Jo Jo Wallace, 76, hit the road 57 years ago as a singer and guitar player in the celebrated gospel group The Nightingales. He's seen members come and go over the years. He played a part in the group decision to switch the band name to The Sensational Nightingales. But the quartet's mission, according to the Wallace, has remained intact: ministering to the people through song. The group also still earns a living through their music. Much like they have through the decades, The Sensational Nightingales play some 250 shows a year for small and large congrega tions throughout the South and along the eastern seaboard. This past Saturday, Jo Jo Wallace and crew made a stop for a gospel festival at the Greater New Hope Methodist Church on 8th Street NW in Washington, D.C.

Interviews:
Jo Jo Wallace of Durham, N.C., band leader
Darrell Luster of Durham, N.C. ,singer, songwriter. He joined the group full-time in January 2003 after serving as a backup member since 1982.

Video: Ben de la Cruz / washingtonpost.com, Michael Lutzky /The Washington Post
Edited by: Ben de la Cruz / washingtonpost.com

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