Written by L. M. Land and Pat Hill. Photos by L. M. Land
Featured photo: The New McCree Theatre Community Choir sang “He’s Able” by Kirk Franklin. The choir’s featured singer was Kevelin Jones, III.
The “New” McCree Theatre Community Choir sang to celebrate the second annual fundraiser for the “New” McCree Theatre on Clio Road in Flint, MI, on June 27, 2026. Known for their quality showcase of local stage talent, the choir continues to enhance the excellence of McCree productions.
The theme for the evening was “A Tribute to Gospel Legends, Past and Present.” Soloists and the full choir sang songs by Mahalia Jackson, Thomas Dorsey, The Clark Sisters, Andrae Crouch, The Winans Brothers, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Dottie Peoples, Kirk Franklin, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer and the Mississippi Mass Choir.
Pat Hill, McCree marketing director and creator of the McCree Community Choir, read short biographies of the featured composers and musicians.
The audience was uplifted to the rafters by the glorious music.
Two local legends were also honored, namely Elder A. Jeffrey LaValley and the late Bishop Odis A. Floyd of Inspirational Voices of New Jerusalem FGBC.
Inspirational Voices of New Jerusalem was founded in 1965, under the pastorate of the late Rev. L. W. Owens by Sister Brenda Floyd. It was originally named the Senior Choir. Reverend Odis A. Floyd was appointed the first president by Reverend Owens.
In 1971, LaValley came to the church, where under his direction and leadership, the Inspirational Voices was birthed, nurtured and trained into a 100 voice, ten album recording choir. Their first album was a fundraiser for the church anniversary. The first three albums were produced under the direction of Reverend J. W. Callahan. The last seven were under the direction of LaValley.*
As a writer, musician, director and/or producer, LaValley has appeared on over 270 projects including the New Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir, Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir, Florida Mass Choir, Charles Fold & The Charles Fold Singers, Myrna Summers, Rev. Donald Vails, Rev. James Cleveland, The Wisconsin Community Choir, , The Christianaires, Douglas Miller, Keith Pringle and the Pentecostal Community Choir, The Jackson Southernaires, The Voices-Supreme, Betty Griffin-Keller, Charisma, Dello Thedford & The Gospel Symphonic Choir.*
The Full Gospel Baptist Church Mass Choir productions were nominated for 1996 Stellar, Soul Train and Grammy Awards, Lou Rawls and many others. LaValley served as the musical director for the Tramaine Hawkins Road Band and formerly served as the concertmaster for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir. He coordinated the choral background vocals for the Palace of Auburn Hills concert performance of Pop Star George Michael, and he appeared he with Aretha Franklin in concert in Flint and at the Joe Dumars Retirement Celebration at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He was also a featured artist in the “Gentlemen of Gospel Series” at the John F. Kennedy Center, Washington D.C. and coordinated the music for the nuptials of filmmaker Michael Moore.*
In 1987, LaValley was commissioned to compose a song for Pope John IV during his Papal visit to Detroit, and in 1989 and was awarded the G.M.W.A. Excellence Award for Song of the Year—Contemporary, “No Greater Love”. He was also featured as one of the top producers of 1994 in the Gospel Music Industry Roundup, the 1996 edition of the Gospel Music Industry Roundup, and was featured in the 1997 and 1998 editions of the Gospel Music Industry Roundup, as one of the most sought-after producers in gospel music. In 2001, he received the Vision Award from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Black Sacred Music Symposium for his achievements in gospel music.*
In 2001, his first instrumental musical project was released, “…From My Heart.” On June 15, 2004, Jeffrey released his second musical project, entitled, “Round 2.” His composition, “Revelation 19:1,” was chosen as the entrant for the Papal Celebration at the Vatican in June 2006, and is featured in the movie, “Lockdown”.
LaValley is a legend not only in the Flint gospel community, also around the world.
Some of LaValley’s biggest radio hits were “Everything will be alright”, “The Lord is My Light”, “You’ve Been Mighty Good to Me”, “Show Me the Way and “Revelation 19:1”. To this day, “Revelation: 19:1” is being sung around the world.
It was also the last song sung by the McCree Theatre Community Choir after a reenactment of the creation of the song.
Pastor Alfred L. Harris Sr., Saints of God Church, closed the concert with prayer, which sent us all on our way home in just the right frame of mind.
This musical journey would not have been possible without the talents of Christopher Young, Choir Director and George Warren, musical director. Playing were Andre Reed, keys; Josh Jones, bass; guitar, Mario Turner; organ, Willie Huddleson Jr. and 15-year-old drummer, Makhyi Simms. The pit singers were Johnnie Person, Camille Harris, Tekhoyia Kirkland and Kevin Johnson.
The McCree Theatre Community Choir is comprised of over 30 people who have been a part of McCree’s theatrical and musical history. Even if you were a child in a play and are older now, you may still join the choir.
The choir is also available to hire for your events and can perform a variety of Contact Pat Hill at 810-342-8467 if you are interested in singing or hiring!.
The “New” McCree Theatre’s mission is “To tell the African American Story in the African American voice.” The theatre is located at 4601 Clio Road – Flint, MI 48504. Learn more by calling 810-787-2200., or at https://www.thenewmccreetheatre.com
*Additional resource for LaValley’s accomplishments: Facebook: Inspirational Voices of New Jerusalem FGBC
Revelations 19:1 – “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power unto the Lord our God” KJV
