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Dr. Diana S. Gray, founder of Montgomery Sings! and the Montgomery Arts Academy, Inc., often reflects on the pivotal day her mother asked, “Would you like to take piano lessons?” Without hesitation, Diana replied, “Yes!” Days later, her father brought home a brand-new piano, placing it prominently in the family’s living room—a moment that would spark a lifelong passion for music.

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From childhood, Diana studied piano and voice under the guidance of prominent private instructors. At just eight years old, she began playing for the church where her father pastors, and soon after, she was leading and teaching music within local and state Baptist conventions. By the age of 17, Diana was already teaching private piano lessons to students of all ages.

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After graduating from the renowned Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama, Diana nurtured a vision of one day owning a private music academy. That dream became reality through years of intensive study, earning six academic degrees in music and leadership. Today, she proudly serves as the founder and owner of Montgomery Arts Academy, Inc., a beacon of musical excellence and education in the River Region.

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As a professional music educator and business leader, Dr. Gray recognized the need for a community choir that would both celebrate and preserve the heritage of African-American music. In April 2023, she began assembling that vision—with support from close friends and nationally recognized gospel artists including Dr. Rayshun Walker, Dr. Prince E. Yelder, Mrs. Guenada Lambert, and Grammy Award winner Kurt Carr. Their efforts culminated in a powerful June 2023 performance with Kurt Carr and Singers at True Divine Baptist Church in Montgomery.

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With the support of the City of Montgomery and Mayor Steven L. Reed, Montgomery Sings! was born—not merely as a choir, but as a cultural movement. The ensemble exists to uplift and share the musical stories and spiritual traditions of the African diaspora.

“Our beloved city is rich in African-American history and filled with untold stories,” says Dr. Gray. “Through Montgomery Sings!, I proudly join the movement to tell those stories while preserving the vibrant traditions of African-American choral music.”

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Today, Montgomery Sings! is the official choir and host of the Alabama River Region Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. The organization has partnered with the City of Montgomery, local museums, churches, and educational institutions to bring gospel music to life across the region. Each year, Montgomery Sings! presents a celebrated concert series and training seminars designed to inspire, equip, and connect singers and musicians from all walks of life.