The story of Delois Massey Nkosi and her siblings is a remarkable tale of faith, music, and unity. As the Massey Family Singers, they grew up not just as a family, but as a harmonious unit where music was the heartbeat of their lives. This tight-knit family of seven Delois, Donald, Donna, Denise, Dennis, Cheryl, and Ollie took their love of gospel music beyond their home, inspiring countless audiences with their soulful performances. Together, they traveled across Eastern Arkansas and the Delta region, bringing the powerful message of gospel music to churches and communities far and wide.
Their musical journey is one defined by shared faith, deep familial bonds, and a steadfast commitment to using their voices to honor God. Today, as Delois continues her ministry as an ordained Elder and Minister of Music, the legacy of the Massey family’s journey together remains an integral part of her life’s story.
Early Roots: A Family Raised in Faith and Music
The Massey family’s musical journey began in Mariana, Arkansas, a small town steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the Delta. It was here, in the heart of the gospel music belt, that Delois and her siblings were raised by their parents, Elder Donald Ray Massey Sr. and Elois T. Massey. Music and faith were the cornerstones of the Massey household, where Sunday mornings were filled with hymns, spirituals, and the sound of the family singing in perfect harmony.
From an early age, Delois and her siblings were immersed in gospel music. Their parents, deeply committed to their Christian faith, encouraged their children to use their musical talents as a form of worship. The Massey family’s gospel performances became a regular feature at local churches and community events, where they quickly gained a reputation for their powerful voices and moving performances. Their singing wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about ministry, about using their voices to uplift others and spread the message of God’s love.
Each of the Massey siblings brought their own unique talents to the family ensemble. Delois’s voice, with its rich, soulful tone, often took the lead, but the blend of their voices was what made their performances so special. Together, they created a sound that was both powerful and deeply spiritual, a sound that resonated with audiences wherever they went.
The Massey Family Singers: Spreading the Gospel Through Music
As the Massey Family Singers, Delois and her siblings became well-known across the Delta region for their heartfelt gospel performances. They traveled from town to town, performing at churches, revivals, and community gatherings, sharing their faith through music. Their repertoire consisted of traditional gospel hymns, spirituals, and original compositions, all designed to inspire and uplift those who heard them.
The family’s commitment to their faith was evident in every performance. For them, singing was not just about showcasing their talents it was about spreading the gospel. Each performance was an opportunity to minister to others, to offer encouragement and hope through the power of music. Whether performing in front of a small congregation or a large crowd, the Massey Family Singers approached every performance with the same level of dedication and passion.
One of the unique aspects of the Massey family’s musical journey was the way they brought their own personal experiences and struggles into their music. Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, they were acutely aware of the challenges facing their community poverty, racism, and inequality. But through their faith and music, they were able to offer a message of hope and resilience. Their music was a reminder that, no matter the circumstances, God’s love was always present, always available to those who sought it.
Musical and Spiritual Growth
As they continued to perform together, Delois and her siblings grew not only as musicians but also as individuals with their own unique spiritual journeys. While the family was united in their love for gospel music, each sibling had their own path to walk, their own relationship with God to nurture. For Delois, this journey led her to a deeper calling to use her musical gifts as part of a larger ministry.
Under the mentorship of Apostle Dr. Dennis and Prophetess Dr. Debra Givens, Delois began to develop a more profound understanding of her role in God’s plan. She realized that music was not just something she enjoyed it was her calling, a tool to be used in service of God’s kingdom. This realization eventually led to her ordination as an Elder and Minister of Music in 1997, a pivotal moment in her life and ministry.
While Delois pursued her calling as a minister, her siblings also continued to serve in their own ways, contributing to the family’s musical legacy. Each of them brought their own unique gifts and perspectives to the table, enriching the Massey family’s gospel music tradition and ensuring that their collective ministry would have a lasting impact.
The Influence of the Delta on Their Sound
The Mississippi Delta, known for its rich musical traditions, played a significant role in shaping the sound of the Massey Family Singers. The Delta has long been a cultural melting pot, blending African American spirituals, blues, jazz, and gospel into a unique musical tapestry. For the Massey family, growing up in this region meant being exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, all of which influenced their own approach to gospel music.
The Delta’s musical heritage is deeply rooted in the African American experience, and much of the gospel music that emerged from this region speaks to the struggles, hopes, and faith of Black communities. This cultural backdrop provided the Massey family with a rich source of inspiration, and their music reflected the emotional depth and spiritual resilience of the gospel tradition.
The Massey Family Singers’ sound was a blend of the old and the new, combining traditional hymns with contemporary gospel influences. Their performances often featured a mix of a cappella harmonies and instrumental accompaniment, showcasing the versatility of their voices and their ability to adapt to different musical styles. Whether singing a classic spiritual or an original composition, the Massey family’s music was always infused with the spirit of the Delta, a spirit of perseverance, hope, and unwavering faith.
Legacy of Unity and Faith
As the Massey Family Singers, Delois and her siblings created a lasting legacy of musical excellence and spiritual service. Their journey as a family in harmony is a testament to the power of faith, love, and shared purpose. While their performances brought joy and inspiration to countless audiences, their true legacy lies in the way they used their music to serve God and others.
The Massey family’s commitment to unity, both as a family and as a musical ensemble, is one of the defining characteristics of their journey. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained united in their mission to spread the gospel through music. Their shared faith was the foundation of their musical endeavors, and it continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for Delois and her siblings to this day.
As Delois continues her own ministry as an ordained Elder and Minister of Music, the lessons she learned from her family’s musical journey remain close to her heart. The values of faith, unity, and service that were instilled in her from a young age continue to guide her as she leads others in worship and uses her gifts to glorify God.
A Family’s Enduring Legacy
The musical journey of Delois Massey Nkosi and her siblings is one that continues to resonate with those who have been touched by their music and ministry. Their story is a reminder of the power of family, faith, and the unique ability of music to bring people closer to God. Through their performances as the Massey Family Singers, they have left an indelible mark on the world of gospel music, one that will continue to inspire future generations.
Delois’s individual legacy as a Minister of Music and an ordained Elder builds upon the foundation laid by her family. As she continues to serve God through her music, she carries with her the spirit of the Massey Family Singers, a family united in faith, harmony, and the desire to share God’s love through the gift of song. Their journey, which began in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, continues to echo in churches and communities far beyond, a testament to the enduring power of gospel music and the lasting impact of a family in harmony.
