How Many Of The Barrett Sisters Are Still Living? Exploring The Gospel Trio's Enduring Sound

The Barrett Sisters, a beloved gospel trio from Chicago, Illinois, touched countless hearts with their powerful voices and deeply moving performances. For decades, these talented women brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the globe, sharing their unique musical gifts. Many people still remember their incredible sound and, quite naturally, wonder about the sisters themselves.

Their music, full of rich harmonies and a spirited delivery, truly made a lasting mark on gospel music and, you know, on listeners everywhere. They were more than just singers; they were, in a way, a source of comfort and spiritual uplift for so many folks who heard them perform. It's really something to think about the impact they had, honestly.

So, the question often comes up: How many of the Barrett Sisters are still living today? As we look back at their amazing story and the lives they lived, we can certainly find a clear answer to this question, which we will share as we go along.

Table of Contents

The Barrett Sisters: A Legacy of Gospel Music

The Barrett Sisters, a famous gospel trio, came from Chicago, Illinois, and made a big name for themselves in the world of music. They started singing and harmonizing gospel tunes back in the 1940s, growing up in a very religious family with ten children on the city's south side. It was a humble beginning for what would become a worldwide musical sensation, you know.

The group consisted of three sisters: Delois Barrett Campbell, Billie Barrett Greenbey, and Rodessa Barrett Porter. These three women shared a special bond, both as family members and as musical partners. Their combined voices created a sound that was truly one of a kind, something that audiences remembered long after the music stopped playing, as a matter of fact.

Around 1941, Billie and Delois, two of the ten children in the Barrett household (though not all of them survived to adulthood), began their musical path. They formed a group called "The Barrett and Hudson Singers" with their cousin, Johnnie Mae Hudson. This early start helped shape their singing style and prepared them for the amazing career that was just ahead of them.

They sang together for over forty years, a truly remarkable stretch of time for any musical group. Their performances were known for an exuberant, almost operatic sound, filled with thrilling harmonies that just seemed to lift people up. People who heard them often said they got goosebumps, feeling a deep connection to the music and the message, which was always about giving glory to God.

The Sisters' Lives and Legacies

To answer the question of how many of the Barrett Sisters are still living, we must look at the lives and passing of each sister. The trio, made up of Delois, Billie, and Rodessa, each had a unique role and contributed greatly to the group's overall sound and spirit. Their individual stories tell us about their incredible collective journey, actually.

Personal Details and Bio Data of The Barrett Sisters

NameRole in TrioBirth YearDeath YearAge at Passing
Delois Barrett CampbellGroup Leader1926201185
Billie Barrett GreenbeyMiddle Sister[Not specified, but older than Rodessa][Not specified, but before Rodessa]91
Rodessa Barrett PorterYoungest Sister, Soprano1930202494

Delois Barrett Campbell: The Group's Guiding Voice

Delois Barrett Campbell, who was born in Chicago in 1926, served as the group's leader, guiding their sound and direction. She had a voice that could truly soar, as some would say, reaching high into the church rafters when she sang songs like "Fly Away." Her joy in singing was quite infectious, and it often seemed to raise the roof, metaphorically speaking, of any place they performed.

Delois often spoke about her desire to travel and sing, particularly in Europe. She once reflected that it was "a prayer answered" when the Lord made it possible for them to go and share their music abroad. This dream of hers, you know, really came true, allowing their gospel message to reach people far from their Chicago home.

Sadly, Delois Barrett Campbell passed away at the age of 85 on August 2, 2011. Her passing marked a significant moment for the group, as she had been such a central figure for so many years. Her powerful voice and leadership are still remembered by many who admired the Barrett Sisters' work, even today.

Billie Barrett Greenbey: The Middle Sister's Journey

Billie Barrett Greenbey was the middle sister of the legendary gospel trio. She played an important part in creating the harmonious sound that made the Barrett Sisters so special. Her presence helped shape the group's unique blend of voices, adding depth and richness to their performances, which was quite important.

Billie remained active in music for a long time. She even performed as recently as December with her younger sister, Rodessa, at a local church. This shows her lasting dedication to gospel music and her strong bond with her sisters, a bond that carried through many years of singing together, actually.

The middle sister of the three passed away on a Friday in Chicago at the age of 91. Her daughter, Albertina Spratley, shared this news. Billie's passing was another moment of sadness for fans of the group, meaning another voice from the beloved trio had gone silent. Her contribution to the Barrett Sisters' legacy remains strong, of course.

Rodessa Barrett Porter: The Last Voice to Soar

Rodessa Barrett Porter, the youngest sister, was the soprano voice of the trio, known for her crystalline sound. Her voice, people said, spun filigrees in the music, adding delicate and intricate touches to the Barrett Sisters' songs. She had a way of making her voice dance through the melodies, giving listeners those goosebumps while always giving glory to God, just like her sisters.

Rodessa Barrett Porter was born on December 15, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Susie and Lonnie Barrett. She grew up in the city and graduated from Englewood High School there. Her roots in Chicago were deep, and she carried that spirit into her music, really.

For a time, Rodessa was the only member of the trio still living after her sisters passed. She was the last surviving voice of the beloved gospel group, carrying on their musical spirit. Her presence was a reminder of the trio's incredible history and the joy they brought to so many people over the decades, you know.

Rodessa Barrett Porter, the last living member of the Barrett Sisters, passed away on a Monday, according to social media posts from family members. This happened the day after her 94th birthday, which was December 15. The date of her passing was December 16, 2024. With her passing, the era of the original Barrett Sisters trio truly came to a close.

The Barrett Sisters' Impact and Enduring Spirit

The Barrett Sisters created a unique place for themselves in gospel music history. Their exuberant sound and thrilling harmonies were recognized worldwide. They didn't just sing songs; they delivered powerful messages that touched the very core of people's feelings. This made their performances a deeply spiritual experience for many, as a matter of fact.

Their music crossed boundaries, reaching audiences in many places, not just in their home city of Chicago. They were known for their ability to connect with people from all walks of life, sharing a message of hope and faith through their beautiful voices. This widespread appeal is a big part of their lasting legacy, you know.

The sisters were honored for their contributions to gospel music. On Friday, June 4th, they, along with 24 other living gospel legends of Chicago, were honored at an event. This recognition shows just how much they meant to their community and to the wider gospel music scene, which is quite something.

Even though the original trio members have now passed on, their music continues to resonate. Their recordings and the stories of their performances keep their spirit alive for new generations. The feeling of joy and inspiration they gave to audiences, that's something that will remain a part of gospel music's rich history, very truly.

For those interested in their full story, you can learn more about their amazing journey on our site. Their influence on gospel music is something to behold, and their story offers a window into a significant period of American musical history. It's a story worth exploring, actually.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Barrett Sisters

Were all the Barrett Sisters actual sisters?

Yes, the core trio of the Barrett Sisters was indeed made up of three biological sisters: Delois Barrett Campbell, Billie Barrett Greenbey, and Rodessa Barrett Porter. They grew up in a large family with ten children in Chicago, and their shared family background certainly played a part in their close harmonies and deep connection on stage. Their bond was very real, and it showed in their music, too it's almost.

How long did the Barrett Sisters sing together?

The Barrett Sisters sang together for a very long time, over forty years. Their musical journey began in the 1940s, with Billie and Delois forming an earlier group with a cousin around 1941. This long span of performing together allowed them to perfect their unique sound and build a truly dedicated following. It's quite a testament to their enduring passion for gospel music and their commitment to each other, you know.

What was the Barrett Sisters' musical style?

The Barrett Sisters were known for a distinctive gospel style that combined exuberance with a refined, almost operatic quality. Rodessa's crystalline soprano, for example, added delicate touches, while Delois's powerful voice could soar to great heights. They created thrilling harmonies that were both deeply spiritual and incredibly moving. Their sound was, in a way, both grand and heartfelt, making them stand out in the gospel world, which is that.

To discover more about the impact of gospel music on American culture, you might want to look into other legendary groups and their stories. You can find more information on this page . The Barrett Sisters were certainly a significant part of that larger musical picture, and their legacy continues to inspire many. You can also explore more about the history of gospel music at a resource like the National Museum of Gospel Music, which provides a lot of interesting background.

Barrett Sisters

Barrett Sisters

Transitions — Barrett Sisters

Transitions — Barrett Sisters

Sleep — Barrett Sisters

Sleep — Barrett Sisters

Detail Author:

  • Name : Kade Schaefer Jr.
  • Username : anna25
  • Email : hudson.rafaela@runte.com
  • Birthdate : 1970-09-15
  • Address : 349 Kunde Parkway Apt. 542 North Jaron, MI 54567
  • Phone : (424) 787-8731
  • Company : Hills PLC
  • Job : Alteration Tailor
  • Bio : Nostrum minus dignissimos unde sequi rerum. Soluta qui quis dolorem neque nostrum. Et dolore accusantium incidunt. Veritatis autem quibusdam sunt ex id aut ut totam.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/pablobrown
  • username : pablobrown
  • bio : Amet odit corrupti qui et. Dolor magnam amet at esse ut rerum asperiores molestiae.
  • followers : 1070
  • following : 724

linkedin:

facebook:

tiktok:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/brown1980
  • username : brown1980
  • bio : Eum sapiente eum corrupti eum nemo. Nobis nihil minima sint aut laborum tempora. Sit dolore sunt nemo eos. Qui qui repudiandae est quae autem.
  • followers : 5904
  • following : 1176