  The Frierson singers recorded their first singles,  “Do What the Good Book Says” and “God is a Just God”.  In 1972 released “He’s Got Everything you Need” and  “The Problem is Sin” and in 1973 “Trying to Find Peace” received rave reviews throughout gospel radio and the community.

               The Frierson Singers appeared in the movie Dream Team (1988), produced by Christopher Knight.  The Frierson Singers also appeared on national and local television shows including Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel and Dr. Albert Lewis Gospel Hour.  They were first place contestants in The United Way talent show hosted by Trump Plaza (1988).  They have received outstanding commendation by the Municipal Council of the city of Newark for their contributions to the field of gospel music.  They are also active members at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Newark, NJ where Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd is pastor and founder, and The James Cleveland Workshop of America.  Several members of the group have had the opportunity to perform in theater with other world-renowned artists. 

              Life changed for the Frierson Singers due to the death of their Father, Joe Frierson Sr. and sister, Sarah Frierson-Armstrong, who was a lead singer in the group.  During this trying time, some of the group members slowly began to show disinterest in singing, but by the grace of God, Rev. Franklin Frierson Sr. took the leadership role in keeping the group together.   In 1997, Rev. Franklin Frierson Sr. was inspired to bring the entire family together to record an album in memory of his father and sister.  The recording, which was titled “What are they Doing Today”, was comprised of family and friends.  Through the years, the Frierson singers have maintained the saying, “A family that prays together, stays together”.  They began performing as the Frierson Family and Friends for several years after and when the group was requested to travel the Frierson Brothers emerged.

                Over the past 4 years, the Frierson Brothers have performed throughout the United States and now have a regular performance at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, NJ every fourth Sunday.  God has truly anointed these brothers and they are determined to do Gods’ will by spreading His word through song.  They have recorded their first CD on Joyland Records.God has blessed them and is looking forward for bigger and better things to happen.