Who We Are
The Lighthouse Singers was founded in 1979 by the late gospel luminary Helen J. H. Stephens (1929 – 2014). Several of the earliest members had studied gospel music at the Family Light Music School in Sausalito with musician/teacher Dennis Hogan.
Helen Stephens’ vision was to be able to take gospel music out of the churches and teach it to all people. She took a group of young Caucasian singers and introduced them to the richness of African American traditional and contemporary gospel music. A highly respected leader in the gospel music community, Helen opened the door for the Lighthouse Singers to appear as a guest choir at church services and community gatherings throughout the Bay Area
Helen mentored numerous musicians including Deborah Rae Thomson who served as Associate Director from 1980 to 2006, Pianist, arranger, and composer, several of Deborah’s compositions were recorded by the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Mass Choir under her direction. Deborah was also recognized as Director of the Year at the 1980 G.L. Bedford Specials Gospel Academy Awards.
The Lighthouse Singers released their first album “See the Glorious Light” in 1984. During the same year, Helen introduced the choir to the GMWA national convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The first all-white choir to perform at the workshop was received with overwhelming enthusiasm and a standing ovation. The choir continued to attend the GMWA conventions for decades to follow.
The choir also became active participants in the Northern California Chapter of the GMWA where they further embraced gospel traditions and worked with many talented musicians. It was here that they met Ulis Redic who directed the choir from 2009 to 2021 and current director Steven Roberts.
The relationship with Steven began when he accompanied the choir in the early 80’s (including the GMWA convention in 1984) on piano and Hammond B3 organ. He also led numerous Lighthouse Singers’ workshops in Marin County which drew singers, songwriters, and musicians from all over the SF Bay Area. In 1994 the choir produced a live recording titled “Lighthouse Sings the Music of Steven Roberts.”
For over forty years the choir has excited audiences throughout the country in multi-faith and multi-racial church services, built community through public service events and led inspirational workshops open to all who want to learn and share the joy of gospel music.
They have been acclaimed for their beautiful harmonies, powerful performances, and inspirational presence. The choir received honors at the Gospel Academy Awards in Oakland and the keys to the city in Las Vegas.
The Lighthouse Singers is dedicated to cultural & spiritual outreach through music. The choir creates a bridge between diverse communities at a time when it is desperately needed. Through the performance of traditional and contemporary gospel music, they are creating joy and unifying singers and audience members wherever they go.
