Part 6: Close-Up Talk Radio spotlights Rosalind Cazares of Mama's Temple Choir

Murray, UT – Gospel artist Mahalia Jackson said, “When you sing gospel you have a feeling there is a cure for what's wrong.” When someone sings from the heart in praise of God, it fills their spirit, restores their faith and inspires fellow believers.

Mama's Temple Church Choir is a Pentecostal gospel choir led by Minister of Music Rosalind E. Cazares. Named for Rosalind’s mother, Dr. Rosemary (Mama) Redmon Cosby, the choir has since gone to become one of the most renowned in the country, even performing with contemporary artists like Reba McEntire, Lyle Lovett, Michael Bolton and Celine Dion.

“We’re keeping Mama’s legacy alive,” says Rosalind.

Mama and her four children left Indianapolis in 1961 after Mama received a call from God. Rosalind herself has been singing gospel music since she was seven years old, and at its peak, the choir featured over 250 members singing its songs of praise.

But the choir had fallen on hard times in 1983 and would have remained that way until Rosalind answered her own call from God.

“I had a dream that I was leading my mother’s choir,” Rosalind recalls. “She called me back two weeks later and asked me, ‘Do you think you can direct the choir?” I said ‘I believe I can.’ It is hard work, but I love it. It’s in my heart.”

Under the direction of the Cazares, the choir has brought its unique traditional gospel music to countless venues throughout the state of Utah for over 30 years, performing everything from “Amazing Grace” to Pharrell's “Happy.”

“When I sing these songs it fills my spirit. I feel God, so of course you’ve got to get that shout in,” laughs Cazares. “It’s a really good feeling to hear the sound of all these voices singing His praise. God can hear us.”