Choral Directors
Jerry Mannery enjoyed writing poems and was encouraged by a college professor to set his words to music. When one of his songs was performed by the legacy choir director, Frank Williams, Jerry felt a calling to write gospel music. In 1985, Jerry oversaw the Gospel Division at Malaco Records and...
Gladys Hayes taught choir in school for more than 25 years and was very active in vocal programs throughout her career and after her retirement. Gladys and her husband Morris retired to Carlsbad where both volunteered at the NAMM Foundation’s Museum of Making Music. Gladys has been very active in...
Wanda Pugh has always enjoyed singing. As a child she sang in church and later formed several vocal groups and ran several chapters of the Sweet Adalines. Her love of music led her to the NAMM Foundation’s Museum of Making Music where she was trained as a docent and has been active as a tour guide...
Morris Hayes had some harrowing moments during World War II, but would rather spend time telling you about the glee club he formed while overseas. As a life long choral director, Morris created several methods that have made him a well respected leader in the industry. He is also given credit for...
This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Ray Charles, or as he called himself "The Other Ray Charles" was a choral director whose choir backed such singers as Perry Como and Bing Crosby. Ray enjoyed a successful...