Remembering Rodessa Barrett Porter of The Barrett Sisters

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Rodessa Barrett Porter, beloved soprano of the legendary gospel trio The Barrett Sisters, entered eternal rest Monday, December 16, 2024, just one day after celebrating her 94th birthday. 

Born and raised in Chicago, Rodessa began her musical journey singing in the choir at Morning Star Baptist Church and then serving as a pianist at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Around 1950, she joined her older sisters, Delois Barrett Campbell and Billie Barrett GreenBey to form the renowned Barrett Sisters, becoming one of gospel music’s most cherished trios.

Rodessa’s angelic soprano voice complemented her sisters’ rich contralto and mezzo-soprano tones, creating unparalleled harmonies that resonated with local and international audiences and earned them the nickname “The Sweet Sisters of Zion.”

The Barrett Sisters recorded multiple albums and toured extensively, performing throughout the United States and Europe. In 1983 and 1987, they represented the United States as Goodwill Ambassadors in Africa and the South Pacific, respectively. The threesome graced stages with their friends Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and James Cleveland, appeared on programs with Johnny Carson, Oprah Winfrey, and Patti LaBelle, and are counted among pioneers in gospel music next to Thomas A. Dorsey, Roberta Martin, Theodore Frye, and Sallie Martin. Yet, despite their talent, renown, and accolades, their story remained one of humble service to God and the gospel message in song.

Rodessa and her sisters appeared in Say Amen, Somebody, the critically acclaimed documentary that introduced the Barrett Sisters to a new generation. More than 30 years later in 2013, The Sweet Sisters of Zion: Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters provided an intimate and celebratory portrait of their own lives and careers. The documentary film highlighted the trio’s bond—both as siblings and as singers who helped blaze trails in traditional gospel music.

The film’s producer, Regina Rene, shared in a 2013 interview with GMF’s Libra Boyd that the inspiration for the documentary stemmed from Rodessa’s vision. “I found [an] article where Mrs. Rodessa said that she wanted a document of their career and that she had all these videos that someone told her would cost $5,000 to put together.” Following the film’s completion, Boyd collaborated with the Barrett Sisters’ family to lead a crowdfunding campaign to support its release, premiere, and distribution.

After the passings of Delois in 2011 and Billie in 2020, Rodessa carried on their legacy with dignity, remaining a steward of the Barrett Sisters’ indelible mark on gospel music. The sisters’ closeness, admired both on and off stage, was a hallmark of their enduring appeal. In her own way, Rodessa Barrett Porter helped shape an era of gospel music that will be celebrated for generations to come. 

Rest in peace, sweet sister of Zion. Heaven’s choir will have a soprano whose melodies will reverberate through eternity.