Additional Resources
Artist's Official Website: http://www.paschallbrothers.com/
Millennium Stage Home Page
Part of the Performing Arts for Everyone Initiative
THE PASCHALL BROTHERS
About the Artist
In March 1981, in Norfolk, Virginia, Rev. Frank A. Paschall, Sr. and five of his seven sons came together to form their own a cappella gospel group, The Rev. Frank Paschall & the Paschall Brothers. Under the guidance and direction of their father, these young men have become one of the most unique and innovative singing groups in their field today.
In 1984, the group was reformed after the departure of two of the five brothers. During this time of transition, the group was blessed with the gifted voice of Renard Freeman. Also a native of Norfolk, Freeman possessed the same drive and dedication of the group. At the time, the group consisted of Rev. Frank Sr., Frank Jr., Tarrence, William, and Renard Freeman. Since their existence, this group of young men has been a blessing of encouragement to people all over the eastern seaboard. The Paschall Brothers have performed with various artists, including The Fairfield Four, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mt. Boys, John Jackson, and Cephas and Wiggins, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and others.
In 1999, Rev. Frank Paschall, Sr., the patriarch and founder of the group, passed away. Although the legacy of Rev. Frank Sr. could never be replaced, the group was blessed with the addition of Jonnie Lewis in 2000. The presence of Mr. Lewis allowed the Paschall Brothers to continue singing in their standard "five-man lineup." In September 2002, the Paschall Brothers were introduced to a young, dedicated keeper of the folk art tradition, Jon Lohman. Mr. Lohman expressed his desire to keep the tradition of the Paschall's craft alive, and persuaded the group to train younger artists to carry on this distinctive form of folklore. In addition to training their own children and the children of family members and friends, the Paschall Brothers spearheaded an apprenticeship program sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities in Charlottesville, Virginia. The VFH also assisted the Paschall's in making their CD Songs For Our Father, in memory of Rev. Frank Paschall, Sr.
The group has since restructured. The departure of Mr. Lewis and Mr. William Paschall encouraged the group to use the skilled voices of Tarrence Paschall Jr. and Renard Freeman Jr., who, with their fathers Tarrence Sr., Renard Sr., and their uncle Frank Jr., currently make up The Paschall Brothers.
Past Performances
February 14, 2009
A multi-generational family group, this five-man lineup showcases the legacy of classic, soulful Virginia Tidewater Gospel. Presented in cooperation with the National Museum for African American History and Culture.
May 30, 2008
The Paschall Brothers sing traditional gospel hymns, taught by their father and founder the late Rev. Frank Paschall, in their standard five-man lineup. Dubbed the “Kings of A Cappella,” The Persuasions have been together for more than forty years with the original and founding members.
June 15, 2004
The Paschall Brothers carry on the tradition of the religious a capella group formed in 1981 by their father, Rev. Frank Paschall, Sr., in Tidewater Virginia.
