Ann, Deborah, Regina and Alfreda are the daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary, who was one of the original members of the legendary gospel quartet, The Fairfield Four. 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; a 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.
Deborah did not pursue a singing career; instead she became a nurse and sang with her sisters part-time.
Regina began her singing career traveling with the BC&M Mass Choir as one of the soloist at the age of 7, and was known throughout the choir's travels for singing "I Made A Vow" with her sister Ann. Regina toured and performed 6 years with the legendary folk/rocker, Bob Dylan and his group. She recorded three albums with Dylan: Slow Train Coming, Saved, and Shot of Love. Regina also performed with Elvis, and Stevie Wonder. She has sung with Bobby Jones, and The New Life Singers, and The Nashville Super Choir.
Alfreda until recently 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." Her CD's can be purchased by e-mailing
[email protected].
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 have become Americana stars, recording and touring regularly with gospel-rock powerhouse Mike Farris, winning the Emerging Artist Award at the 2008 Americana Music Awards, also winning the 2010 Dove Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album for " Shout!, recorded at Nashville's Station Inn.
Ann and Regina McCrary: was featured on Universal United House of Prayer, by Buddy Miller who was called The Americana Artist of the Decade by No Depression Magazine, the Americana journal of record; Were featured vocalists on Patty Griffin's acclaimed gospel project "Downtown Church," recorded at Nashville's downtown Presbyterian Church; Were featured on the new Cumberland Saints CD released by Mike Farrah; and sung background on Ray Steven's classic "Everything Is Beautiful."
The sister's new CD "Our Journey," produced by Tommie Sims, Buddy Miller, Gary Nicholson, Kevin McKendree, was released October 27, 2010, on their father's birthday. The title of the CD and the songs are the reflections of the journey that these ladies have traveled over their lives. Digital CDs by the McCrary Sisters can be purchased at CD Baby.
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.
