Les Chanticleers is a music ministry organization that has been touching the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages and persuasions in the United States and Canada for more than 50 years. Les Chanticleers have cultivated and successfully shared the rich, vibrant, lost art of singing Negro Spirituals. This unique genre is deeply rooted in African American History and Culture, and continues to be one of the most unique styles of music.
Spirituals emerged during the enslavement of African people in the American South and consists of a blend of African cultural influences combined with the experiences of bondage and suffering. 2 Timothy 3:12 states…”Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution’”. As such, Spirituals have and will continue to be used by the Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage and uplift the listener. It is this rich cultural heritage that Les Chanticleers desires to continue to share with the world.
Mrs. Mildred Tuggle was the founder of Les Chanticleers and through her unwavering commitment and influence, the group has had the privilege of performing on radio, on television for David Frost, for heads of state, and in scores of concerts and special events. Mrs. Tuggle also had the honor of writing a special song for Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and singing the song during an SCLC (Southern Leadership Christian Conference) Session during the 1980s. After more than 50 years of music ministry, Les Chanticleers, under the leadership of our current Director, Mrs. Pattric Parris, is still going strong.