Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Advertisement
    • Contact Us
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Advertise With Us
    • Home
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
        • Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PSA Radio
      • Featured
    • News
      • State
      • Local
      • National/International News
      • Global
      • Business
        • Commentary
        • Finance
        • Local Business
      • Investigative Stories
        • Affordable Housing
        • DCS Investigation
        • Gentrification
    • Editorial
      • National Politics
      • Local News
      • Local Editorial
      • Political Editorial
      • Editorial Cartoons
      • Cycle of Shame
    • Community
      • History
      • Tennessee
        • Chattanooga
        • Clarksville
        • Knoxville
        • Memphis
      • Public Notices
      • Women
        • Let’s Talk with Ms. June
    • Education
      • College
        • American Baptist College
        • Belmont University
        • Fisk
        • HBCU
        • Meharry
        • MTSU
        • University of Tennessee
        • TSU
        • Vanderbilt
      • Elementary
      • High School
    • Lifestyle
      • Art
      • Auto
      • Tribune Travel
      • Entertainment
        • 5 Questions With
        • Books
        • Events
        • Film Review
        • Local Entertainment
      • Family
      • Food
        • Drinks
      • Health & Wellness
      • Home & Garden
      • Featured Books
    • Religion
      • National Religion
      • Local Religion
      • Obituaries
        • National Obituaries
        • Local Obituaries
      • Faith Commentary
    • Sports
      • MLB
        • Sounds
      • NBA
      • NCAA
      • NFL
        • Predators
        • Titans
      • NHL
      • Other Sports
      • Golf
      • Professional Sports
      • Sports Commentary
      • Metro Sports
    • Media
      • Video
      • Photo Galleries
      • Take 10
      • Trending With The Tribune
    • Classified
    • Obituaries
      • Local Obituaries
      • National Obituaries
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Featured

    From Dreams to Reality: AOB, Producers Detail Historic Gospel Album “Urban Hymnal” 

    Alexis ClarkBy Alexis ClarkAugust 11, 2022Updated:August 11, 2022No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Tumblr Reddit Email
    Two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist, left, and AOB Assistant Director professor Larry Jenkins, record historic gospel album titled “Urban Hymnal,” with AOB on campus. Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    By Alexis Clark

     NASHVILLLE, TN (TSU News Service) — From Black spiritual to contemporary, musical experts say Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands anticipated gospel album is a conceptual journey of faith that embodies the evolution of gospel music told through the lenses of an HBCU band.

    Titled ‘The Urban Hymnal,’ the album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created in the Land of Golden Sunshine. The history-making album features trailblazers within the gospel music industry.

    When Dr. Reginald McDonald was promoted to Director of Bands in 2015, his predecessor told him to dream big for the band’s legacy,  to ensure a high level of national prominence, and to be known as one of the top bands in the country. AOB’s most recent main stage accomplishment was performing at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, sponsored by a partnership with McDonalds, highlighting African American culture.

    “And as a result of that performance, so many mega artists within the gospel community have now asked to be a part of the project,” McDonald said.

    It is executively produced by AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA. The album is in the final stages of production and will include features from music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more.

    “For me to be the band director of Tennessee State is nothing short of divine intervention. This album can do something to solidify the branding of not just the band, but the university for decades,” McDonald said. “This will be the first (album) from us, it won’t be our last.” He said he is grateful to have the ability to transition students, ‘from dreams to reality.’

    TSU senior Arianna Scott, said she wasn’t sure about playing the piccolo in high school, but historic moments like being a part of the album made her instrumental journey worth her while. “All this legacy that we have … a gospel album is huge for us,” Scott said, describing how excited she was to hear herself playing the piccolo on the recorded album.

    Advertisement

    To add this milestone onto AOB’s lengthy list of accomplishments over the years, professor Jenkins, who also contributed to composing the album, said this is yet another first for the band, putting them in position to lead the way for bands all over the world.

    “All the opportunity that comes from this … getting credit on an album that we need to get a Grammy for, that’s what really makes me feel good about it.” Jenkins has hopes of the album receiving a Grammy in the gospel roots category next year. “It feels amazing to be a part of something so unique, so progressive,” he said, noting that the process of creating the album is a family affair for AOB and the university.

    TSU alum Dubba-AA, couldn’t agree more.

    “This band program isn’t just a program … this is my family,” he said. “It (the album) is going to make you want to get closer to God. This album will touch souls.” He said he is honored to be a part of the project, working besides trailblazers in the music industry, and ‘doing things that no one has done on an HBCU scale.’

    Sir the Baptist, who received an honorary degree at TSU last spring alongside Dallas Austin, said the album is a game changer.

    “We will bring back to life some of the hymnals, but in an urban way,” he said. “To have support from so many people and brands, it means a lot and shows us that we are on the right track. “This is really going to change culture.”

    The album is set to be released no later than mid- September and will be available on every major platform.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Alexis Clark

    Related Posts

    TSU names new interim directors for Aristocrat of Bands, and Cheer and Dance Group

    May 11, 2025

    Sonya Jenkins’ Animated Film “Smiley, The Flight Attendant” to Screen at Indie Night Film Festival in Hollywood

    May 11, 2025

    Pope Leo XIV: A Chicago Native Makes Vatican History

    May 8, 2025

    TSU Honors New Generation of Leaders at Spring Commencement Celebration

    May 8, 2025

    Countless Memories for Her Family

    May 7, 2025

    Trump’s student loan plans are an anti-stimulus for a struggling economy

    May 2, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Business

    FUNdraising Good Times Survival through partnerships, collaborations, and mergers

    May 14, 2025

    Target Boycotts and its Effect on Both Sides of the Black Dollar

    May 6, 2025

    FedEx to Launch FedEx Easy Returns at 3,000 Locations Across the US, Supported by Blue Yonder

    May 2, 2025
    1 2 3 … 382 Next
    Education
    Education

    MTSU provides 300-plus area girls solid career choices at second annual ‘Ladies in Concrete’ event

    By adminMay 16, 2025

    MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s celebrated Concrete Industry Management program hosted over 320…

    From Stratford to Harvard: GEAR UP Student Earns Full Scholarship to Ivy League School

    May 14, 2025

    Austin Peay State University graduates 1,400 students at Spring 2025 commencement

    May 14, 2025

    MTSU College of Media and Entertainment adds 4 alums to prestigious ‘Wall of Fame’

    May 14, 2025
    The Tennessee Tribune
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Store
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    © 2025 The Tennessee Tribune - Site Designed by No Regret Media.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Our Spring Sale Has Started

    You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/