York House Press

Soon to publish his account of founding and managing the Harlem Gospel Choir, Allen Bailey, pictured here with Bono, has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 40 years, beginning as a promotional director and advance man for film stars and recording artists, such as Lionel Richie & The Commodores, Michael Jackson, Prince and Isaac Hayes. Don King appointed Bailey entertainment coordinator for Rumble in The Jungle, the heavy-weight championship match between Mohammed Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. With extensive experience combining talent management, theatrical production and fundraising, Allen assisted in production of 1985’s We Are The World and USA for Africa in 1986. It was during his work as Chairman for The Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Campaign in 1986 that his idea to form The Harlem Gospel Choir was born. Always active in Harlem, he coordinated the concert for Nelson Mandela in Yankee Stadium and codirected The Harlem Jazz Festival. He now spends most of his time touring with The Harlem Gospel Choir.