Life Experiences Inspire Group Elder Brinkley and the Heavenly Angels
By A. Faith Camp, 11.04.04

Gospel group Elder Brinkley and the Heavenly Angels are on the move with their musical ministry. They not only use their talents to entertain, but also to share their Christian faith with others.

Group members Elder Brinkley, Howard Fulton and Reginald and Regina Nolan, and their musicians James Thomson, Joel and Steven Parks and Jay Morton enjoy singing and praying with nursing home patients in their local community.

The group, which started in 2000, has released one CD and performed in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and North Carolina. But the excitement does not end here.

“Ten years from now we plan to be world wide,” Brinkley said.
And it looks like they are doing just that.

The Clifton Brothers Gospel group was impressed with what they heard about Elder Brinkley and the Heavenly Angels ministry, so they recently invited the Heavenly Angels on a weeklong musical tour in Texas.

“We are about to become celebrities,” Regina said.

The group extends their kindness to others
The group recently held their first benefit at Holy Temple Church in Norfolk, Va. They raised $2,000 during the performance, which contributed to an 18-year-old leukemia victim’s medical expenses.

A few weeks later, Elder Brinkley and the Heavenly Angels performed at a televised phone-a-thon to help raise funds for Elizabeth State University in North Carolina. This money would benefit the students at the university.
(L to R: Reginald Nolan, Elder Brinkley, Regina Nolan and Howard Fulton) Photo by Hannah Goodwyn

Inspiration is supernatural
Reginald Nolan, the main songwriter for the group, receives his inspiration from his dreams. “My husband sometimes wakes up with song ideas and then collaborates with the rest of the group,” Regina said.

“The Lord reveals songs to my husband in his dreams,” Regina said. She added, “He wakes up with lyrics to a song and our sons put them to music.”

Life experiences inspire lyrics

Regina said she was excited to have the opportunity to share her testimony with others through the group’s song “I’ll Fly Away.” She said she relates well to the song’s chorus, “If I had one wish, whether it be silver and gold or riches untold I’d fly up to heaven and be with you.”

The group said they are determined to be positive influences in the community and help those in need.

“We plan on holding many more benefits, even if we have to do it for free,” Regina said.