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Starting All Over Again…The Rebirth of “The Gates†The Mighty Pearly Gates originated over 70 years ago in Suffolk, Virginia. Out of those 70 years, 47 were managed by Roy L. Higgs. When the album “Help Somebody Else†written and sung by Rev. Willie L. Diggs was released, the group performed songs like “Heavenly Lord, I Believe, and Lead Me On†written and performed by Rev Johnny “Fatboy†Montgomery and “99 ½ Won’t Do†written and performed by Roy L. Higgs. Also “The Gates†recorded Stella nominated song “Holding On†written and performed by Robert Holland. Traveling to areas of the nation such as North Carolina, Washington D.C., Ohio, and Maryland, “The Gates†went through ups and downs. Members came and went. Some by choice, but some were called home. When Roy Higgs’ health began to fail, so did the group’s motivation. But one day Rev. James Harden had a vision that Roy’s dreams and wishes would come true by saving souls through singing and praise. With the help of George Fenner, James Bell, and Thomas Spratley, Rev. Harden accomplished that dream. Adding the word “New†to the name to show not just the reforming, but the rebirth of a generation of gospel music “The New Gates†have traveled to states such as North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and many of the hometowns of Virginia. They have performed in concerts with groups such as Doc McKenzie and The Hi Lites, Lil’ Willie and The Gospel Keynotes, Lil’ Blair and the Violinaires, The Lighthouse Singers, the award winning Sensational Nightingales, and also other local favorites. “The New Gates†began to grow not only in members but also in spirit. In 2004 they recorded their first project “Thank You†with the song “Praise You Forever†written and performed by Thomas Spratly. In April of 2005 “The New Gates†performed in “The Gospel Showcase†arranged by Doc McKenzie and placed fourth out of 36 groups. Also recording their first full length project entitled “Starting All Over Again†debuting on Feb. 18, 2006 with the first single “Listen†being aired on the radio airwaves. Track List: 1. Listen 2. Wonderful 3. Starting All Over Again 4. Nobodys Fault 5. Thank You 6. My God's Been Good 7. God Has Smiled 8. Alright Other Genres:
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