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SWEET HEAVEN KINGS
About the Artist
The Sweet Heaven Kings is the premier brass band at the United House of Prayer in Anacostia. The gospel brass band tradition is unique to this denomination. It was introduced into services by charismatic church founder Bishop Charles M. “Sweet Daddy” Grace. Grace established his first congregation in 1919 in West Wareham, Massachusetts, with an emphasis on the direct, physical experience of the Spirit. From the 1920s onward, as the church spread rapidly throughout the South, Grace began using brass instruments as the centerpiece of his all-day, all-night services. By the 1960s, trombones became the instrument of choice for House of Prayer bands, and groups were expanded to create a fuller, more multi-layered sound in the vein of large gospel choirs. The Kings of Harmony was formed in Washington, D.C., during this period and Norvus Miller emerged as the group’s leader. Norvus “Butch Littlejohn” Miller Sr., who died May 1, 1994, described this music as “inspirational gospel whose purpose is to edify and glorify the Lord.”
Sweet Heaven Kings is comprised of sixteen musicians, including two of Miller’s sons, one of whom now leads the band. The brothers play first and second lead trombones. Instruments include three lead trombones (with two playing at a time), two sets of “run” horns (two trombones playing harmony parts), background trombones that simulate the body of the choir, sousaphone, baritone horn, and a percussion section with bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals. The instrumental “voices” are arranged in three- and four-part harmonies with the lead horns playing on top of the run horns. The music builds slowly through songs to a sustained crescendo known as “thundering,” with lead players improvising and blowing with great intensity.
Upcoming performances
The 16-member gospel brass and percussion ensemble creates a joyful holiday program with its unique instrumentation and powerful voices.
Past Performances
December 18, 2008
The 16-member gospel brass and percussion ensemble creates a joyful holiday program with its unique instrumentation and powerful voices.
December 18, 2007
The 16-member gospel brass and percussion ensemble from the United House of Prayer creates a joyful holiday program with its unique instrumentation and powerful voices.
December 14, 2006
The 16-member gospel brass and percussion band from the United House of Prayer performs a joyful holiday program. PART OF THE GOSPEL CELEBRATION
December 10, 2004
Gospel Celebration, featuring the Sweet Heaven Kings: The 16-member gospel brass and percussion band from the United House of Prayer use their unique and powerful voices for a joyful holiday program.
February 1, 2004
Sweet Heaven Kings, the gospel brass band from the United House of Prayer, perform with their group of 16 musicians whose instrumental “voices” include trombones, sousaphone, baritone horn, and a percussion section.
December 12, 2003
Gospel Celebration, featuring the Sweet Heaven Kings: The 16-member gospel brass and percussion band from the United House of Prayer use their unique and powerful voices for a joyful holiday program.
December 20, 2002
Sweet Heaven Kings, the 16-member gospel brass and percussion band from the United House of Prayer, use their unique and powerful instrumental voices to bring us a joyful holiday program.
January 1, 2002
The gospel brass band from the United House of Prayer, the Sweet Heaven Kings, perform with their group of 16 musicians whose instrumental “voices” include trombones, sousaphone, baritone horn, and a percussion section.
