The Burton Sisters

Approaching the church in Lothains Road, one can hear the distinct, melodious, soulful voices of the Burton Sisters – twins Paula and Pauline and the older Allison. The song, “Count Your Blessings.”

The Burton Sisters have made a name for themselves among gospel singers in TT. The Indian Walk-based singers have thrilled audiences all over the country with their uplifting yet very energetic performances. “Singing the hymns and gospels with a upbeat music is exciting,” Allison says, and the Burton sisters have become popular for this style in ministering to the people.

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed; When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings, name them one by one; And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done,” the sisters sing. “Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.”

Says Allison, “This beautiful hymn speaks volumes as it really calls on people to turn to the Lord and receive his mercy.”

The hymn was written by one of the most prolific gospel songwriters of the past century, a Methodist lay preacher named Johnson Oatman. In addition to his preaching and the writing of more than 5,000 hymn texts, Oatman was also a successful business man, engaged in a shipping business and in his later years as an administrator for a large insurance company in New Jersey. Allison says, it is good for each of us periodically to take time to rediscover the simple but profound truths expressed by Oatman in the four stanzas of this hymn.

Allison says her life is a song as she is always singing the praises of the Lord be it silently or for an audience at the church. The Burton Sisters have dabbled in calypso, soca and reggae but they chose songs that are nation building or patriotic. However their versatility is displayed in genres like ballads and gospel.

So far the sisters have released one album, Praising Mood, and several singles, the most popular being “I Am”, written by Pauline and produced by Claudine George. One of their favourtie songs is “No Weapons.”

“Although we love to sing all of our songs we have our personal favourites, but we all enjoy this particular selection,” Allison explained.

According to Allison, ministering in TT and in other parts of the world has opened several doors for them as they reach out to people in need of counselling and guidance.

The sisters have been able to set up ministry in Canada and to the United States. “The North American Christian communities are more impressed with our local music in their up tempo songs called, ‘gospelypso’.

The three credit their success as singers to their devout mother Georgiana Antoine and father Randolph Burton. Allison reminisces, “We grew up in the church and we were able to build a relationship with the church as we became adults.” They encourage young people to sing out their feelings to the Lord as it helps to relax the mind. It is an act that leads to inner joy and peace in one’s life. Their favourite quote is, “To realise the worth of the anchor we need to feel the storm. Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.”