AARON SHIRAH
I guess I have technically been singing since I was three years old. My first adventure in Southern Gospel music consisted of my first integral part in the song, Fight to Win the Battle. I had my part down perfectly; I would say “don’t mess with me, Devil,“ start crying, and run off stage. I couldn’t be beat.Fortunately, I do not run off the stage anymore when singing. Besides my aforementioned experience in Southern Gospel music, I grew up in Auburndale, FL’s very own Royal City Family Ministries’ family. Southern Gospel music was a large part of my childhood. As a teenager, I was promoted to the official sound man that made an appearance to sing one of three songs. I very much enjoyed traveling with Royal City for all those years.At a concert in Carthage, TN, I met someone who would forever change my life. No not a booking agent…no, not a talent agent, nope…not even a recording studio representative. I found the love of my life, my wife Brooklyn. Within two years, it was time for me to go out in life on my own and move to Tennessee. When I moved, I thought my days singing in a Southern Gospel group were over forever…or so I thought. I prayed that God would use me. I don’t feel as though I chose to sing, but rather that God made it abundantly clear that this is how I would be used. I am excited about the Shirah Brothers and singing Southern Gospel music once again. I am more excited to see what God has in store for us in this adventure.A few things about me:I enjoy golfing, playing the guitar, and telling my wife how beautiful she is!I love 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 because it shows how even in our greatest weaknesses, God can be glorified.My favorite restaurant is El Tap in Cookeville, TN - I prefer the one on Jefferson.I passionately hate taking out the trash!My favorite gospel group is Brian Free and Assurance.My favorite song just depends on the day…My all-time favorite hymn is Nearer My God to Thee.One of my favorite memories from singing is when my three year-old son ran up to me after a concert and said, “Daddy! You did soooooo good!”
JACOB SHIRAH
Growing up in Auburndale, FL my family was no stranger to Southern Gospel music. I grew up in the family ministry, Royal City. In my family, it is not about if you will sing but simply when. My when started as I was three years old.
As I started getting older, I had the opportunity to become the baritone singer for Royal City. My dad often referred to me as the “glue that holds the harmony together.” That is quite a bit of pressure for a teenager, but I loved traveling with my father and brothers. I was blessed in that journey with many wonderful memories, on and off the stage. One of those memories that comes to my mind is when we were given the opportunity to sing with the one and only Kirk Talley. That was an amazing opportunity that I hope to never forget.
In my early twenties, my family moved to Mayland, TN. It wasn’t long after moving that I decided it was time for me to discover myself outside of singing. I left Royal City and began what most people would refer to as a “normal” job. A few years later, I met the woman that would become my wife and started our family.
From singing to playing the drums, music has always been a passion of mine. Music has always meant more to me than a few words associated with musical notes. It was been an outlet, avenue, and a way of expressing oneself.
I was asked once, “Why do you sing?” I had the response of two simple but beautiful verses in Psalms.
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!” Psalm 96:1 ESV
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah” Psalm 84:4 ESV
I hope the Shirah Brothers enables us to share the love of God with others.
A few things about me:
My favorite gospel group is the Hinsons.
It is not possible for me to simply pick one song that is my favorite.
I do not enjoy squash.
2 Corinthians 8:9 is my favorite verse in the Bible.
I have multiple musical influences including: Brian Free and Assurance, The Booth Brothers, Gold City, Triumphant, George Shelton Jr., Karen Peck and New River, and more!
My favorite restaurant is Taco Bell or Moes…I struggle making big decisions.
I enjoy playing/making music, sports, cooking, and shooting.
JOSH SHIRAH
I’ve been singing for as long as I’ve been able to talk. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been traveling from church to church with my family. My dad sang with a few different groups that would let me get on stage to sing a song. It then evolved into all of us boys singing together. We started practicing and improving vocally. Eventually, we started singing for an entire portion of the concert. One day while practicing, my dad started talking to us about harmony and discovered that I could sing tenor. At around 12 years old, I started filling in singing tenor for a couple of groups around central Florida. Changes happened…I started singing baritone for my dad’s group. We officially became a family group, Royal City Family Ministries. We saw many hearts changed and lives surrendered to Christ. Some of my favorite memories while traveling are singing Looking for a City with Brian Free when I was 12 and the night I got saved during a concert we sang with a group called Hope Street. I continued to travel with my family until 2015.Since then, I’ve started a career and met my wife, Talitha. Even though I came off the road for several years, I’ve always felt a calling to sing. In November of 2019, after many nights of praying and talking things over with my wife, we decided it was God’s will for me to join my brothers to sing again.
A few things about me:
I enjoy spending time with my wife, hanging out with family and friends, mountain biking, cliff jumping (I’m a bit of a thrill seeker), hiking, being out on the water, playing and watching sports, and of course singing!
My favorite restaurant is Moe’s or anywhere I can get some coffee!
My favorite Bible verse is Nahum 1:7.
My favorite gospel group is Brian Free and Assurance or Kingdom Heirs.
My favorite hymn is What a Day That Will Be.
I have way too many favorite songs to pick just one.