Lafourche brothers spreading God’s word in song

A Lafourche Parish band of brothers is spreading God’s great works through song. The family gospel act, the Spiritual Brothers, known for its harmonious blend, is performing at various churches in the Tri-parishes the month of May.

In celebration of the group’s one-year anniversary, the Spiritual Brothers will perform Saturday, May 5, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Raceland. The next day, May 6, the group will be at the House of the Lord in Houma performing at 3 p.m. A Mother’s Day celebration rounds out May’s performances at Christ Baptist Church and Cathedral in Bayou Blue May 13 at 4 p.m.

The five Raceland relatives originally started out as a trio.

Ray Bradley got the brainstorm. An experienced musician, he had worked in contemporary and gospel groups.

“Ray contacted some of us to see if we wanted to start a group,” said lead vocalist Ronald Bradley, Ray’s uncle. “Me, Ray, and my cousin Warren Young were already singing on our own in contemporary groups, but [Ray] thought it was good idea for us to sing together as a family and go back to our gospel roots.”

When the other male members of the family heard the trio sing, it didn’t take long for the band to expand to five.

Ronald Bradley’s cousin, the Rev. Rolando Bradley, and Ray’s brother, Ronald Robinson, joined in short order.

Today, Ronald Robinson doubles as guitarist and producer of the group.

Meanwhile, Ray’s duties include singer and manager.

In July 2006, the Spiritual Brothers released its first CD, “Remember Me.”

This year, in celebration of the group’s one-year anniversary, it is releasing its second work, “Live from the Bayou” on May 5.

Both CDs feature a number of selfpenned songs. Original works include “I Can See Jesus,” “It’s Harvest Time” and, the namesake of the first CD, “Remember Me.”

“Live on the Bayou” was recorded at St. Mark Baptist Church in Assumption Parish.

Ray Bradley credits his brother’s producing experience for the Spiritual Brothers’ two recordings. “None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for Ronald’s music studio and producing experience,” he said. “He gave us the boost we needed to step into the industry and to be known by others outside of Louisiana and the Houma-Thibodaux area.”

Building a following for the band and balancing their careers is a full-time chore for the band.

“We all have 9-to-5 jobs that we do every day,” Ray Bradley said. “We perform mainly on weekends, and rehearse every Tuesday at the House of Lord Church in Houma. Before any performances are booked, we all have to check our schedules.”

Spreading God’s word musically, the Spiritual Brothers have performed in churches across southern Louisiana and into Mississippi. They’ve even appeared on the same program as the Gospel Keynotes, an award-winning gospel group from Texas.

Ray Bradley said the Rev. Teddy Cross of the Gospel Keynotes visited Baton Rouge to accompany him on the track “He’s All I Need” on the “Live on the Bayou” CD.

The Spiritual Brothers CDs are not yet in stores, but copies are available through Ray Bradley, (985) 665-2504.