Tennessee became known as the “Volunteer State” during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War of 1848, when President James K. Polk of Tennessee issued a call for 2,600, volunteers and 30,000 Tennesseans answered. There is a different call of duty answered by Tennesseans who love to sing Gospel music and be on the battlefield for the Lord. Established in 2006, Jeff Wilford gathered a group of enthusiastic worshippers together to form The Volunteer State Mass Choir. These choir members from across the state of Tennessee from Knoxville to Memphis, volunteer their voices and musical talents to preserve the Gospel choir artistry while sharing inspiration and hope to people across the country, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to their craft and their faith.
The Volunteer State Mass Choir (VSMC) has released a new album that entrenches the soul in a traditional Gospel music experience. I AM GOD is their third album of original Gospel songs and classic favorites. The album features powerful lead vocalists from Tennessee: Reneé Craig, Bishop Belita McMurray-Fite, Sheila Watson, Jennifer Wiggins, Pastor Vincent Johnson, and Patrick D. Sorrell. Wilford also steps up to lead the title track “I Am God.”
I AM GOD is produced by Wilford and Kevin Kelley for Studio 2024 in Nashville, TN. Damien Searcy serves as music director. Their single “I Am Blessed” is written by Kyle Kelley with lead vocals by Jennifer Wiggins. VSMC dedicates their new album to the late Val Craig-McMurray. Val was a devoted VSMC member and was affectionately known as “Mama Val – Nashville’s Mother” in the middle TN community.
I AM GOD is now avaible on all digital music outlets. VSMC recently celebrated the album’s release with a stirring performance at The Gospel Music Workshop Of America and GMWA National Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals in Memphis, TN. They will launch their fall tour in September with appearances throughout Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
