Lithonia, GA born and raised...The Kilgores are on a mission! Their goal? To heal the youth. The reason? In the words of Clara Kilgore, founder of the group, "It means more to us to help heal God's young people because we helped destroy so many." Daughters of famed gospel quartet leader, Judge Kilgore, Tonia & Clara knew that they were destined to sing. From church choirs to quartets of their own, the girls longed to emulate their dad's style and technique. And they did. But, by the time the sisters had reached their teens, the enemy had them in a downward spiral. Drugs, alcohol, and partying had become a way of life for the teens. Still, the love of music to burn deep within. So, it was no surprise that Shades of Harmony was originally formed as an R&B act in 1992. The group enjoyed marginal success, but they soon found themselves sinking further into the destructive life-styles in which they had become accustomed. Testimony in the making is what we call it in hindsight.
There, but by the grace of God, went The Shades. By 1995, after a series of life changing events and spiritual renewing, Shades of Harmony reemerged under their true calling - gospel. Purposed to glorify God, the group hit the streets again, this time dishing out raw vocals and beats, with a small serving of "Word" on the side. In 1999, 11-year-old Marcus, Tonia's son, joined the group, adding another dimension to their contemporary sound and youth appeal. Armed with a raw, yet contemporary flavor, the trio has a message for today's generation. Just winding down from a Metro-Atlanta mini-tour, the group is looking forward to taking the ministry nation-wide. As Clara put it, "I just asked God to take me back to where He delivered me from, so that those who followed me so closely in sin would now follow me in salvation." With a message from the heart and a mission from the Lord, these soldiers are armed for battle!!!