The original Sterling Jubilee Singers formed the group in 1929. They were trained by singing master Charles Bridges, who helped to form the a capella singing style which attracted a large number of singers in Jefferson County at a time when African-Americans flocked to jobs in the coal, steel and railroad industries. John Alexander's Sterling Jubilee Singers preserve the close harmonies and dramatic pacing--in fact, many of the arrangements'of the original group. They have carried the tradition in performance to City Stages, the Smithsonian Institute and numerous schools and churches, and passed it on to younger groups. The Sterling Jubilee Singers have been awarded the Alabama Samplers/City Stages Musical Heritage Award.