We give thanks and praises to God for blessing us with all the things He has given us. It is our prayer that our music would have a positive impact on the listeners and would lead lost souls to Christ.  This project “Back to the Basics (Old School-New Flavor)” is very special to the Crowns of Joy.  It is a celebration of 35 Years in the gospel singing ministry.

The “Crowns of Joy” was founded in a little Northeast Mississippi community call Pheba in 1980 by the late Reverend Tom Bill Avant.  Prior to becoming a preacher, Reverend Avant was a great musician who created three local gospel groups in the Pheba community.  The first group “The Five Gospel Wonders”, organized in the early 1950’s, included a group of neighborhood boys, who were well known for singing in community churches.  As time went by, members of the group departed to pursue their own personal goals.

Nevertheless, in the early 1970’s, Reverend Avant continued his singing career by organizing a group with a different name “The Gospel Consolators”.  Members included his wife, sister-in- law, and nephews. Being around music, Reverend Avant’s children learned how to sing and play, as well.  Tommy Avant became the backup bass player for “The Gospel Consolators”. However, members of the group had a massive responsibility of taking care of their families which caused the group to breakup.

Reverend Avant decided that in order to keep dedicated members in a group, he needed members who could take firm instructions and criticism.  Therefore, the prime candidates were two of his sons (Tommy and Victor), who were well known for being reprimanded when caught doing wrong with a belt, switch and other unsparing rods. In 1980, Reverend Avant formulated a group known as the “Crowns of Joy”.  Reverend Avant was very strict and taught good moral values that we will never forget “living the life we sing about”.

The group currently consists of three original members - two brothers (Tommy & Victor) and a cousin (Wayne) along with Bud Townsend who has been with the group for eight years. Tommy, Victor and Wayne formed the TVW Music Of God Publishing group during the production of the “Taking It To Another Level” Project.  The group has had the opportunity of keeping their father’s legacy alive by traveling and singing in various places and taking the group to higher heights.  We have been successful in previously recording four projects “Didn’t It Rain”, “Taking It To Another Level”, “Born Again”, and “An Evening With The Crowns (Live and More)”.   

We have been blessed to travel all over the world and sing with various, renown, national, recording artists.  The story continues and we look forward to sharing it with you! COMING SOON TO YOUR CITY!!

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9
Much Love from Victor, Tommy, Wayne , and Bud
We are the Crowns of Joy.


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