THE GROUP FIRE
BIOGRAPHY
Introducing The Group Fire! The hot new group out of Newark, New Jersey! These 5 young men draw major comparisons to The Winans, Commissioned, Take 6, and Men of Standard! The group is made up of 2 sets of brothers (Terelle Cooper, Juwan Cooper, Justin Cooper, Tajohn Hill, Al Hill ).
“The Group Fire” is known for stirring up excitement wherever they go. Blending smooth harmonies, scriptures and daily – living based lyrics tackling along with a variety of musical genres from jazz to R&C (rhythm and church). The New Jersey boy band --- Terelle, Juwan, Tajohn, and Al-Shamir--- are quickly becoming a hot commodity in the gospel arena with fans of all ages from the youngest to the most seasoned. “The Group Fire” has a sound that has been compared to groups like: Commissioned, The Williams Brothers and The Jacksons. Many see them as the new vanguard for gospel.
In 2009, the group was noticed by the CEO of Jet Records North/East, Bishop T. Cooper. Teaming up with producer & songwriter, Steve Cooper, the group immersed themselves in learning new material, developing a distinct sound and style. The group consists of two sets of brothers. In addition, all of them attend Palm Garden Holiness church in Newark, NJ.
When asked about the name of the group, Terelle, the lead vocalist says “We wanted a name that was special; we saw where God used fire a lot throughout the bible, with Moses and the burning bush, the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, Elijah with the chariot of fire, etc. We figured the same way He used fire in the bible we want Him to use us as well.”
In 2018, “The Group Fire” was nominated for a Stellar Award for Quartet of the Year for their project “Join the Praise Party”. This project has help catapult them onto the main stage in gospel music. As a result, the fellas have worked closely with Producer Steve Cooper and followed up with their 2019 single “Again”. This single is from their forthcoming project entitled “Heal the Land”. The guys are humbled as well as delighted that their single has charted in the top 20 in Billboard and has remained in the top 30 for over 28 weeks. This song has also helped “The Group Fire” receive 2 Stellar Award nominations for Duo/Chorus Group of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. In addition, the “Again” video was actively seen on BET Gospel.
“The Group Fire” has been nominated by Billboard as number 5 new artist for the year ending 2020. Their single “More Than Friends” has been in BDS Gospel Airplay top 30 for 20 weeks; and has peaked at the number 1 position January 11th 2021. Their next single “Fix It” became their fan favorite and one of their biggest hit's yet! "Fix It" is a song about everyday struggles that we can’t fix but Jesus can! "Fix It" has peaked at the number 1 position February 19th 2022, and also won two BMI Trailblazer Awards. The Group Fire's follow up single "Anything But Fail" is not just a song but a reminder that God never fails no matter what the situation is. "Anything But Fail" charted in the top 20 in Billboard.
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On November 3, 2023 The Group Fire releases new holiday EP entitled "The Gift". This six track EP marks their fourth studio project. This project includes beloved holiday classics such as "O, Come All Ye Faithful", "This Christmas" and "Give Love On Christmas Day". The warm melodious harmony has woven throughout the EP complemented by soulful leads that evoke heartfelt emotions. The Group Fire performed their Christmas EP live in concert on Sirius XM Kirk Franklins Praise with Meta Washington in New York City. They also performed one of their fan favorite Christmas renditions "Give Love On Christmas Day" on The Stellar Awards Christmas Special. Since then The Group Fire is actively ministering across the country and platforms such as the Essence Festival in New Orleans.
The Group Fire is gearing up to release their highly anticipated single "About Last Night" on August 16, 2024.
The positions of the group members are: (Lead singer) Terelle Cooper, (Tenor & Bass guitarist) Juwan Cooper, (Tenor) Justin Cooper, (Alto) Tajohn Hill, and Al Hill (Baritone).