The Wilkins Sisters

The Wilkins Sisters are Tangela Longstreet, Joyce Jones, and Tawana Cunningham from Memphis, Tennessee. After decades performing with their father, a renowned gospel singer himself, the Wilkins Sisters are now performing with a soul-shaking band, honoring not just their late father, but a deep tradition of faith, family, and music you can feel in your bones.

Tangela, Joyce, and Tawana started their musical journey as back-up singers for their father, the late Rev. John Wilkins, who in turn is the son of famed musician Reverend Robert Wilkins — among other noteworthy accomplishments, his song “Prodigal Son” was covered by the Rolling Stones. Surrounded by a mix of gospel, blues, and R&B, the sisters were inspired to make music that was moving, soulful, and uplifting. As their passion for performing grew, they started opening for their father at services, shows, and picnics. Later on, they started their own projects as well: Tangela has led her own band, Tan and The Violinettes, for over 25 years.

After a hiatus from performing as a family, the sisters came back together about 10 years ago when they were asked to accompany their father on several songs on his award-winning first full-length record, You Can’t Hurry God. Upon their father’s passing, Tangela, Joyce, and Tawana decided to get back together to honor his legacy and continue the family tradition as the Wilkins Sisters. At the National Folk Festival, the Wilkins Sisters will be joined by Kevin Cubbings on guitar, Eric Freeman on drums, Amos Harvey on bass, and James Judon on keyboard.