Hallelujah!

From the 1991 album 'Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration'
(Winner of the 1992 Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album)
Produced by Mervyn Warren.
Executive Produced by Quincy Jones.
Arranged by Mervyn Warren, Michael O. Jackson, and Mark Kibble.
Brass arranged by Jerry Hey.
Video directed by [TBA: Researching this!]
Recorded by Tony Shepperd & Humberto Gatica (assisted by Alex Rodriquez & David Hall)
Mixed by Tony Shepperd (assisted by Mervyn Warren & David Hall)
Conductors in video: Mervyn Warren & Quincy Jones.
Featured artists (video): Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Patti Austin, Bernie K., Daryl Coley, Commissioned, Andraé Crouch, Sandra Crouch, Clifton Davis, Mike E., Kim Fields, Larnelle Harris, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Linda Hopkins, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Lizz Lee, Dawnn Lewis, Babbie Mason, Johnny Mathis, Marilyn McCoo, Stephanie Mills, Jeffrey Osborne, David Pack, Phylicia Rashad, Joe Sample, Richard Smallwood, Sounds of Blackness, Take 6, Darryl Tookes, Mervyn Warren, Thomas Whitfield, Vanessa A. Williams, & Chris Willis.
Ad-Lib vocal: Daryl Coley
Add'l vocals (studio): Bob Bailey, Kim Fleming, Gayle Mayes, Donna McElroy, Mervyn Warren, Chris Willis, Angela Wright.
Piano: Michael O. Jackson
Add'l keyboards: Mervyn Warren
Drum programming: Mark Hammond
Bass: Victor Wooten
Brass: Jerry Hey, Gary E. Grant, Bill Reichenbach, Dan Higgins, & Larry Williams
French horns: Eberhard Ramm & Leslie Norton

[@JamesBGolden]

One of the greatest examples of Black Excellence in history.

[@verenasample57]

Amen

[@jdkey76]

Daryl Coley closing out this song was magic!

[@ronaldray1130]

Darryl was phenomenal

[@khulekanimagubane9153]

Best version of Hallelujah I've ever heard. My dad used to play this in the house every December when I was a kid and every time it gave me chills.

[@vanmoody]

When I was in the Air Force a young black airman gave me a compliment and said to me after we were singing together,"Van, you sing pretty good for a white guy". See when all Christians get to Heaven we will all sing. But some sing better than others.

[@bethrichey3242]

SAME!!!

[@thomasnichol4138]

In 2021 He still reigns and He shall reign forever and ever.

[@DJ_Ndiks]

In 2023 He still reigns forever. He is king of kings. Hallelujah! 🙌🏾

[@urbansingerr]

⁠@@DJ_Ndikswriting this on December 11, 2023. The new year is about to start in 4 weeks. And He will still reign and shall reign forever and ever ❤❤

[@wchopkins6653]

This entire album literally changed lives - including my own. Raised to be a classical music purist, it was challenging to hear that Handel's Messiah would be interpreted through an African-American context. Yet, as a fan of Quincy Jones, Mervyn Warren (producers) and all the artist attached to the project, I knew it was worth a fair chance. Upon first hearing (on cassette, then later on CD), The whole work burst through, and helped me to understand the original work even better. Each piece is deciphered, interpreted, re-worked, and evolved with faithfulness to Handel's artistry, but with new tools and voices richer than anything heard prior to the late 20th century. In less technical terms, these artists SING the songs to their fullest. The instrumentals are given a new freedom and a life of their own. To hear this, the only response can possibly be "Hallelujah!"

[@LiverpoolPublicLibrary]

Ah...but if Handel were alive today (along with Bach, Beethoven, and all those others), his response would likely be "Show me the royalty check. If my stuff gets out there and I get paid, I'm happy." Indeed, arrangements like this might be the "gateway drug" to the originals.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

Wow. Well said. I also felt that I understood the original work even better. Thank you for articulating my experience.

[@ernestcrim475]

My Lord man you made understand that perfectly Thank you

[@simoneroman2141]

My favorite arrangement of this classic, and with the late Darryl Coley and his adlibs at the end was perfection!

[@ronaldray1130]

Darryl Coley's ad lib bought it home. I am reduced to tears as he builds it up "The government shall be on His shoulders". 🙏

[@elanc3264]

@@ronaldray1130 Same! I'm crying right now.

[@Crickett-J]

I always wondered who did that. He was pure awesomeness.

[@vanmoody]

@@ronaldray1130 This is one thing that Democrats and Republicans should agree on. The government of Jesus is better than anything we have now.

[@ronaldray1130]

@@vanmoody Well Spoken. Jesus government is perfection.

[@MaRie8303]

I can imagine choirs singing like this in heaven!!!! So awesome!

[@shellystewart3486]

AMEN.

[@Cefshah]

If they exist... they will likely sound like the perfection of the BEST of ALL music ever heard on this planet (and beyond). :)

[@DougWild]

With all due respect, Rose, because I'm agnostic, leaning toward atheism, I'm so happy to be listening to this heavenly music here on earth. "Lord" knows we need so many more spiritual experiences like it in our 24/7 lives.

[@ronaldray1130]

@@DougWild Hello Doug. Pardon me as I know that you were originally referring to Rose. If you have not yet changed your mind please know that God does truly exist. I used to toy around with that idea myself and I was raised in a Christian household. I can now say for certain a Heavenly Father God truly exists and if you place your trust in him, you will not regret it. God Bless you. 🙏

[@meemee5660]

And the good thing is that we'll all be able to participate because we'll all be able to sing in our perfected bodies.

[@thomasromano9321]

It just goes to show that such pieces are timeless and can be reinterpreted in many different art forms.

[@angiethompson9549]

Favorite rendition!!!💞 I had the blessed honor of being taught this song in our church choir by none other than world class music instructor Dr Cheryl Barnett-Thompson!!

[@arleneluvallejohnson3858]

@@angiethompson9549 Qardio

[@helenchelmicka7894]

Def!!

[@RockitD]

Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Hollywood all in one song!!! Mervynn Warren and Quincy Jones are geniuses!!! RIH Daryl Coley!!! His lead is classic!

[@DougWild]

...and don't forget 'classical' too. :)

[@RockitD]

@@DougWild FACTS!

[@DougWild]

@@RockitD I'm certain Handel would have been overjoyed listening to this interpretation. And from the little I know, there wasn't much that could cause him to feel overjoyed. :)

[@ronaldray1130]

I always wondered who sang the lead. It always brings tears to my eyes. Makes me visualize when our Savior will truly reign. I cannot wait. 🙏

[@thembanilitshe5100]

One of the elements that make me remain proudly black, we are gifted, we are special. Glory be unto the living God ever and ever🙏

[@abm5396]

This is the blackest video I remember watching growing up :)

[@mssbrown2787]

Okaaayyy! Dont forget Melba Moore and Lift Every Voice!

[@Pearlebaby]

🤣🤣 facts. So good.

[@DougWild]

@@mssbrown2787 All that voice coming from such a tiny person. She's amazing.

[@aliasreco]

There's hope for the whites. Did I see one white standing at the back allowed to be in the group?

[@vontellabassowen956]

Amen

[@darlenethompson2422]

This Song never gets old❤

[@dsa3696]

My favorite Christmas song of all time and knocked Nat King Cole's Christmas song out of the top of the list. It gives Praise to the reason for the Season, Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ and He Shall Reign forever and ever! YES!

[@corduerorose9747]

No matter how old this song is i never get tired of it 🙏🙂

[@Lazaven]

Hands down the best arrangement of this song in history

[@phalinimcleod8819]

I also feel the same. I love Handel's Messiah. It's so fun to sing with a full choir and orchestra. But this? Beyond description!

[@carlosbright9615]

I am still listening to this song, December 14, 2022, almost a week before Christmas 2022. I purchased the Messiah: A Soulful Celebration from Circuit City in the early 90's. Many of these artists have gone on to glory and hopefully they're at peace. Praise God, I love you, Jesus.🙏 🙏 🙏

[@ChristopherCade1959]

Christmas 2023!

[@jenniferburman3765]

I need to watch this almost every day. So much joy.

[@vincenthannah7209]

Ms. Gladys, Tramaine Hawkins, Stephanie Mills, Marilyn McCoo,Johnny Mathis, Al Jarreau, Jeffrey Osbourne, Daryl Coley, Chaka, etc. Now that is a choir!

[@sandrasanders706]

And Johnny Mathis..Linda Hopkins..Clifton Davis..Patti Austin...what an CD!!

[@jaye212]

…Richard Smallwood, Sounds of Blackness, Thomas Whitfield and the Tommies in the house, Fred Hammond & Commissioned, The dynamic twins Andre & Sandra Crouch, Bro Larnelle Harris, Vanessa Bell Armstrong , and the list goes on. Glory!🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@user-oh9ks2mr2c]

Daryl Coley took this thing over the freakin top!!!!! Perfect singer to close things out.

[@minnieciaminniewinston9064]

@vincenthannah7209 indeed

[@darlenethompson2422]

Oh yes this choir is singing❤❤

[@JamelLorick]

The late great Daryl Coley singing lead/ad libs. Classic!

[@eudoraevans3340]

His voice was EVERYTHING!

[@minnieciaminniewinston8658]

Jamel LorickYes indeed

[@minnieciaminniewinston8658]

@@eudoraevans3340 Yes it was

[@beverlyrowe276]

Yes!

[@mformley]

Omg never knew this officially but that's definitely my fave. May be continue to rest in peace and praise

[@marlasmith575]

Still listening Nov 2023. it must be an awesome feeling to be apart of some many great artists. They all were❤❤ feeling this song and i know it was so much fun collaborating together. The "Q" and Mervyn Warren, AWESOME!!❤

[@verenasample57]

I totally agree.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

I soooo needed to hear this again. Can't thank you enough for sharing this amazing recording. For me, it's the video of the century!!!

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉

[@phalinimcleod8819]

@@tulayamalavenapi4028 So glad to know there are other people besides me who still listen to this outstanding performance !

[@cleftheart1969]

Nobody does like us black folks. I'm sure if George Handel was here he would of loved it or maybe not 😆🤭

[@jennifermclean9413]

He would have loved it. Seriously the first time I heard this I played it over and over and over again. My video tape got a wiggle in it from my rewinding it so many times. When the Bible says "make a joyful noise" this is it!

[@ronaldray1130]

God blesses many with singing talent, not just us blacks.

[@carolyncarter9032]

This arrangement of the Hallelujah Chorus is truly anointed by God! Quincy Jones and George Handel are a formidable team!!!🙌🏽👏🏽

[@phalinimcleod8819]

LOVE YOUR COMMENT!!!

[@janicelumpkin601]

I LOVE this song!!! It is simply BEAUTIFUL.. And Felicia Rashad kim Fields, Stephanie Mills, GLADYS KNIGHT yall are on fire 🔥 for the altos. This choir is AMAZING !!

[@JasmineMachel]

The tears won't stop flowing, I loovvee my people. My Mother would play this over and over 🙌🏾👏🏾

[@tulayamalavenapi4028]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@allisonwalker4205]

Going to a funeral tomorrow and had to listen to this song. We cry for our loved one, but GOD shall reign forever and I glorify him. Heaven has gained another angel!!!!!!

[@c.p.5167]

I LOVE this arrangement!!! The ENERGY and JOY are phenomenal!

[@marcusrob02]

For me, it's not Christmas without hearing and seeing this video!! I love this record so much

[@playkma]

They knew Daryl Coley was going to bring it & he did just that!! Continue to RIP Man of God!! And this choir was phenomenal…might I add

[@shellystewart3486]

Everytime i hear this song , take me back to the many Blessings God manifested in my Life ....... I can't help to Say HALLELUJAH !!!

[@HISongbird]

and the joy on their faces!!!! Just think, as awesome as this is, it pales in comparison to singing this with the angels in glory around God's throne: "We praise you because you reigneth; We praise you because you ruleth; Forever and ever; Hallelujah!" 🕊✝️

[@DJ-uy8qp]

Tremain and Chaka in the same soprano section??? You know it was held all the way down!!

[@sassybrown12868]

This arrangement brings me to tears!!!! Definitely touched by God!!!

[@ragnarlagertha2543]

This version still gives me chills, no matter how many times I’ve heard it over the decades. And I absolutely love this video. Just sent it to a friend who was unaware. She will be blown away.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

I never knew about it until tonight, March 18, 2023! Been missin' out all these years! Gonna send it to a friend also. She will be blown away, too!

[@MrRight908]

I swear I keep seeing Phylicia Rashad... am I bugging or nah? Lol

[@jessicagray1289]

That’s her 😊

[@stacyutley7786]

And Kim fields next to her

[@stephlboy9086]

Daryl Coley. One of the Greatest.

[@ministersd]

Yes, my favorite male singer.

[@mxolisingonelo7695]

Oh my goodness, you're right!!! That is Daryl Coley!

[@johnnymac3153]

JESUS CHRIST TO GOD BE THE GLORY! over all these singers. Great post to remember OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST! JESUS REIGNS! I hope all these singers get to know our Saviour Jesus Christ

[@sandrahardison4918]

Best choir ever assembled and cannot be duplicated. 😊

[@kimberlymccollum-51984]

IT WAS AN HONOR TO PRODUCE THIS PRODUCTION 🥰🥰😍😍😇😇👑👑👑👑👑😊😊☀️☀️☀️☀️HE IS RISEN 👑👑👑😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇☀️☀️☀️☀️😊😊😊

[@ministersd]

This post is very clear. I love the American stout of this song from a highly motivated and outstanding German- Handel. If he was alive, he probably would say, "Alright Americans, I appreciate the update." Yea! Praise the name of Jesus!

[@Mezzotenor]

If nothing else, visually a vast improvement on the video grab from BET. Perhaps it's a silly thing to notice, but the textiles the singers are wearing - dresses, blouses, hats, long coats - are just SCRUMPTIOUS.

[@brittneyjumperj4567]

I've had the marvelous opportunity to sing both.... Amazing. Atlanta Georgia in the house

[@DougWild]

I fully agree. And from the little I know about Handel, that would be taking a giant step for him.

[@jamesk167]

The choir sounds amazing because all the vocalists are renowned vocalists: Daryl Coley, Gladys Knight, Vanessa Bell, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Johnny Mathis, Marilyn McCoo, Thomas Whitfield, Jeffrey Osborne, Take 6, Stephanie Mills, and on and on... just amazing!

[@willampatmon5885]

This is a good album . This album is good from beginning to end. Not only this would be a good album for Christmas, but also all year round , epecially for black history month .

[@therlowfoy9738]

Daryl Coley: the only singer on this entire project of super star singers who is leading more than one song. One anazing singer!

[@nataliehorne9491]

every year, I play this song a looooooooooot He shall reign forever

[@chaplaintaylor2327]

This is Black History Perfection! Just Awesome for such a time as this

[@julieminer7912]

Love seeing Al Jarreau lending his incredible voice to this amazing version of Hallelujah!! Al . . . . you are missed!

[@elainegordon2575]

I was introduced to this music thirty years ago. A must play at Christmas time

[@darlenethompson2422]

They had church in the studio recording this song❤

[@brittanyjackson7361]

now this right here is black excellence.

[@phalinimcleod8819]

One thing I just noticed is that everyone has their part memorized. That is glorious!

[@hayesmoses7754]

Tramaine Hawkins I hear you! Legend.

[@rennedelorean3341]

That's the great 'Daryl Coley' singing the adlib on the ending. God needed a great tenor that could also sing soprano and alto so, he called Daryl home, our loss is heavens gain!

[@feliciasanders2066]

@@rennedelorean3341 yes but we also see and hear Lady Tremaine Hawkins. 🙄

[@1miyanishi]

This video is LIFE..and if only we could really see the blessed Daryl Coley coming thru in the vid..it would be EVERYTHING...as it is , just to hear his voice confirms the existence of something far mightier than I , and my soul is deeply grateful for the ability to hear him....wow

[@ronaldray1130]

Absolutely. I wish that he performed the solo on the video as well.

[@BBT609]

Spotted some key faces. COMMISSIONED (Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Karl Reid), Daryl Coley, Chaka Khan, half of Take 6 (Joey & Mark Kibble & David Thomas)...and cant forget the guys who did this production, Mervyn Warren & Quincy Jones.

[@vekiebaking-shelton1452]

It's 2022 and I have shared this every year for I know 5 years now!! Love it!! ❤💚❤💚 the best arrangement ever

[@LittleLulubee]

I used to have this album!! I found it at the library and made a tape. I usually don’t listen to gospel, but I love this. And I haven’t heard it in 25 years!!! Thanks for posting 👍❤️🧡💛

[@MotivationNAffirmations4YRLife]

I know that this is the ONLY VERSION of this song I want to hear!

[@dellacayson9179]

Timeless! This is ALWAYS my go to soundtrack for the holidays!

[@AccentVocal]

An annual staple of the Christmas playlist! Such great work, Merv :)

[@janvandrunen]

So true!! It's always the right time to celebrate Christmas in my opinion. Especialy with these musical masterpieces included! (also in loving remembrance of our lost ones in this video)

[@Jbatmanable]

Thank You Lord for this masterful piece !!!

[@ElijahLukeMusic]

Mervyn Warren is a genius so is Quincy Jones

[@jenniferburman3765]

So much joy! Hallelujah!

[@akilahbabb6566]

Oh yes oh yes I miss Uncle Darryl and Uncle Al 😁🙋🏾‍♀️💞💕❤️💐🌹🥀🌺🌷

[@vernelledouglas1801]

Wonderful rendition. Saw this before and only noticed Fred Hammond in the mix today!

[@Poormasses1]

Why am i just seeing this in 2024😮 Hallelujah 🙏 to God Almighty, great performance 🎉

[@santesmith2473]

Seeing my people sing this song gives me chills🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 54TH BIRTHDAY ARRANGER & PRODUCER MERVYN WARREN (FEBRUARY 28, 2018)

[@jessicagray1289]

Gladys Knights ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vickiesmith-long321]

I love ❤️ t this song!!!! When I hear it , it reminds me of how we ought to praise the Lord. Hallelujah should be and is the first words that come out of my mouth upon waking up and more thru out the day truly God is worthy.🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️

[@lakemerrittunitedmethodist2469]

I can hear Chaka a mile away!

[@percywalker3960]

Chaka puts out like no other..and with Tramaine with her in the soprano section..you know it was intense fire.

[@jessicagray1289]

Stephanie Mills ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jeffreygriffin7248]

I see you Clifton Davis! Saaaaang y'all! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@ministersd]

Music and voices coming together to claim and know HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER!!

[@kielellised2660]

I’ve been listening to this since it came out in 1992, and it is still the best thing I have ever heard in my life.

[@cgcade1]

Well, say Amen somebody!🙌 This is how my peeps do this celebration! Take Handel's Messiah and add this flavor we been blessed with! Arranged by Mervyn Warner, Produced by the Dude, Quincy Jones as sung by some of the best sangers on the planet. Give the solo to Pastor Daryl Coley...the rest is history!🎬🎤🎧🎼🎹🥁🎷🎺🎸🎸🎤🎥🎙😍 And He shall reign forever!

[@mitchellwooldridge5118]

What a moment in history - so many geniuses in one place! :)

[@DougWild]

I think I should preface my reaction to Handel's/Warren's/Jones' (et al.), creation by proclaiming that I am not a believer - in God, or Allah, etc., that is - so my reaction, here, is not meant, in any way, to serve a religious purpose. Having said that - Magical, Stunning, Awe-inspiring, and Comforting are the first words that come closest to describing what I felt when I first heard this arrangement, way back in the mid-90s. It hasn't always been easy to track down each Christmas season, but track it down I did. It didn't matter how long it took because this is one of the best musical experiences - maybe, just one of the best experiences, is more accurate - I've ever had. It's good to see there's now a remastered copy available, and relatively easily available on KZbin. It's the perfect Christmas gift to anyone - everyone.

[@conniesedona116]

I feel the same way. So glad to have found this again. It's a challenge to separate loving the music from not believing the story, but this piece is magical.

[@alisonshimizu8064]

Ha ha ha me too!

[@DougWild]

@@alisonshimizu8064 That makes two of us, Alison. :)

[@johnnymac3153]

You can have a relationship with Jesus Christ-it's a Free Gift-receive Him today or right now before it's to late

[@sheryljones581]

Would love to know the list of participants in this arrangement of an awesome song.

[@jeromebrooks8209]

Yes, Black People! ✊

[@UNENVIOUSNOTME]

So many of my Greatest favorite Singers omg....

[@DougWild]

Sad, though, to see those who are no longer with us - I miss Al Jarreau.

[@Fleezy81]

LOOK AT ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL BLACK PEOPLE GIVING PRAISE ON ONE ACCORD!!!

[@demetrius115]

This is such a beautiful beautiful song

[@minnieciaminniewinston8658]

I remember when my former church choir sang this so, It was so much fun!!

[@margarettawilliams5120]

A totally Awesome piece, well-written & a Great Sound and he lives forever & Ever.

[@Crickett-J]

I can listen to this every day.

[@carolynnorth527]

Uplifting! Enlightening! Lifting the Vibration of the world to its highest height! Hallelujah! Thank you!

[@emjay1606]

They need to come together like this again.

[@EricaHenry-nz4rh]

I will always love this version of Hallelujah Chorus!! ❤ Beautiful !! Hallelujah!! Thank y'all for sharing!!❤

[@DoubleDeuce90]

This Is a choir!! They must be reconvened❤❤❤❤❤

[@phalinimcleod8819]

YESSSS!!! PLEEEEASE!!!!

[@darlenethompson2422]

The choir is ready to have church in the recording stereo😊😊😊❤

[@adrina911]

I remember this on BET as a child, I’m old.

[@MrDkirksey23]

Me too

[@jenniferburman3765]

This is the most beautiful video ever made. Thank you.

[@wdparables9303]

Absolutely wonderful! Enjoyed watching so many smiling faces as they gave homage to The Lord! Will watch throughout the year.

[@ronaldray1130]

And ALL homage to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

[@TheZuluPrincess]

2022 and this masterpiece still reigns & the KING of KINGS still reigns & will continue to reign forever & ever🙌

[@repondagreer161]

Always reassurance anytime of the year & at Christmas!

[@jefflingyueyan]

remember doing this in our high school's Gospel Choir, was so much fun

[@MoiChereeEntertainment]

The Highest Praise Hallelujah 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@loreneammonds2268]

Listening 12/25/2023!!! Amazing Sound!!! Daryl Coley!!!! Phenomenal!!!!

[@UKPsalmist]

Amazing!!! YCF Worship Team still appreciating this in 2022 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@nataliehorne9491]

HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER...GIVE HIM THE GLORY...…….IT IS TRADITION TO SEE THE 'BROTHER AND SISTERS' PRAISING JESUS...…...KING OF KINGS

[@lavertfoote8895]

"I need this as a ringtone on my phone 🤳" 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@melthornton9264]

The government SHALL be on his shoulders!! Yes Lord! 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@brittneytaylor2996]

I'd give anything to go back to the time

[@MrDkirksey23]

I would as well

[@marlasmith575]

If only we could go back to those simple days. Today, it's so much hate in the world and it's sad, very sad. So it's nice to have music to take you back down memory lane