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One of the Twin Cities' most popular gospel groups, The Golden Swans have been performing together for more than 20 years. In 1980, original members Bobby Thomas and Artie Byrd reformed the group as The "new" Golden Swans and asked James Martin to manage them. The rest of the new members came from places as far away as Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas as well as Minnesota. The group has always felt that their coming together was ordained by God and feel blessed at the immediate success they achieved. Members of the group include: Bobby Thomas (bass and vocals), Leonard Knight (lead guitar), Albert Knight (drums), Ron Collier (rhythm guitar and vocals), Charles Johnson (lead vocals), Artie Byrd (lead vocals), Billy Barnes (vocals), and James Martin (vocals & manager). All of the members had been singing or playing in other gospel groups, most since early childhood. The group's unique 6-part harmony creates a stunning sound as they sing their way through traditional gospel, original compositions and contemporary music. The Golden Swans have shared the stage with such greats as: The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Five Blind Boys, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, and The Williams Brothers. They have performed for Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET television and have been a guest artist in the famous show, "The Gospel of Colonas," starring Morgan Freeman. The Golden Swans have performed on many television shows, recorded four cassette tapes and one CD and have won numerous local music awards including "Best Gospel Group," from the Minnesota Black Music Awards. Get ready as the Golden Swans open the Sunday morning festival with a spirited gospel revival that will have you on your feet clapping, singing and shouting for joy.
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