Singers "belt it out" at Seminoles' Gospel 'Singspiration' - Brief Article

When Gary McSpadden, renowned Christian Television singer formerly with the Oak Ridge Boys, Imperials, and Gaither Vocal Band came to Hollywood Reservation in July 2001, "The New Battiest Family Gospel Singers" was the opening act.

A few months later, the Battiests hosted the Carolina Boys (formerly Kingsmen) in a Christmas concert held, again, on the Hollywood Seminole Reservation. The group had an extensive resume' when they performed as the Kingsmen, but are well on their way to making their new title a household name.

Two of the Battiests--Henry, Jr. (Just call him Junior) and his ten-year-old son, Spencer, held their own as they joined the Boys on the stage, and sang to a standing room only crowd.

Poised for stardom in their own right, the Battiests recently put together their own show in a big way; they coordinated a gathering-of-nations-type powow Thanksgiving weekend. Some of the finest voices in Indian gospel music converged on the Hollywood, Florida Reservation, and later toured other reserves.

The national affair featured "The Master's Touch" (Oklahoma City), "The Wright Family," (Buffalo, New York), "crossroads," (Tahlequah, Oklahoma, First Place winners in a Kentucky competition), "The Gibbs Family," (Titusville, Florida), soloists Mercedes Bailey, (Tecumseh, Oklahoma), and Kathy Antone (Oklahoma City). Ms. Antone is the only presently performing member of the pioneer Indian gospel singing family, "The Antones."

Well known in Indian Gospel circles, the New Battiest Family has performed in the United States, the Bahamas and Canada. They are noted for their smooth style injected with subtle, good-natured humor.

The group consists of lead singer and manager Henry Battiest, Jr., his father, Henry, Sr. (founder of the Battiest Family singers) who plays the keyboard, and also belts out gospel songs in a powerful, distinctive baritone.

As for Junior's two precocious sons, the old "show-biz" saying that you can't steal a scene from a child certainly holds true. Spencer often sings lead, and is right at home onstage. His flawless singing is accentuated by the unstudied gestures of a natural performer. He also employs the humor he inherited from his father.

His twelve-year-old brother, Zachary (Just call him Zach), a more laid-back kid, is the group's little drummer boy, Indian style. He was recently invited to perform with the youth philharmonic orchestra, but declined in order to continue touring with the family.

Leroy "Kino" King, who sings bass, is the group's only non-family member. It was his idea last Spring to organize such a praise-a-thon.

Junior's wife, June, once a lead singer with the group, is now a driving force behind the scenes. It is largely she who plays "phone-tag," al-ranges things, and plans the logistics. She juggles all while being a full-time mother to their six children.

The family talent, however, doesn't end there. Junior's sister, Lynn Maye, sings with "Crossroads," and her six-year-old daughter, Amber, is a budding soloist.

The songfest began with dinner at Chickee Baptist Church on the Hollywood Reservation on Friday, with a few flights arriving late because of tightened airport security measures nationwide.

By Saturday, however, all the groups were in and enjoyed a buffet dinner hosted by the Battiests at the Hilton Hotel. After a feast of turkey, beef, seafood, and many side dishes and desserts, the groups and soloists performed again, and gave a number of testimonies.

They also sang and gave testimonies at the Brighton Reservation. The tour culminated on Sunday at the Big Cypress Reservation.

"Lives were changed," Junior Battiest said. "We bad at least one salvation. People crowded to the altar to pray. You could really feel the presence of God's Spirit."

As he further emphasized the importance of Indian gospel music, he stated that it is his mission to bring it into the mainstream. He believes that cultural constraints are largely the reason that the nation is unaware of Native gospel singers.

"With the exception of the Antones, Indian gospel singers have largely been reluctant to travel from their reservation or communities, some in remote areas, to where the action is," he adds.

He also cites the lack of original material as an obstacle to the progress of Indian gospel music. Native singers, he believes, have to start writing their own songs. "It's time-consuming to get permission to record someone else's music," Battiest states.

Battiest further believes that the groups need somebody at the top and out front, somebody who has the power to open doors, to advocate for Native groups. Somebody who has the power to give them exposure to a wider audience--the exposure Battiest believes they deserve.

Not one to sit back and wait for things to happen, Junior Battiest is willing to be one of those taking the leadership in helping Indian gospel groups to overcome the barriers that have hindered them in the past. Because there is strength in numbers, he suggests forming a coalition that will provide the kind of support needed for their survival and success.

Youthful and energetic, "thirtysomething" Battiest has the vision and the requisite faith, to provide that leadership.

Groups wishing to join the Battiests in furthering gospel music may reach him at Chickee Baptist Church, 2910 N. 64th Avenue, Seminole Indian Reservation, Hollywood, Florida 33024, (954) 894-5651.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Intertribal Christian Communications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group