Get to know
The Fleshman Singers are a talented family gospel group who began singing together in 2014. Originally formed by siblings: Ken, Raya Fleshman, Kenneth Fleshman III, Anniyah Fleshman, Kennedy Fleshman, and the youngest, Deanna Fleshman. The group quickly developed a passion for using their voices to glorify God and inspire others through music. In 2015, their brothers departed the group; their father, Kenneth Fleshman Jr., joined the ministry. Leaving his own gospel quartet to join the family group, he helped strengthen what would become a growing family legacy. Their mother, Antwanette Cullum-Fleshman, has guided and managed the group every step of the way, and her dedication has been instrumental to their success.
From singing in churches across Ohio to performing at special events, the Fleshman Singers have remained committed to sharing their faith and giving God all the praise. As their gift and reputation grew, they began receiving invitations to minister in cities and states beyond their local community, leading to an increasing number of concert appearances and opportunities.
The group's roots run deep. They were originally named the Kenny Ray Fleshman Singers in honor of their late grandfather, a tribute that reflected both his influence and the family's strong heritage of faith and music. Beyond their musical ministry, the Fleshman Singers are dedicated to serving their community. They participate in volunteer efforts, remain active in sports throughout the Cleveland area, and have been honored to sing at significant community events, including the funeral of former Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson's grandson.
Today, the Fleshman Singers continue to grow both personally and professionally; they’re living proof that time truly flies when pursuing a purpose greater than themselves. Their mission is simple but powerful: "Love thy neighbor with all your heart, because hate doesn't live here!" Through faith, family, and music, the Fleshman Singers continue to touch lives, uplift communities, and share a message of hope wherever they go.
First Monday, April 3rd
Talent grows when it is shared with the world. Courage grows when it is exercised. Dreams grow when they are given room to breathe. The Gospel Music Historical Society's Open Mic at First Monday will be more than a performance. It is a safe, encouraging space where creativity is welcomed, gifts are celebrated, and people are empowered to become all they were created to be. It is a place where potential meets opportunity and where ordinary evenings can become life-changing moments.
Don't let your gift stay hidden another day. The song inside you may encourage someone. The poem you've written may inspire someone. The story you tell, the dance you perform, the instrument you play, or the words you speak may be exactly what someone in the audience needs to hear.
Come to Miss O’s in Garfield Heights on August 3, 2026, and step into an atmosphere of faith, fellowship, creativity, and encouragement. Enjoy the free food, connect with fellow artists, perform on a professional sound system, and share your God-given talents with an audience that wants to see you succeed. Your gift was never meant to remain silent. The stage is ready. The community is waiting. The moment is now. Take the microphone, take the leap, and let your light shine.
A Migrant Singer
In 1965, my dad, Dub Burton, made a decision that would change the course of our family's life forever. He was only 28 years old, a young husband with a wife, Yvonne, and five children depending on him. Chattanooga, Tennessee, was home, but Dad believed there was something more waiting for us somewhere beyond the hills of Tennessee. He wasn't chasing riches. He wasn't looking for fame; he was searching for opportunity, for dignity, and for a better life for his family. So, he gathered us up, packed what little we had, and headed north to Cleveland, Ohio.
To a child, the move felt like a great adventure; to my father, it was a leap of faith. I didn't fully understand it then, but now I know how much courage it took to leave behind familiar streets, family, friends, and everything he knew, carrying no guarantees, just determination, hope, and a belief that God would make a way.
Through his love for my mother and dedication to his children, he showed that character, not skin color or circumstances, defines us. As I grew, I realized he sought no recognition, believing that gifts from God carry responsibility and sacrifice. He often said greatness lies in answering a higher calling and sacrificing for one’s craft, and he lived by that principle. Now, approaching his 90th birthday, I reflect on his legacy, his courage, faith, and sacrifices beyond wealth or titles.
Life in Cleveland wasn't easy; our family lived on Hough during the turbulent days of the 1966 Riots. We witnessed fear, anger, and uncertainty firsthand. Later, we moved to Glenville and lived through the Glenville Riots of 1968. Many families would have been broken by those difficult years, but not ours. Dad never stopped believing. In neighborhoods shaken by violence, he remained a steady voice of faith and purpose.
Shortly after arriving in Cleveland, Dad's life took a preordained turn when he met The Master Keys, a renowned gospel quartet. Instantly, the talented group saw his gift, and Dad joined them. I was still young, but one night stands out vividly in my memory: a crowded church on Cleveland's east side, with women fanning themselves with programs and men sitting upright on wooden pews. People from all over the city had come to hear good, gospel quartet singing and that night, I saw how his music touched everyone present.
Dad was quiet, lost in thought before the performance as if speaking with someone only he could hear. When the Master Keys hit the floor, the crowd applauded politely. Wesley Woods, their guitar player, strummed the intro, then Dad stepped forward; his voice transformed the room: rich, powerful, commanding attention from the front pew to the back of the sanctuary. Every word carried weight, every note purposeful. When he sang about faith, you believed him; about struggle, you felt his lived experience; about hope, it stirred your own. With The Master Keys harmonizing behind him, Dad's lead vocals soared, filling every corner of the church. Soon, people stood, raised their hands, some shouting, "Amen, sang it, brother!" others wiping tears. His voice was a call to faith and hope, resonating deeply in every listener.
Dad wasn't performing for applause or trying to impress anyone; he sang with complete surrender, pouring his heart into every note, conveying a depth of emotion that words can't capture. Watching from the audience, I saw sweat roll down his face; I saw him close his eyes and lean into the microphone, as if delivering a message directly from his soul. Then he handed the mic to Mr. Johnny Haymon, another dynamic lead singer of the Master Keys, and he finished the song; they were like two tag team professional wrestlers.
By the final chorus, the entire church was undeniably alive. The congregation wasn't merely listening; they were fully engaged; they had become an integral part of the Master Keys’ music. When the song ended, the crowd erupted in applause, but Dad simply stepped back, lowered his head, and waved his hand. For him, the greatest reward wasn't the applause; it was the profound knowledge that he had poured his soul into every note.
Years later, I would finally grasp what I had witnessed that night. Dad often said: "What makes a great singer, artist, musician, or writer is the willingness to surrender oneself to a higher calling. You must sacrifice for your talent and your craft." Standing in that church, listening as he led that song with The Master Keys, I saw crystal clear what he meant. He wasn't just singing; he was sacrificing. He was offering his gift back to the One who had bestowed it upon him. And that, more than anything, is what made my dad, Dub Burton, unforgettable.
Turner was his name
In 1928, the renowned Dunham Jubilee Singers of Mobile, Alabama, made a pivotal move to Cleveland, Ohio, to honor a two-year contract with Penn Central Railroads. The group included distinguished talents such as Leon Patrick, Ben Ransaw, Rufus Beavers, and our esteemed Arthur Lee Turner. The following summer, Columbia Records recognized their exceptional talent by inviting the Dunham Jubilee Singers to record in New York City. When they left Cleveland, Arthur Turner chose to stay behind and secured a steady career as a pipe fitter.
Arthur Turner’s passion for music led him to join the Shield Brothers, where he played a key role in establishing their reputation as one of Cleveland’s top quartets. By 1938, he was training the talented Elite Jewels, and in 1943, he became their business manager. Under his leadership, the Elite Jewels gained national acclaim, reaching audiences across the United States. Turner’s influence expanded as he became a respected radio personality, broadcasting on WABQ and WJMO starting in 1948. He also contributed to the founding of the Ohio Singers Movement and the Gospel Music Workshop of America (Cleveland Chapter).
Arthur Turner’s reputation as a gospel music promoter was unparalleled. His natural ability to engage audiences through radio, posters, and flyers ensured his events were widely recognized and anticipated. His dedication to promoting gospel artists elevated Cleveland’s music community, showcasing some of the nation’s finest talent in the city’s most prestigious venues and churches.
Attendees knew that any event featuring Arthur Turner’s name was a mark of excellence. With a calm, confident approach and precise announcements, he created an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. His efforts not only guaranteed memorable musical experiences but also helped shape the vibrant gospel community that thrives today.