Harmony Reunited: Donavan Hepburn on the Highgate Gospel Choir's Triumphant Return | Podcasts Video by tjplnews

Summary:

In this powerful episode of the TJPL News Podcast, host Tamara Jenna sits down with acclaimed musical director, session drummer and producer Donavan Hepburn to explore one of the most significant stories in UK music news and independent music culture right now — the revival of Highgate Gospel Choir.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the choir’s debut, Donavan shares the emotional journey behind reuniting four to five original families, including five of his own siblings, and inviting the next generation to step into the sound of gospel legacy. We unpack the cultural and spiritual weight of this project, the urgency to preserve history, and the creative challenge of modernising such a revered sound while staying true to its roots.

From Birmingham’s gospel revival to live shows in Brixton and Inverness, The Legacy Project reflects the beating heart of UK independent music, while drawing on Donavan’s extensive experience working with artists like Take That, Jeff Lynne’s ELO, and Little Mix. He also offers an exclusive preview of the upcoming Deluxe Edition, set for release in August 2025.

Whether you're an artist, music lover, or follower of global gospel music news, this episode bridges generations, genres, and geography.

Takeaways:

Love, legacy, and urgency fuelled the revival

The 40-year milestone holds deep spiritual and historical meaning

The reunion felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Blending classic gospel with modern recording techniques posed unique challenges

Donavan’s siblings and their children are part of the new choir

Original fans have welcomed the return with warmth and nostalgia

The Deluxe Edition evolved naturally from the creative process

Hepburn compares the choir’s revival to his work with global artists

The message for younger generations: unity, strength, and spiritual grounding

The choir’s legacy is rooted in unwavering love for God and people

🔊 Sound Bites:

“Wouldn't it be a cool way to commemorate?”

“This could be the last opportunity.”

“We've stayed true to the Highgate sound.”

Chapters:

00:00 – Reviving a Legacy: The Return of Highgate Gospel Choir

03:07 – The Significance of Milestones: 40 Years of Highgate

07:14 – A Sense of Urgency: The Importance of Reunion

10:18 – Balancing Pressure and Excitement in Reworking Music

16:05 – Modernising the Sound: Technology Meets Tradition

18:24 – Involving the Next Generation: Family and Legacy

23:00 – Fan Reactions: Bridging Old and New

32:51 – Comparing Musical Experiences: From Choir to Big Names

39:37 – Inspiring the Next Generation: Lessons from the Choir

Support Highgate Gospel Choir by listening here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/7Kf50H0TRKyJFmFDRsdVO1

You can also read our full feature in digital or print format in Issue 32 of TJPL News Magazine: https://www.tjplnews.com/magazine

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