The original Lighthouse Gospelettes of Athens, Georgia were inspired by a male quartet group formed in the 1940’s titled The Lighthouse Gospel Singers (of Athens, GA).  The father and grandfather of most members of the Lighthouse Gospelettes, Mr. Henry Grady Roach, Sr., was an original member of that group.  After years of watching and listening to their father, Mr. Henry Grady Roach, Sr. sing  with the Lighthouse Gospel Singers, the daughters Alma (Roach) Stroud, Bessie (Roach) Willis, and Mary (Roach) Griffith started singing as an unnamed accapella trio at St. Mary’s Baptist Church.  Later, the group increased its number of members and was given its name, “The Lighthouse Gospelettes” by the late Mr. Roy Brown.    Among the original Lighthouse Gospelettes were:  Mary Helen (Roach) Griffith, Bessie (Roach) Willis, Louise Green, and Alma (Roach) Stroud, Yvonne (Roach) Bulger,  Henry Grady Roach, Jr., Henry Richie (pianist).   Later there were other members such as:  Pamela (Roach) Elder, Gwendolyn (Roach) Rittenberry, Gloria Green, Mamie (Robinson) McClain, Bobbie Sue (Pittman) Richie, Juanita (Harris) Johnson, Mary (Henry) McKenny.

Through the years the group has changed members and musicians, but one original member of the group still stands strong as the 1st Soprano and mother of the group.  Her name is Alma Stroud (pictured right).  She has been singing with The Lighthouse Gospelettes for approximately 40 years or maybe more.  She says she’s lost count, but nevertheless, she has been a long-time dedicated member who stands strong and definitely sings strong.  The Lighthouse Gospelettes are blessed to have had her talent throughout the years and to have her talent presently.  She brings an enormous blast of spirit to the group.      The current group titled, “The Lighthouse Gospelettes” have been singing together for more than twenty years.  The late Ms. Isolene Roach, mother of Alma Stroud, and Lisa Roach-Wilmore, inspired the current group. She inspired Lisa Roach-Wilmore, Cassandra Stroud, and Dierdra Stroud (also pianist) to began singing as a trio doing songs such as, Amazing Grace, Stranger on the Road, and more.  Later, this trio pulled together with Alma Stroud and formed today’s Lighthouse Gospelettes: Alma Stroud, Lisa Roach-Wilmore , Dierdra Stroud and Cassandra Stroud .   When this group first started, they only had a pianist, George Stroud, Jr.  Currently, the musicians are: George Stroud, Jr. - Bass Guitar, Stanley Stroud - Lead Guitar, Takeio Stroud - Percussion, Howard Stroud, Jr. - Keyboard, Dierdra Stroud - Keyboard.   Since Takeio Stroud (Percussion) is residing in Nashville, TN, they are blessed to have back with them Dennis Daniel - Percussion.  The Lighthouse Gospelettes are also blessed with Rodney Stroud as Sound Technician, Stanley Stroud as Sound Engineer/Technician and Edward Barnett as Stage Hand/Asst. Sound Tech.

The Lighthouse Gospelettes released their CD titled, “Thank You Lord For Saving Me” in April of 1999 under 2U Production Company.  They released their current CD titled, “A Little Something Different” in October of 2002 under Getan Records.   The Lighthouse Gospelettes have performed on gospel concerts with well-known gospel artists such as:  The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Williams Brothers, Dottie Peoples, Luther Barnes and the Sunset Jubilaires, Slim and the Supreme Angels, The Georgia Mass Choir, Thomas Ellison, The Truthettes, The Jackson Southernaires, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and Lee Williams, to name a few.   The Lighthouse Gospelettes have made television appearances on the Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion XI,  in Miami, FL, the Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion XII, in Washington, DC, The Bobby Hurd Television Show, Atlanta, GA,  Karlton Howard's Parade of Quartets, Augusta, GA, and The His Is Risen Outreach Ministry's New Years Program, Atlanta, GA.   | Purchase Products | Biography | Auto Response E-mail |   | Press Releases | Contacts |   Top of Page     Home