BRIDGET POPE
Vocalist /Chaplin
After all these years, I am excited about how God has allowed us to come together for the Family Love project. My affiliation with Dr. Barjona (Rahni Song) stems from our childhood while attending the same church and grade school. Because of the amount of time we spent together, it was not long before we considered ourselves family. I have an array of fond memories from Greater St Paul Baptist Church with Rahni and his family. That part of my journey had a significant impact on the woman I have become. Many of my church experiences shared with Rahni were part of the development of my relationship with Christ and
my relentless faith. I learned how to serve in ministry by watching my Mom and Rahni’s Mom and Grandmother. I know that God has given me a gift, and I am grateful to share it with the world. This, I believe, is God-ordained. I give God the Glory and the Honor for all He has done and all He is doing today!
LINDA EARLY-GRAY
Vocalist / Songwriter
My musical journey began working with my father on his gospel radio program at WCNX Middletown, CT, which later moved to Wesleyan University WESU Middletown. In those years as a Gospel DJ, my father, who was also a Gospel promoter, would have the top Quartets and groups come to Hartford. He would use Weaver High School auditorium as the venue where he would open with the top local quartets and choirs. I met Rahni Harris at Welcome Baptist. When he started recording, we would play his music on our radio program,
The Gospel Express. I moved to Springfield, MA where I continued broadcasting at WTCC while working at a local ABC affiliate WHYN owned by Gannett. My friend Desiree was a Gospel Promoter at this time, and at one of her programs, Rahni Harris and Family Love were on the program. Rahni and I stayed connected over the years. It was great seeing him again and witnessing this anointed group. I am excited to be part of Family Love; it's like being back home. I knew of Rahni’s work, but to see him in action as a producer was amazing. Family Love is something you must witness for yourself; I cannot begin to express in words. This project is bigger than us as a group, and you won’t be able to walk away the same as you came.
EARL MUNDLE, SR.
Songwriter
Co-Executive Producer
I first met Rahni in 1976 at the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church of Deliverance, where he was the Head Musician and Director of all the choirs of St. Paul, where I later became part of the band, and my musical career started. In 1977 we recorded our first album entitled A Different Drummer. In 1978 I performed on the hit single six million steps and numerous projects produced by Rahni in the 70s. I am one of the original members of Family Love. I was the percussionist and alto sax player. In 1982 I became a songwriter and a co-writer on the song “Time Has A Hold On Love” for the group Xavier, which was turned down because it didn’t fit the album’s criteria but was later recorded in 1992 by Scott White on RCA Records. I continued to write and never gave up on my dreams. Then One day in 2016, I ran into Rahni when he was in Connecticut as a Scholar In Residence at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). We talked about getting everyone back together, and even then, the excitement was high between the both of us. Here we all are today, back together to record this monumental project. I am so excited to be back with Family Love to do this life-changing project.
J. STAN McCAULEY
Director
Family Love Documentary
First and foremost, I consider Rahni to be much more than my very best friend. He has been and still is my pastor! When it comes to music production Rahni does not suffer fools or those that even demonstrate a hint of unprofessionalism. Having witnessed firsthand the sacrifices that he has made to move the gospel forward, I know that this project will be the quintessential best that he has ever done. It goes without saying the work that he has done thus far is pure genius. Everyone should prepare their ears, hearts and souls for what is about to happen with this project. It is one of my highest honors to be asked to be part of it. The fact that he would consider giving me a key role in capturing the behind-the scenes- moments in the production of this phenomenal record production and to direct the forthcoming videos leaves me speechless. I can only hope that I deliver one tenth of what he will deliver musically.
ANITA RENEE HODGE
Songwriter /Vocalist
Executive Project Assistant
In 1977, the Different Drummer project was so innovative, fresh, and inspirational. There have been numerous stories of how this project has provided inspiration, healing, and a haven to many. It has been life-changing and is still reaching and transforming fans’ lives around the globe. We hear stories from our International DJs who are still spinning the earlier project in clubs today. I’m excited for our fans and a whole new audience to experience this new project. I believe this project is God’s love
letter to His creation through music that we dare not label gospel or secular. Music is a universal language that is life-giving. Music cannot be contained within a genre but must be allowed to flow freely from heart to heart, family to family! It’s a fantastic feeling to say I was there at the beginning of this incredible journey, and now 40 years later, I’m here again. Being part of this project has breathed new purpose into my existence. Working with Rahni and the group is nostalgic for me, instantly bringing me back to the 1970s with Rahni leading the choir and writing songs on the spot in choir rehearsals. He is such a musical genius. I knew even back then that he would do great things. He was way ahead of his time musically and spiritually and is still ahead today. I have followed his career since that time, and I’m honored to work not only with one of the industry's most remarkable
creative minds but also a true friend and brother. Rahni is a Grammy-nominated, Gold/Platinum award winning Producer, Arranger, Film Composer, Author & Educator. Yet, he is still just that humble Hammond organ player and friend I grew up with in our hometown church. I am so excited about this project. Never could I have imagined that I would be, not only working musically with “The” Rahni Song, but also a member of Family Love as a background singer and songwriter. I am a creative writer who never dreamed of writing songs, but I am honored to have one of my songs as the title track of this project.
THERESA HARRIS
Vocalist / Songwriter
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I was in my late teens when I met Rahni.
I have always loved gospel music, but not necessarily traditional Gospel music. One day I had the privilege of hearing Rahni sing and play. His music was the kind of music I dreamed of but didn’t know anyone else who was creating arrangements with gospel music like he was. I was hooked! Rahni and his family lived right down around the corner from my house, and he would come over, and we would write some lyrics together.
I felt like I was in heaven when I heard his music. It was so cutting edge, before its time, upbeat, exciting. I went to every concert I could, even sat in the studio whenever he’d let me. I even had the opportunity to sing background once when his group performed at one of the colleges. It’s 40 plus years later, and I still love writing. One day I wrote a song, “We’re All In This Together” and put it on Facebook. Rahni heard it and contacted me; he asked if I was still interested in writing and singing becauseelt like I was in heaven when I heard his music. It was so cutting edge, before its time, upbeat, exciting. I went to every concert I could, even sat in the studio whenever he’d let me. I even had the opportunity to sing background once when his group performed at one of the colleges. It’s 40 plus years later, and I still love writing. Rahni heard it and contacted me; he asked if I was still interested in writing and singing because he had a new project coming up. This was just what I needed at this stage of my life. I told him I didn’t care if I was the water lady for the team; I just wanted to be a part. The writers and singers are phenomenal, and Rahni’s a genius. All I can say is, What a blessing!
KAREN LYNN HARRIS
Vocalist
Having been a part of Family Love from the beginning with my brother Rahni Song (Harris), it does my heart good to have another opportunity minister with my brothers & sisters in Christ from my childhood. Although time has passed and we are a bit more mature (older), the goal is still the same....to reach the lost, empower the weak, encourage those that are discouraged and to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world as a whole. I am excited and so looking forward to the harmonies, the sounds of the instruments and seeing the faces of my children when they hear what they think only they can do, good music. They think I'm old school. LOL There's a feeling of freedom, victory and healing when singing with likeminded people and I can hardly wait to experience reliving the past in the presence. There's a blessing waiting for us all!
DR. REBERTHA POPE-MATTHEWS
Songwriter / Vocalist
I was eleven years old when my parents allowed me to attend Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church with my Pope Family, Aunt Arlene, Bridget, and Reggie. I also had extended family members who were committed to this church. From the start, everyone accepted me with open arms. During that time, our church was a haven for youth to flourish. Although I was barely a teenager, my thought process about extraordinary things was quite mature. I remember often reflecting about the structure of the building being small with so much greatness second to none!
I believe GOD ordered my parents' steps because shortly after I joined, my new church family became a major source of support in the loss of my beloved father. Rahni graciously served as a pallbearer for my dad, and it is from that day the Blessing of knowing Rahni has forever remained in my heart. To reconnect with Rahni in times such as these, to be a contributing vessel to an amazing Family Love Project is, without question, GOD-Ordained! I am honored and profoundly grateful to share this venture with Rahni and the other beautiful souls on this project. Because of GOD’S Love and Rahni's inspiration, I am proud to contribute to this project as a background vocalist, spoken word artist, and songwriter. All of us are excited to be united to help
save the lives of many while bearing testimony to GOD'S Love, Grace, and Mercy, through music, through song, and through HIS Word.
MONICA MOSELY- GOODMAN
Vocalist
I am the proud Goddaughter of Rahni Song. I attended Greater St. Paul Baptist Church with my parents as a youngster. Bassist Eld. Archie (Mo) Mosley and songstress Evangelist Verven Mosley. My dad played in RahnI’s band on several occasions during the Family Love days. As his Goddaughter, I was and still am honored to be around such greatness in the studio and music gigs as a kid and the present moment. Family Love is the definition of its name, with amazing members from songwriters, musicians, and singers. Near or far, we remain solid. I can’t wait to see how the world will respond to this project. I already see and know how it has affected everyone who is a part of this. I’m excited! You ready? I’m ready! Let’s Go!
TAMIKA PATTON
Vocalist / Songwriter
As a young creative fresh out of the Philadelphia H.S. for the Creative & Performing Arts, I had a dream list! Things that I hoped to do in my lifetime. While my peers were off preparing to leave for college, pursuing their dreams or joining the workforce - there I sat in the lobby of Hush Productions in New York with my first recording contract as a new artist on Orpheus/EMI Records. How exciting to be blessed with the opportunity to share my gift with the world! Icons, legends and vocal masters walked through that lobby along with world-renowned producers. And just like that - a kind gentleman of importance walked through the door, he was always busy, but kind and professional. I admired his work with the likes of Freddie Jackson, Melba Moore and Najee to name a few. One day, I was going to work with him, I'm the new voice now, but someday I will get to work with Rahni Song! I added his name to my dream list and went about my journey in life. Fast forward years later, a mutual friend was working on a big project with "Ronnie"; a reunion of sorts with a few of her childhood church friends, she mentioned the name "Ronnie" several times
during our chats. One day I mentioned that I had spent some time in New York auditioning and working with some industry vets years ago. She stated you have to know "Ronnie" he knows EVERYBODY! At that moment, we realized that "Ronnie" was "Rahni" THEE RAHNI...lol I reached out to see if he remembered that wide-eyed teenager from the lobby of Hush Productions and indeed he did! And just like that, after several conversations and a trip to the studio to meet "The Family" - I fulfilled another dream on my list! God's timing is perfect! That day, I met extended family and forged a bond that can only be explained as divine! It is indeed my honor to be a part of something so amazing! I hope that when you hear my contribution to this phenomenal project - you hear the passion and the purpose that only a dreamer can deliver. So blessed to be a part of the Family.
JEAN PALMER-DAVIS
Songwriter / Vocalist
My singing with Rahni and Family Love has always been an adventure. God’s anointing is there whether we are performing or in the studio. Working with a group of people who love the Lord is truly a blessing. Writing songs together as a group and growing together has been a wonderful experience. When creative minds come together under anointed leadership, there is truly nothing too hard for God. I am so excited about our current project, Lineage – The Family Love Project. It is innovative and the right music for such a time
as this. We have wonderful music to share. From urban to jazz, pop, and hip hop, Family Love brings the Love. It has been my pleasure to have been a part of Family Love II years ago, and the days of spending countless hours writing songs and recording. Reuniting with Rahni and all of our Family Love members is exciting and life-changing. To think, after all these years, we are here again, to bring this fire of music that will change the world.
EDDIE LOVELL BRATHWAITE
Guitarist / Songwriter
I’m a grateful member of the Family Love family and have been from the start; when a young high school student gathered his friends together and presented the idea of Family Love. The music and lyrics were unlike anything past or present at that time. We were thrilled and excited to be a part of the struggle that followed. A faulty organ, Leslie, and bass pedals that often didn’t work. A lack of consistent transportation and finances to cover expenses. Still, we pressed on, motivated by the message and the music. God soon provided the resources and support needed to complete the first album, and I know that He will do it again. Forty years later, I’m once again a part of the efforts to bring this much bigger vision to pass.
SCOTT "FREE" SMITH
I grew up at 196 Palm St., across the street from the house where Reverend and Mother Davis raised their family in Hartford, Connecticut’s bucolic North end. As a child, I attended Greater St. Paul Baptist Church once with the Davis’, but most other days, the Davis’ brought church everywhere they went. One sure thing was, they were always singing, and I always was (listening) playing guitar. Tony Davis and I had shared singing Michael’s vocal parts on the Jackson Five’s “ABC” and “I want you back” on my backyard swing set,
Guitarist / Songwriter
and everyone, including me, knew Tony was the better-sounding singer. When I first heard Tony talk about a singing group led by Rahni Harris, I was slightly jealous. There were several times I had thoughts of Tony and me joining forces in a band, he the singer and I the guitar player, brothers joined by GOD’s glory, sent to go out and conquer the world with nothing in common except the fact that the places we called home were within mere yards of each other. Now, my dream was to secure a record deal with Casablanca or Westbound Records as a member of Parliament Funkadelic, and I didn’t ever see that changing since up to that point, my understanding of music required choosing between gospel or secular music, not good or evil. While I kept my commitment slate open, I received the call from the one and only to attend a rehearsal on Andover St. I respectfully waited in the music room while Chancellor ran around in diapers, and Rahni did stucco work on the ceiling in the kitchen. I never realized then that GOD is the reason for all music. Now I do, and I want nothing more than for GOD to provide Rahni with the means and ability to use me, releasing my gift to the world’s ears.
CHANTEL HAMPTON
Vocalist, Keyboards
& Songwriter
I was around 3 years old, when I met my uncle, Rahni Song. My father, the late LeRoix Hampton, would often share that it was because of Rahni that he desired to become a producer, he would hear his music on the radio and say, “Who is that?” About a year later, God allowed him to meet and audition for Rahni’s group, Kingdom. I vividly remember my family traveling back and forth to Hartford, CT from Boston while my father was working alongside Rahni. I remember sleeping in the vocal booths and remember the impact the music they were creating had on me. In high school, I decided to pursue a career in music and my dad called Uncle Rahni to be apart of producing my demo(s). He unselfishly invested time and resources into ensuring that I not only completed an amazing demo but also brought me in front of top label executives and made sure I was heard. I learned so many valuable lessons during those times about developing a sustainable vision and not letting go until it came to fruition. I was also able to hone my skills as a writer, a producer, a vocalist and entrepreneur, and have been blessed to work with Uncle Rahni on several projects throughout the years including, Melba Moore’s latest release, “Imagine.” I am beyond excited about this Family Love project and what it represents - a legacy of worship and love. I’m grateful to have been able to contribute to this project and to the family in represent the memory and legacy of my father, for I am from his Lineage and he would definitely be working closely with Uncle Rahni on this production if he were still with us! May this sound of Family Love live on and bless the world.
TIM "Timstrel" JOHNSON
