Samuel Huston College Choir

January 28, 2025

Written by Mason O. Thompson

Samuel Huston College A Cappella Choir

The Samuel Huston College A Cappella Choir holds a significant place in the history of African American music and higher education, gaining acclaim for its exceptional artistry and cultural impact during the early to mid-20th century. Organized in 1934 under the direction of renowned musician Edward Hammond Boatner, the choir quickly rose to prominence, becoming recognized as one of the finest collegiate choral groups in America. By the late 1930s, the choir came under the leadership of C. Edward Stallings, who continued the tradition of musical excellence. Their performances in cities like Dallas, Waco, San Antonio, and Austin drew large, included a presentation at Carnegie Hall, also with CMT Award-winning American artist "Jelly Roll," as a featured choir with the Grammy Award-winning artist "Mumford and Sons" before an estimated crowd of 75,000 people at the celebrated Austin City Limits Festival and the LBJ Presidential Library commemoration of the Civil Rights Act attended by President Joe Biden. Former conductors include Henry Milton Washington Jr. during the years circa 1990-1998 and Dr. Gloria Quinlan conducting from 1998-2023. The choir is currently under the direction of Dr. Marcus J. Rhodes.

Information comes from:   

The Call (Kansas City, Missouri)  http://afrovoices.com/edward-boatner-biography/

Santa Cruz Sentinel (Santa Cruz, California) https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/wings-over-jordan-bio

San Angelo Evening Standard (San Angelo, Texas)

The Austin American (Austin, Texas)

The Austin American-Statesman (Austin, TX)

Gilbert Allen

Edward Hammond Boater