My name is Reginald Hardwick. I am proud to be one of the producers of NBC 5’s Spotlight. This is my first blog and I hope you join myself and others as we talk about our experiences covering North Texans who make a difference.
My first blog is about the House of Blues Gospel Brunch. By now, you’ve probably seen the story put together by photojournalist Patric Alva and I. I knew this story would be special from the beginning but I had no idea that The Hensley Ensemble was so talented until I stepped inside the Goodwill Baptist Church in Southeast Dallas.
There are 16 voices in the choir, but it sounds like dozens more! The band is also right on beat. They are led by Elbert Hensley, a man who stuck with his dream. Mr. Hensley has led this group for 25 years. These are not full time singers.. they have day jobs but their love of music and faith has kept them together and singing for a quarter of century! You can see the joy in their faces as they sing, motion and speak about the group. Mr. Hensley is a perfectionist, but not in a bad way. If he hears one voice or note out of tune, he calmly stops the song, instructs how to do better and moves on.
We interviewed several members and they were all universal. They were not part of this great singing choir for the limelight or to be “discovered.” They were there to share their Christian faith and because they love using their voices to do so. They were so excited to do both of those things at a venue like the House of Blues!
Hopefully, all of us can find what we love to do and share it with others.. even if it is not our full time job. That is the message I got from the music of The Hensley Ensemble.
Our thanks to the House of Blues for allowing us to connect with The Hensley Ensemble.
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