Memphis, TN — The legendary Gospel Quartet group, The Brown Singers, was founded in 1976 by Willie Mae “Brown” Richmond. Group members then were Vanessa Brown (Knowles), Dolly Starks (Mohn), the late Elizabeth Starks (Cleveland), Rosemary Starks (Mathis), and Ray King. In the early 90s, the group began to go through changes, and Vanessa’s 12-year-old daughter, “Lil Lisa,” became the group’s lead singer. Fast forward forty years, Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers have emerged as the preeminent quartet group in Gospel music today.
Vanessa Brown Knowles, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Jackienna Richmond, Sierra Ward-Pope, and Rachel Anderson now carry the legacy of this iconic group. Further adding to their popularity and accolades garnered over the years, the ladies recently brought home two more Stellar Gospel Music Awards for their album LIVE IN MEMPHIS 2.
The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards and live show taping took place in Las Vegas, NV in July. Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers won Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of The Year and Quartet Of The Year. These wins reflect and repeat The Brown’s win in 2015 during the 30th annual Stellar Awards in the same categories for their THE EVOLUTION album. They also performed at the Stellar Awards Show in 2015 with the late Bishop Rance Allen; this year, Lisa will appear on the show.
Lisa will be showcased in a high-energy performance with Ricky Dillard on Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” premiering on the Stellar Network and BET August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. Co-hosted by comedians Rickey Smiley and Loni Love, BET will also air the show on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT.
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers continue to evolve, bringing their fresh sound and fashionable style to the genre while embracing and preserving the traditional roots of Gospel quartet. Their award-winning LIVE IN MEMPHIS 2 album is a powerful reflection of their versatile and dynamic artistry. LIVE IN MEMPHIS 2 boasts 16 powerful tracks, including the single “Right On Time,” currently rising up the Gospel radio charts.
Click here to learn more about The Brown Singers tour dates, music, and their legacy.
