Samuel E. Cromwell, Jr., affectionately known as “Eddie,” has been the beloved Director of the Saint Augustine Gospel Choir (SAGC) since 1998. In 2011, he became Director of the St. Augustine Chorale. Eddie has taken the Gospel Choir to churches and concert halls across the United States and abroad. Most recently, he has taken the Choir to the World Famous Apollo Theater in New York and a spirit-filled tour to Saarbrücken, Germany.
Eddie is a full-time gospel musician who dedicated his gifts and talents to the Lord’s service at an early age. He is the Minister of Music at First Seventh-day Adventist Church, and musical director for various choirs throughout the Washington Metropolitan area including the award-winning Elizabeth Seton Gospel Choir, Trinity College Gospel Choir, and Peoples Congregational Choir. His signature group, GRACE, produced several recordings and performed throughout the metro area, across the country, and in Europe and Central America.
In 2008 and 2009, Eddie brought together voices and liturgical dancers from various denominations to celebrate the majestic biblical story of Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration. Eddie’s gifts and talents were evident as the combined voices of this ecumenical musical production soared in the telling of this timeless story.
Eddie’s work has taken him to The Kennedy Center as Musical Director for the benefit concert, “Awesome Praise,” to working with many nationally-known gospel recording artists such as Darryl Coley, Tramaine Hawkins, Richard Smallwood, John P. Key, Diane Reeves, and others. His work has taken him from The White House, across the United States, and abroad.
Eddie enthusiastically seeks new challenges. His love of gospel music will continue to manifest itself for years to come. Praise the Lord!