Many accomplished individuals began their higher education here at Fresno City College. This list includes U.S. Representative Jim Costa, KSEE 24 anchorwoman Stefani Boorojian and Sheriff Margaret Mims.
Fresno City College is privileged to have the distinguished Richard Graham as a current student. As the acting President of the FCC Black Gospel Choir, Graham has inspired and guided students while gracing the Valley with his talents and volunteerism.
Graham has a tremendous amount of experience in the music industry. Over the years he has performed country and country gospel music throughout the nation. The black gospel choir utilizes the access and opportunities available through Graham’s experience and leadership. Over the past several years, the choir has performed at hundreds of events.
Locally the choir has appeared on AM900, 88.1FM, 90.3FM and KISS Country, among others. The choir has appeared on “Great Day” on two occasions and will return to the KMPH morning program on April 13 for a third performance.
“We also work in the community with bringing broken neighborhoods back to life,” Graham explained.
“We also have done work for senators and city council members…along with a great many other performances,” he continued.
Graham’s life as a musician began in Warren County, Tenn., 75 miles southeast of Nashville. With his father’s background as a preacher and musician, the prospect of a musical lifestyle came naturally to Graham.
As a young adult he fully immersed himself in the country music scene. Richard Graham is considered to be one of the best country gospel entertainers performing today. He has performed for audiences in excess of 125,000 people.
“Over the years I’ve performed with such people as Dierks Bentley of country music, Kenny Rodgers [and] Dolly Parton,” Graham explained. “[I’ve performed] at the Grand ‘Ole Opry, Fortune in Nashville [and] Madison Square Garden in New York.”
Over the past several years, his group, “Richard Graham & Friends” released two albums, “You’re the Best” and“Jordan” to assist veteran’s groups. Their third album, “Anywhere is Home” is set to be released later this year. They are in negotiations with publishers, sponsors and record companies regarding a 55 city tour.
With 42 years of experience in the music industry, Graham’s position as President of the FCC Gospel Choir is a tremendous asset to our school and to our community.
In addition to a rich musical history, Richard Graham is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. For twenty years, he was stationed in countries and territories including the Philippines, Guam and Okinawa, Japan.
Graham’s dedication to public service defines the integrity of his character. He has spent years performing with renowned charitable organizations including Jerry Lewis marathons and 26 years with the March of Dimes.
This experience brings to the college a talented musician with a tremendous passion for volunteerism and service. This is evident by the charitable performances provided by the FCC Black Gospel Choir under his guidance.
The choir has received numerous accolades from the community. The FCC Black Gospel Choir has even received a phone call from President Barack Obama commending them as one of the nation’s great gospel groups.
“Without my assistant, none of this would be possible,” Graham explained. Aminata Touncara, a commercial music major, has assisted Graham for the last 4 years. She has been instrumental to the gospel choir’s day to day functions. Beyond maintaining Richard Graham’s busy schedule, she contributes a great deal of her time to songwriting, soundboards and sound engineering.
Next semester may be one of the last opportunities for students to learn from the most prestigious black gospel choir president to have graced FCC. The Fresno City College Black Gospel Choir, AFRAM-49, is part of the African American Studies program. Students and faculty members can reach Richard Graham by email at [email protected]
