The Gospel Soul Winners

Tammi Adair Philson is a native Washingtonian, born on November 19, 1969. At just two weeks old, she was brought to the home of the late Howard and Mary Ellen Brown in the Woodridge community of Northeast Washington. Mary Ellen, a childcare provider, welcomed Tammi into her home and cared for her, while leaving the door open for Tammi's birth mother, Alfreda Richardson, to return.

Tammi began attending Isle A Patmos with her godmother, Mary Ellen Brown. When Mary Ellen learned that Tammi's biological family belonged to 2nd New St. Paul Baptist Church, she joined the church so Tammi could grow up connected to her mother, sisters, and extended family. Tammi joined the youth choir at an early age, sparking a lifelong love of gospel music. By age five, she and her sisters, Monique and Doreatha—who played acoustic guitar—had formed a group called The Spiritual Angels.

Tammi's passion for singing continued into adulthood. Following in her mother's footsteps, she became a choir leader and director. She is a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Terry D. Streeter, where she sings with the Terry D. Streeter Ensemble and Spirit of Praise, and serves on Praise Team Number One. She is also a founding member of The Gospel Soul Winners. Over the years, Tammi has shared her God-given talent throughout the DMV and surrounding states. Her performances include appearances at the Library of Congress and Morehouse College for the screening of Gifted Hands. She has also sung background vocals for Jean Carne, Maysa, Valerie Simpson, Kenny Lattimore, and other artists.

In her professional career, Tammi served as booking manager for the late Professor Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock and Songtalk Publishing. She later worked as a Senior Event Manager and Scholarship Administrator for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. That experience inspired her to establish The Ashleigh Group (TAG), an event and entertainment company that planned many distinguished events, including the 75th birthday celebration of the late Congressman John Lewis.

Tammi has also served as a federal employee with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Homeland Security for more than 20 years. She is the proud mother of Gabrielle and Ashley Adair, grandmother of six, and wife of Lowell Philson.

Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Derek Shawn Moore was born on July 19, 1973, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in the church as the son of Assistant Pastor Dolores R. Moore and Deacon Herbert Moore, Derek developed a strong spiritual foundation that continues to influence his life, service, and passion for gospel music.

Derek graduated from George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science in 1991 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1995. With 25 years of experience as a teacher and tutor, he has dedicated his career to helping students succeed in mathematics and science. His interests include science, medicine, and music.

Derek began playing drums at the age of five in church. During high school, he performed with the Jazz Ensemble, City-Wide Orchestra, marching band, and Youth Pentecostal Crusade. At Lincoln University, he continued his musical development with the Jazz Ensemble, pep band, and Gospel Choir, extensively touring throughout the United States.

After moving to the Washington, D.C., area, Derek served as a drummer at Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church for approximately 15 years. He currently serves at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Terry D. Streeter. While at Mount Pleasant, he began performing with the Gospel Soul Winners and officially joined the group in 2026.

Derek continues to use his gifts in education and music to inspire others, serve his community, and glorify God.

Gabrielle Taylor Adair is the proud mother of the amazing Phoenix Adair Ray. She attended Frostburg State University, where she majored in Marketing and Communications. After college, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she built a beautiful life for more than 10 years. In 2024, Gabrielle relocated to Maryland and began working as a Senior Insurance Liaison with Liberty Mutual.

Gabrielle's musical journey began at just four years old. Her mother, Tammi, had been practicing for a wedding for weeks, and Gabrielle had absorbed every note. One morning, Tammi heard a beautiful voice singing Whitney Houston's I Believe in You and Me. When she approached the bathroom, she found Brie—as Gabrielle is affectionately known—standing on the commode with a hairbrush for a microphone, hitting every note and run she had heard her mother sing. In that moment, Tammi knew her daughter had a special gift.

Brie began singing throughout the DMV and in the youth choir at 2nd New St. Paul. By age five, she was performing at weddings, banquets, and other special events. In 2011, she opened for Lalah Hathaway. Gabrielle is now a member of the Gospel Soul Winners.

Heaven Sturdivant-Neal — Vocalist, Business Owner, Radio Show & Podcast Host. With over 30 years of musical experience, Heaven Sturdivant Neal has artistic versatility that classifies her as a multidisciplinary artist. Growing up in a Christian based home, Gospel music has always been the foundation of Heaven's musical inclination, however, her vocal training at the world-renowned Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts has allowed her the opportunity to grace stages with musical icons of multiple genres including Jazz, Classical, Gospel, and R&B.

Helena Johnson is a communications graduate, proud mother, accomplished audio engineer, cybersecurity professional, and passionate gospel singer whose life reflects her commitment to faith, family, music, and service. She began her career in audio engineering with Black Entertainment Television (BET), National Public Radio (NPR), and Perfect Sound, where she developed valuable technical expertise and built a strong foundation in media production. Her dedication to learning and excellence eventually led her to cybersecurity, and she currently serves as a Cybersecurity Analyst with a financial services company.

Helena's love of music began during her childhood, when she sang in church at Isle of Patmos Baptist Church. There, her faith and passion for gospel music took root. She is a former member of United Voices at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International and currently shares her God-given gift as a member of Gospel Soul Winners.

Whether protecting digital environments, supporting media production, or ministering through song, Helena serves with purpose, dedication, and joy. Grounded in faith and devoted to her family, she continues to use her talents to inspire and encourage others.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jocelyn Renee is a passionate singer, songwriter, and performer whose love for music has been a driving force throughout her life. With years of experience traveling and sharing her gift through song, she continues to inspire and connect with audiences through her voice and heartfelt performances.

Beyond the stage, Jocelyn is a dedicated healthcare professional who serves in a leadership role within the medical field. Her commitment to growth, excellence, and service extends into her educational journey as she works toward earning her master's degree in 2028.

Balancing her passion for music with her professional ambitions, Jocelyn is a true example of purpose, perseverance, and versatility. She continues to embrace every opportunity to grow, lead, and inspire others, both on and off the stage.

Lowell Philson is a native Washingtonian and the seventh child born to the late Deacon Albert and Evangelist Bessie Philson. He was introduced to Christ at an early age and gave his life to the Lord at age 15 at Peoples Church in Washington, D.C. Lowell loves being in the house of the Lord and using his God-given musical talent to praise Him. Born without the use of his right hand and arm, Lowell's parents were told by doctors that he would never regain its use. His mother, a prayer warrior, believed God had the final say. After dreaming that Lowell's hand was gold, she awoke believing her son had been healed. At age 11, Lowell received his first guitar—and a remarkable musical journey began.

Lowell's passion is quartet gospel music. The first quartet group Lowell played and traveled with was The Newborn Volunaires with the Vines Brothers (James, Doug and Juan). Lowell was 16 years old. At the age of 19, he began playing lead guitar for Washington, D.C.'s own Southern Gospel Singers, a relationship that lasted more than 30 years. He also played with the legendary Gospel Pearls for over 30 years and occasionally fills in with the New Gospel Pearls. His musical journey included serving as lead guitarist for the Sensational Singing Angels of Alexandria, Virginia, and as a founding member of Men of Promise and 4 HIZ Glory.

Over the years, Lowell has shared his musical gifts with many local groups, churches, and ministries throughout the DMV. He has recorded with many artists, but one of his proudest moments is Clap Your Hand with The 7 Sons of Soul. The hit was played all across the nation and was featured on the soundtrack of Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married. (He's still waiting on his BMI royalties!) Lowell is currently a member of the Gospel Soul Winners, alongside his wife, Tammi, his daughter Gabrielle, and other members.

He joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in 2016, where he serves on the Deacon Board under the leadership of Dr. Terry D. Streeter and as lead guitarist in the Music Ministry, with Samuel Kendrick as Minister of Music. He previously served on the deacon boards at Rising Star Holy Church in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and Praise Redemption Worship Center in Lothian, Maryland. Lowell is married to Tammi Adair Philson. Together, they have five daughters—Latravia, Lytracia, Lolissa, Gabrielle, and Ashley—and six grandchildren: Landen, Phoenix, Halo, Jayce, Elora Rose, and Hezzachiah. He has worked for DC Water for more than 33 years. In his leisure time, Lowell enjoys family gatherings, traveling, and—most of all—fishing.

His smile lights up any room, and his heart is full of love. He loves the Lord, his family, and his church family. Lowell's favorite scripture is Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jaws' singing journey began with his father, the late Deacon Billy Nobles, at age 6 at Second Washington Chapel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ in Hyattsville, under the leadership of his Grandfather, Founder Rev. Alfred F. Harris. William Nobles is a native Washingtonian and a lover of all genres of music. However, his passion is Gospel music.

He is a founder of 4HIS Glory music ministry and sings with the praise team at Faith Temple Number Two. William, affectionately known as JAWS, is the owner of Pro Tech, LLC in his professional life. He is a proud father, grandfather and son of Geraldine Nobles. In his leisure, Jaws is an avid Commanders fan and loves international travel. Most of all he loves the Lord and is a faithful member of The Gospel Soul Winners.