Art Form: traditional quartet Gospel singing

Location(s): Flint (Genesee County)

The Flint Southernaires

The Flint Southernaires was formed in 1966 by the Malone brothers, who came to Flint from Mississippi and brought with them their love of traditional quartet Gospel singing. When they arrived in Michigan, they formed the Gospel Southernaires which later became the Flint Southernaires. Lovers of music and harmonizing, the focus of daily life for the Malones and their community in Flint was church involvement and singing: harmony, group music making, and the love of God. Singing has long been an essential component of daily life in many African American communities. As Southernaires member Dominique Houston stated, "we sang when we were sad, happy, in hard times—it’s something that has kept the Southernaires alive for 60 long years."

Deep, complex harmonies are the hallmark of the quartet gospel singing tradition—three-part harmony plus a lead singer. Today, a bass guitar covers the role of a low bass singer, which used to be more common in these groups. The Flint Southernaires feature a "top singer" on the highest harmony, a background lead, a tenor singer, and then a lead singer who sings the melody. Houston says, "This is about close harmony singing, staying in the pocket. Part of our heritage as well is the act of harmony. Keeping those parts alive is what makes the specific sound." The Flint Southernaires are considered a “traditional” gospel group, which is was once a thriving musical genre that has waned in recent deuces in favor of flashier and more contemporary Gospel groups. The Flint Cavaliers, The Silver Airs and True Vine Gospel Singers are some of the few quartet groups remaining in the Greater Flint area as of 2026. Keeping this traditional sound alive and active is one of the callings of the Flint Southernaires.

In a slow year, they perform 75-100 shows, sometimes with multiple shows in one day. They rehearse every week. They are constantly mapping out and revamping songs, finding and making new parts and keeping things fresh. The band remains the same for most gigs; most have been with them for decades. Band member Bernard Kiff even grew up with the Southernaires learning how to play with the band as a child. Terence Kiff has also been with the Southernaires his whole life. The group reflects and intergenerational spirit, people raised in and around this music and community that sustain it.

Any time the Southernaires hear that there is a need in their community, they always step in. If they aren't able to perform to raise money or give support, they send donations. Houston speaks of the group's community involvement: "Even if you don’t see our face, we are in the background giving. This could be purchasing school supplies, giving out backpacks with everything students need, helping with the homeless—food, clothing drives." Last year there were boxes of food for people in need to take home after their Anniversary performance.

The Flint Southernaires celebrate their 60th anniversary at a Homecoming concert at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Flint on April 19, honoring their long legacy of performance, community work, and fellowship. 

Members at the time of the Award

Singers:

Aaron Malone (original member)

Dominick Houston

Broderick Washington

James Knox, Jr.

Henry Dwayne Rankin, Jr.

Band:

James Jones

Eric Love

Terence Kiff

Bernard Kiff

Otis Love