*For years, drummer and gospel music enthusiast Trévon Dawson has been quietly researching and collecting vintage clips of gospel performances, concerts, documentaries and other rare video to share on his YouTube channel. Recognizing that no one else was really making a point to seek out and preserve these historical moments in the genre, Dawson saw that he was, in fact, a de facto gospel music archivist.
“I was simply sharing videos as a hobby and passion,” says the 31-year-old Dallas native, who now makes his home in the Nation’s Capital.
His collection of videos range from serious sangin’ to … well, doin’ way too much. In 2010, one of the latter caught the attention of The Rickey Smiley Show and went viral. Yes, it was Dawson that introduced the world to The Gospel Gloryaires of Texas. Watch below:
If I die tomorrow, please let the Gloryaires sing over me! OH MAAWRAY!! MaryMaryMaryMaryMaryMaryMaryMaryMaryMary!
— Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) September 2, 2010
Dawson said that in the midst of that viral moment, “I thought, let me share more of my collection with the world.”
More than 33,000 subscribers and millions of views later, such gospel music legends as Richard Smallwood and the late Edwin Hawkins are among the gospel icons who have sought out his research and archival talents for their own projects. In 2022, some of Dawson’s uncovered footage was featured in part 2 of the four-part PBS documentary series “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song,” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Looking to expand his footprint in the genre even further, Dawson this month launched “Tré Talks,” an interview space on his YouTube channel solely dedicated to gospel talent. The series is also available on Apple Podcasts.
“The primary purpose of Tré Talks is to allow artists, producers, musicians and clergy a space to share their journey and experiences,” says Dawson. “This platform is solely focused on encouraging creatives and sustaining the legacy of each guest. I feel that as it relates to the Black church, we don’t get to know much about the journeys and personalities of the artists and pastors. I think Tré Talks can change that.”
The first episode features a chat with gospel artist and pastor, Vincent Bohanan.
Check it out below.
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