Group Bio

Stars Of Zion

Stars Of Zion Members Late 1970s
Front Row L to R: Robert Jones,John Howze,Robert Barnette
Rear Row L to R: Edward Jones,Gary Archer, Otis Calhoun, Odell Hope,James Carter,Tommy Simpson

Flashback to the 1950s, we find the music world undergoing a major evolution. R&B, Rock-n-Roll and other musical genres, are moving to the forefront. Quartet music is in what's been defined as its "Golden Age". It's amidst this environment that the Stars Of Zion began.
The group was originally founded by Odell Hope, who then extended an invitation to his good friend Otis Calhoun. Their excitement and commitment to Quartet music, soon spread and drew the interest of other individuals to the new group.
The signature sound of the group was acheived through many long evenings of practice, sometimes several times during the week. The "Stars" as they became known, honed their singing skills by performing at local area churches, and various community functions in the Rock Hill area. As the reputaion of the group grew, so did the opportunities to perform in larger venues. The 1960s and 1970s found the group sharing the Gospel of music up and down the east coast.

The Stars Of Zion have been privileged to share the stage with such Quartet legends as: The Gospel Keynotes,The Supreme Angels,The Swanee Quintet, Doc Mackenzie & The Highlights,The Canton Sprituals,Lee Williams & the Spritual QC's,The Willams Brothers, and Keith Wonder Boy, to name a few.