A Prestigious History

Around the Globe

The Atlanta Boy Choir, formally incorporated in 1959 under the visionary leadership of Maestro Fletcher Wolfe, traces its roots back to 1945. Ruth Weegand, then Director of Elementary School Music Education for Atlanta Public Schools, established the original Atlanta Boys Choir, drawing choristers from 5th and 6th-grade students. From its inception in April 1946 until 1949, this pioneering ensemble performed concerts across Atlanta, inspiring audiences and fostering a love of music. Among its distinguished alumni was Alfred Uhry, the Pulitzer Prize- and Academy Award-winning playwright best known for Driving Miss Daisy.

Following Ruth Weegand’s retirement, the choir underwent a transformation under the direction of George Crawford, Music Director at Kirkwood Baptist Church. In this new era, the Atlanta Boy Choir was reestablished as an independent organization, welcoming boys from across the metropolitan Atlanta area.

In January 1958, the choir reached a remarkable milestone, performing at the White House for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and their staff. The boys performed an original piece titled Make ’58 Great, Hit the Moon Soon, a nod to the optimism of the era. President Eisenhower was deeply impressed by these young ambassadors of song, and Mamie Eisenhower treated the boys’ mothers to a rare private tour of the White House residence while the President personally greeted the choristers.

Today, the Atlanta Boy Choir continues its proud tradition of musical excellence, inspiring audiences and transforming the lives of young singers just as it has for generations.