FOUNDED LATE 1980s / SIMPSON UMC / DELAWARE VALLEY
A GENERATION OF
SYNCHRONIZATION
Named in honor of Rev. Dr. William E. Russell
For generations, the Delaware–Pennsylvania region has carried a rich heritage of gospel music rooted deeply within Simpson United Methodist Church. From hymns and spirituals to traditional and contemporary gospel expressions, the church became fertile ground for developing gifted singers, musicians, and worship leaders.
In the late 1980s, a vision emerged through Simpson church members and gospel leaders Theodore "Bobby" Jones Sr., Naomi Smith, Theodore "Robbie" Jones Jr., and Travis L Smith Sr, who sought to create a youth and young adult choir that would serve as a platform for young people to develop and express their vocal, musical, and ministry gifts.
What began as a local effort soon expanded beyond church walls and became a ministry reaching communities throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. The ministry was named Russell Delegation in honor of Rev. Dr. William E. Russell, a respected pastor, educator, and leader whose influence extended throughout the region and beyond.
The vision represented more than music. It became a movement centered on worship, mentorship, excellence, and community impact. Russell Delegation emerged as a change agent during a defining era of gospel music, bringing expressive energy that empowered young adults to be bold, authentic, and radical in their worship while remaining grounded in ministry.
The Founders
A VISION SHARED
- Theodore 'Bobby' Jones Sr.
- Naomi Smith
- Theodore 'Robbie' Jones Jr.
- Travis L Smith Sr
Current Leadership
AT THE HELM
President
Mark A. Smith
Musical Director
Ramone Shelton
Director
Tyrran Smith
Director
Teresa Johnson
Director
Kemarr Noel
Business Manager
Travis L. Smith Sr.
The Expansion
FROM A LOCAL EXPRESSION
TO A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
What began as a local expression designed to keep young people out of trouble through worship, music, and ministry would soon grow into something much larger. What started as an effort to provide purpose, direction, and a place of belonging evolved into a movement that impacted lives far beyond its original vision and community boundaries.
Russell Delegation was never simply about singing songs. It became a place where gifts were discovered, purpose was developed, and young people found an outlet for ministry and expression. What began in the local community would eventually become a platform influencing worshippers, musicians, and ministries across the country.
Russell Delegation's gospel industry debut began with a phone call when Zachary Williams reached out to the late Naomi Smith, Russell Delegation's Business Manager, with an appeal to produce a recording project for Russell Delegation. That call marked the beginning of something much greater than a recording opportunity. It represented the next phase of a vision that would cultivate and amplify the gifts and anointing God had placed within Russell Delegation and everyone connected to what would become the Wait on the Lord project.
The vision moved forward through Musicians of Praise alongside Howard Kennedy, Willis Hickerson, and Ron Burrell, with Zachary Williams serving as Producer and Tyrone Tribbett serving as Musical Director. Released through AIR Records, the project featured Elder Kervy Brown and included songs such as Wait on the Lord, penned by the late Kevin Pringle, and Encouraged, written by Tyrone Tribbett.
Supported by Musicians of Praise, Christopher D Squire, Maxine Stroud of Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, the debut project received national exposure and charted on Billboard Charts, establishing Russell Delegation as an emerging force in gospel music. Additional National Industry Support with WWRD from Rodnie Bryant.
The recording itself became part of history, taking place on one of the hottest days on record and bringing together some of the music industry's most gifted musicians, singers, and worship leaders. Despite the challenging conditions, the atmosphere was filled with passion, excellence, and expectation.
Together they represented more than musicians on a stage. They represented a generation of excellence, creativity, and radical worship expression that would help influence an era of gospel music.
What started as a local effort to keep young people connected through worship and ministry had become much more than a choir, a recording, or a moment in time. Russell Delegation had become an institution and a movement.
The Debut
WAIT ON THE LORD
Released through AIR Records, featuring Elder Kervy Brown and including songs such as Wait on the Lord, penned by the late Kevin Pringle, and Encouraged, penned by Tyrone Tribbett. Produced through Musicians of Praise, the debut received national exposure and was supported by the Christopher D Choir along with the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir. The project charted on Billboard and established RD as an emerging force within gospel music.
The Band Pit
A GATHERING OF GIFTS
A glimpse into the band pit on the Wait on the Lord recording revealed an extraordinary collection of gifted musicians and future industry influencers, including Tyrone Tribbett III serving as Musical Director, alongside Zachary Williams, Vidal Davis, Dana Sorey, Oshay Lolley, Paris Bowens, Terry Tribbett, Lavelle Blaine, and Buddy Blaine. Their presence represented more than musical talent; it reflected a gathering of creative excellence that helped shape a distinct sound and contributed to an influential era in gospel music.
Collaborations
The ministry later collaborated with LeCresia Campbell on her Stellar-nominated project Even Me, and was also featured on a gospel project by Melba Moore.
The Sophomore
WWRD
What Would Russell Do, produced with contributions from Garland "Miche" Waller and the production team, generated significant success with songs including Don't Worry, O Give Thanks, Don't Give Up, and I Won't Complain, with video features appearing on the ministry platform of Bobby Jones.
The Reach
ALMIGHTY GOD
Brought together producers Franklin "Bubby" Fann, Herb Middleton, O'Shay Lolley, and R. Shelton, featuring collaborations with B-Wellz, Lisa McClendon, Mahogany Jones, Tia Pittman, LeCresia Campbell, Bruce Parham, Sherwin Gardner, Garland Miche Waller, Danny Eason, and Jay Caldwell.
Alumni & Contributors
VOICES SHAPED HERE
Over the years, RD became a creative and ministry canvas where many young artists were given the freedom to discover and express their gifts. Musicians, producers, songwriters, and psalmists developed here have gone on to impact gospel music nationally and internationally.
- Zak Williams
- Tye Tribbett
- Vidal Davis
- Dana Sorey
- Paris Bowen
- Thomas "TC" Clay
- O'Shay Lolley
- Kevin Pringle
- Danny Eason
- Franklin 'Bubby' Fann
- Monty Reynolds
- Tony Homer
… and many others who contributed their gifts throughout the ministry's journey.
Russell Delegation is more than a choir. It is a legacy, a ministry, a movement, and an institution that has shaped generations through worship, excellence, and the development of gifts that continue impacting communities and the music industry around the world.