27137212
It is a song the masses cannot live without — and for good reason. "Cooling Water," created by the harmonizing virtuosos known as the Heaven Bound Gospel Singers, not only provokes audiences to dance in their pews (or chairs, depending on where they’re performing), but also has the ability to purify the spirit.
During a practice session inside Nazareth Baptist Church, 1009-1023 S. Third St., last week, the all-male quintet blended their voices into a gospel-esque sound with a doo-wop style, reminiscent of The Four Seasons and The Temptations.
"I was sinking in a world of sin, when praise and mercy took me in," one member belted as the others’ voices backed him up. Foot-stomping and subtle dance moves complemented the joyous tune.
Huge smiles overcame each of their faces as the song progressed and when it ended, they looked both revived and rejuvenated.
Though Heaven Bound receives much personal joy from performing, their selfless mission is to "save souls," member Patrick Rice, originally of 13th and Fitzwater streets, said.
"That’s all it’s about then; that’s all it’s about today," the tenor continued. "It’s not about accolades. We don’t even sing for ourselves. We sing to please God."
The group will continue its outreach efforts Feb. 16 when it performs at the Pathmark Black History Month Celebration at 30th Street Station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Heaven Bound joins six other acts in honoring the city’s rich African-American history.
But don’t expect to hear any pop tunes from the crooners. Their catalog is predominantly gospel.
"The things secular artists sing about, we’ve been delivered from," Rice, a former crack addict who has been clean for 15 years, said.
And if their appearance comes as a surprise, wait until their pipes burst with song.
"When we walk into a room, people look at us and see these old, bald-headed guys with glasses — until we open our mouths, and the whole picture changes," 52-year-old tenor Michael Daniels, said.
It’s a tale that could have taken place in the 1950s (it actually occurred in 2000): After a church service in North Philly, five South Philly guys — some originally from the area, others still living here — decided to sing a gospel tune ("Whisper a Prayer") on a street corner.
"The Spirit said, ‘Just sing one song,’" Rice, 50, said. "The harmony was instant and immediate, and we’ve been praising God ever since."
A brotherhood quickly formed, as did the new ministry through Nazareth Baptist Church. The fab five began searching for gigs on the local circuit.
However, some of the members already were familiar with the limelight. Robert Jones, originally of Third Street and Washington Avenue, sang with Harold Melvin (lead singer of the Blue Notes, a popular Philadelphia soul group in the ’70s), among others, while Stanley Evans, of Third and Christian streets, was a member of The Ink Spots.
During his heyday, Evans, now 67, traveled on the road for eight years. "You used to hear people talking about drugs. It’s all in your face. You get caught up in it so fast," the tenor said. "I’ve seen people overdose."
Jones, who sings bass and toured for five years, said his past work pales in comparison to what he does with Heaven Bound.
"I didn’t have fun then," he said. "I’m having the fun now."
Responding to a newspaper ad, the group’s first performance occurred a few months after officially forming at the former Golden Café near Broad and Federal streets. Before the show, the men said a prayer, a ritual they still follow.
Jones’ brother Leo, a baritone, was petrified before hitting the stage, but his nerves quickly subsided. Evans even admitted to singing with his eyes closed.
"After the prayer, the Spirit just came in and we sang," Leo, 56, said.
Since their first appearance, Rice said they have now performed at almost every church in South Philly. Other highlights include singing during the fourth annual Christian Comedy Show at the Keswick Theatre last year. Placing her hand on one of the speakers during the performance in an attempt to feel the music, a blind audience member approached the group afterwards and asked, "How many members are in the band?" The group, possessing a rich sound, sang a cappella that night.
But it’s their ability to impact the lives of others that makes this group more than just singers. After 9/11, the men eased the tensions of travelers at the Philadelphia International Airport by performing a 15-song set in early ’02. Inside the U.S. Airways terminal, people gathered around as they sang — some even requesting photos with them.
"A lot of the folks have been saved because of the songs we have sung and the spirit of the Lord we carry with us," Rice said.
Their knack for comforting souls is apparent even within this close-knit unit.
"When [any] are hurting, I can look at [them] and tell because I love [them] that way," Rice said. "When something’s going on with me, I might not tell them, but they can feel it. It’s a blessing to know that before you ask what you need, they supply it."
As with any brotherhood, laughter keeps the bonds stronger, especially in a group where the members constantly crack jokes with each other.
Rehearsal typically occurs once a week and then, "we don’t want to talk to each other for four days," Robert Jones said with a hearty laugh.
Heaven Bound has recorded two CDs, and vows the Lord is the only one who can break them up. After all, they have a mission to fulfill and are happy to complete it together.
"I have three biological brothers who are not as close to me as these four brothers right here," Rice said. "I would give my life for anyone of them."
