Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens are a United States group active since 1999 and associated with Daptone Records. The group centres on Naomi Shelton, whose singing draws on both gospel and soul traditions. She grows up singing with her sisters in church in Alabama, and later spends much of her life in New York’s soul clubs. Her early 45s, including “41st St. Breakdown” and “Wind Your Clock” b/w “Talking ‘Bout a Good Thing,” become highly regarded by funk DJs.

Recording and style

The group’s music combines church-rooted gospel feeling with soul and funk influence. Their full-length album What Have You Done, My Brother? presents that blend, with material built around Naomi Shelton’s voice and an emphasis on uplift, compassion and positivity. Cliff Driver serves as musical director and leads the band with his honky-tonk piano style.

Members and collaborators

Other members include Bobby Gant, Tamika Jones and Cynthia Langston. The group’s recordings also feature Jimmy Hill on organ; he leads his own blues and R&B band and has previously backed Wilson Pickett. Guitarist Tommy “TNT” Brenneck and Bosco Mann, both of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, also appear on the record. Brenneck is additionally part of The Budos Band and The Menahan Street Band, and runs Dunham Records. Brian Floody plays drums on the record and comes from the bluesier side of the New York jazz scene.

Live performances

The group performs weekly Friday-night shows at New York’s Fat Cat and also appears at Daptone Revue events. These performances are arranged to keep the audience closely connected to the music and to Naomi Shelton’s delivery.