Chicago’s Marguerite Gatling and the Inspiration Charms will once again headline the gospel stage at the Festival of Life this weekend.
Chicago’s Marguerite Gatling and the Inspiration Charms will once again headline the gospel stage at the Festival of Life this weekend.
A staple in Chicago, Gatling’s funeral home was founded by her husband, Lafayette Gatling. The company is known for its quality service and is synonymous with the finest in the mortuary science industry. The South Side funeral home made news several years ago when it introduced the ability to view loved ones via drive-thru.
Even with such a hectic schedule, Marguerite Gatling still finds time for her passion — the word in song.
“Gospel singing for me is my first love,” said the Louisiana native. “I have not found great difficulty managing a successful career in the funeral service because my singing is what gives me that spiritual strength that I need to face the day-to-day challenges of my business. It’s like an outlet, a resource for strength and the boost that I need to make it through. God gives me what I need to maintain both careers, and I can’t make it without him. I just thank him for being the awesome God that he is.”
Her passion for singing led her to performing with the popular female quartet, the Inspirational Charms, which has graced churches across the country.
“Upon moving to Chicago, my singing ministry began with a group called The Gospel Queens," Gatling said. "Later I was one of the organizing members of the Inspirational Charms.”
In fact, the Inspirational Charms’ travels have landed the energetic group on stages worldwide and on top gospel shows like "Singsation" and "The Bobby Jones Show." Additionally, they have appeared at the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, and they are registered in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Throughout their extensive career, the group has received numerous honors and awards, including Best Female Quartet by the African-American Religious Connection and Best Gospel Entertainers by the 2007 Chicago Music Awards.
Sunday at 8 p.m., the Inspirational Charms will headline the Festival of Life in Washington Park.
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