History/Biography

Growing up in a Christian home, church was always a part of Donna and Brenda's life. It was "normal" to be at church on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday evenings, and each night for revival services.  Their mom had sung in their church's ladies' trio for many years, so they always loved gospel music.

In 1981, the BROCK family was visiting a church's homecoming service (the same church where Donna had received the Lord at the young age of 8 years old).  The soprano singer from the ladies' trio was also with them.  The pastor asked for their trio to sing a couple of songs.  When they told him their lead vocalist wasn't there, he said, "Well, couldn't Donna sing in her place?"  They decided to give it a try and everyone loved the sound.  Returning to their home church that evening, they told the trio's lead vocalist what had happened that afternoon. 

Interestingly, she had wanted to begin singing as a soloist, but hadn't done so because she didn't want to leave the trio empty handed.  Since that would no longer be a problem, Donna became the trio's new lead singer.

Brenda joined shortly after when the soprano's husband retired and they moved to Florida.  The group was now mother and daughters.  The following year, dad joined.

From 1982 to 2001, the group (then known as THE GOSPEL FOUNDATION) performed throughout a seven-state area.  Five projects were recorded, one of which ("An Original Collection") was comprised of all original songs written by group members.

During this time, they performed with such artists as Betty Jean Robinson, Freemans, Bishops, Singing Americans, and The Weatherfords.

In 2001 parents, Bill and Eva, decided to retire from the singing stage. Donna and Brenda felt the call to continue with the ministry and completed their first recording as a duet, dedicated to their parents.  "Continuing the Legacy" shows the God-instilled desire in this duet's heart to do His work and lead others to Him.

INDIVIDUAL BIOS

                     Donna Strong      

Donna always sang songs around home.  One Sunday morning, she told the Sunday School Superintendent that she wanted to sing.  To her parents' surprise, she got up and sang "Born to Serve the Lord" without any hesitation or fear.  From that moment on, Donna began singing solos at church quite often.
 
For almost a decade, Donna also sang backup in her church's praise band.  Her rich alto voice is well respected by others and adds a great amount of depth to any song she sings.  Many are amazed at her low vocal range, even being able to sing the higher bass notes.

                     Brenda Messaros

Brenda also began singing in church as a youngster, with her sister and two other girls.  Her first solo was a verse to "The King Is Coming."  Although she didn't begin singing full solos until she was in her 20's, she was often featured on verses in choir numbers. Brenda well remembers she and Donna using pencils as microphones, turning out their bedroom light and using a flashlight as a spotlight during their performance. If pencils weren't available, hairbrushes worked well.  Like her sister she also participated in school choirs.