The McCrary Sisters

For The McCrary Sisters, the daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary — one of the original members of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, music is a birthright, a lifelong love affair, a sometimes career, an indescribable joy, and occasionally, a cross to bear.

The daughters were raised in harmony, singing at home and at their father’s church. The McCrary’s home was filled with music, whether it was the Fairfield Four or frequent guests that included a pantheon of gospel greats, including Shirley Caesar and James Cleveland.

Ann traveled and sang with the Fairfield Four from the age of 3 until she was 6. She sung with various gospel groups on the weekends until she began singing and traveling with the BCM Mass Choir (Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist) as one of their soloist. Ann has performed with the who’s who of contemporary gospel music, including The Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and many more. Ann has recorded 2 CD’s: “What Is This,” produced by Cedric, and Victor Caldwell, recorded on ATF records; and the self-titled “Ann McCrary,” produced by Steve Crawford, on Vital records. Ann was also a member of Bobby Jones’s Nashville Super Choir for 12 years.

Regina began her singing career traveling with the BCM Mass Choir as one of the soloists at the age of 7, and was known throughout the choir’s travels for singing/recording “I Made A Vow” (the recording was nominated for a Grammy). Regina toured and performed for 6 years with the legendary songwriter Bob Dylan. She recorded three albums with Dylan: “Slow Train Coming”, “Saved”, and “Shot of Love”. Regina released her solo CD, “I Made A Vow”, in 2007. Regina also performed with Elvis and Stevie Wonder and has sung with Bobby Jones, and The New Life Singers, and The Nashville Super Choir.

Until recently, Alfreda rarely sang with her sisters. She dedicated her time singing and preaching in the music ministry industry with her husband Narcisco Lee, at the Old Happy Day Church. She has a CD out titled “Songs From The Heart.”

Deborah did not pursue a singing career; instead she became a nurse and sang with her sisters part-time. For a time, the sisters sang with their brother Ricky, and some cousins in the CBS (Cousins, Brother, Sisters) band.

Regina, Ann, and Alfreda have performed in musical theater as well, and recorded with country music greats like Johnny Cash, and Wynona Judd. The sisters’ list of recording sessions, and long association with Bobby Jones TV show spans genres and generations. Most recently, they’ve recorded & toured with gospel-rock powerhouse Mike Farris, he who won the (2008 Americana Music Awards “Emerging Artist Award” and 2010 Dove Award winner for Best Traditional Gospel Album for the album “Shout! Live”, recorded at Nashville’s Station Inn.)

Ann and Regina McCrary: were featured on “Universal United House of Prayer”, by Buddy Miller, were featured vocalists on Patty Griffin’s acclaimed gospel project “Downtown Church” recorded at Nashville’s downtown Presbyterian Church, and sang background vocals on Ray Stevens’ classic “Everything Is Beautiful.”

While bloodlines and resumes are all well and good, nothing can prepare you for the experience of hearing The McCrary Sisters live, though “OUR JOURNEY” may be the next best thing. No words can describe the power, and passion and pure soulfulness of The McCrary Sisters–Ann, Deborah, Regina, and Alfreda. Hear them once, and you will never be the same.