For nearly 50 years, the Singing Americans of Stanly County has been bringing choral music to audiences in the county and beyond.

Back in 1975, as the United States began preparations to celebrate its 200th year, several Stanly County choral leaders had the idea to gather choir members for a musical tribute to this country. They chose a musical called “I Love America” and in 1976 close to 100 singers from many Stanly County churches joined together for a performance.

For the next several years, these musicians and new singers kept coming together to share “I Love America.”

The Singing Americans would grow to more than 125 members and would make several trips to share patriotic concerts around the region and Washington, D.C.

As time moved on, the singers would add regular Christmas concerts, new patriotic anthems and Easter musicals. There were concerts in the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center and in churches and theaters throughout Stanly County and beyond.

Today, the Singing Americans remain a group of singers who enjoy preparing patriotic and Christmas concerts.

In the spring of 2024, the Singing Americans will gather for its 48th year to prepare a patriotic concert to share this summer. Practices will start in April and are at Grace Baptist Church off Old Salisbury Road in Albemarle. Current leaders are Pat McLendon, president; Claudette Burris, board chair; Norma Early, Craig Taylor and Joseph Helms, board members; and Bob Remsburg, director.

New members are always welcome.

This article previously appeared in the Spirit of Stanly magazine.