Tehillah Music Group: About The Label

When Bishop Paul S. Morton looked to fulfill his vision for a self-contained record label, he didn’t have to look further than his own Minister of Music for someone with the qualifications and experience. Pastor Jerry Q. Parries has plenty of industry know-how, having grown up under the tutelage of such masters as Thomas Whitfield and Rev. Donald Vails and with songwriting credits on projects ranging from those of Albertina Walker to The Charles Fold Singers and including his own charting albums on Sound of Gospel with the Christian Family Choir.

Parries explained the purpose behind the new Tehillah Music Group, based out of the headquarters of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship denomination in New Orleans.

“A while ago, Bishop Morton came to the conclusion that God’s people should control God’s music. We wanted to stop borrowing from hell’s territory to produce Heaven’s goals.” He explained that while most recognize the importance of keeping the recording and production of Gospel music in the hands of God’s people, they had seen a need to take that one step further. “We wanted to avoid handing over the masters of the recordings to distrubutors [that may not share our same goals.] We want to put the whole package in God’s hands.”

Parries then quickly points out that Tehillah Music Group fully recognizes the need to understand the working of the music industry, and hasn’t ventured into the label arena unaware of the importance of marketing and promotional fundamentals —the elements that are crucial to push the recorded product into the awareness of those who would be interested.

Indeed, on closer examination of Parries’ credentials, it would be foolish for anyone to think otherwise.

While still in his early teens, he had struck up a friendship with Thomas Whitfield and looked to the esteemed Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux as a mentor, gleaning valuable experience in music publishing and copyrighting while working with her. Parries subsequently set up publishing companies for both Whitfield and also Donald Vails, while continuing in his passion for songwriting.

Later ventures including launching his own label (National Records) and creating the first African-American record club, Partners in Gospel Music) before he came on staff at Bishop Paul S. Morton’s Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church as Minister of Music in 1998.

Now as the president of Tehillah Music Group, and with Bishop Morton at his side as an involved CEO, Parries is looking at the promising future for Tehillah. While independents are seemingly sprouting up weekly, he and Bishop Morton see a clearly defined purpose for the label.

“We really have a niche, with the built-in organization of churches that The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship brings. There’s a great deal of talent there.”

Parries went on to say that the label is nevertheless not restricting themselves.

“We’re looking to sign new artists from anywhere, actually. They do not necessarily have to be from the organization. Artists are looking for companies that will treat them fairly and with respect. Bishop Morton is an artist himself and so as CEO, he fully understands their plight and their needs. The emphasis of Tehillah Music Group is on integrity.”