c. 2007 Religion News Service
CLEVELAND _ Mother Mary Bryant celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday (Aug. 12) by singing with her former choir, the New Jerusalem Mass Choir in Cleveland. The Tennessee native began singing gospel at age 4 in Nashville; she moved to Cleveland in 1947 and sang at New Jerusalem for 50 years. She now lives with her daughter in Nashville.
When she was introduced as “the angel of New Jerusalem” on Sunday, shequickly brought the awed audience to its hand-clapping, gospel-swaying feet with phrasing and timing polished over 96 years.
Q: Are you still singing?
A: Yes, at my church, Mount Gilead Baptist in Nashville. I’ll do it forever. I told you that was my gift. And whistle (to gospel tunes) also. I’m still doing that, too.
Q: What do you sing at home?
A: “How Great Thou Art,” “God Is an Awesome God,” whatever comes into my mind.
Q: Who taught you to sing gospel?
A: My mother. I would follow her around the house while she was working. My mother would select a song and teach me how to sing it. “It Is Well With My Soul” was one of the songs she taught me.
Q: Did any gospel singers inspire you?
A: The old singers, Mahalia Jackson and Marian Anderson. When I was small, I would listen to them on the radio. The spirit of God is in their voices. I don’t know (how). It’s a gift from God, that’s all I know.
Q: What is your favorite song?
A: My favorite song? I have so many, it’s kind of hard to pick one, but I’m going to try: “I Must Tell Jesus.” Because if you were in trouble, you could tell Jesus about it, and he would hear you and help you.
Q: How has gospel music changed over the years?
A: The beats of the songs are different. They’re all faster. They say the words so fast sometimes you can’t even understand them.
Q: Do you like the contemporary gospel music?
A: Not too much. I’m from the old school. I love the old things.
Q: So what would you tell a gospel singer starting out today?
A: Have faith in God. Use the gift that God gave you and use it wisely.
Q: Is God still good?
A: All the time. All the time. My health is good. I don’t take any type of sedatives, no medicine whatsoever. I know God is good.
Q: Any advice for living a long, happy life?
A: I have none, honey. If it’s the will of God, that’s all I know, it being his will. You do what he wants you to do, that’s all I know.
(David Briggs writes for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland.)
KRE/CM END BRIGGS450 words
A photo of Mother Mary Bryant is available via https://religionnews.com.
