The Mississippi Mass Choir was one of the most influential gospel groups of the late '80s and '90s. Under the musical direction of David R. Curry, the 100-voice choir served their Lord with a sound that made them a constant presence on Billboard's gospel charts. Each of their recordings have reached the top position on the charts. Their debut album, Live, recorded during a 1988 performance at the Jackson, MS, Municipal Auditorium, remained on the charts for 45 weeks and earned the group James Cleveland GMWA awards as contemporary choir of the year and best new traditional artist of the year.