Iconic Vocalists The Sistering to Release New Debut Album on March 20th, 2026 | LISTEN!
Four Iconic North Carolina Vocalists,
Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon,
Lenora Zenzalai Helm, and Kate McGarry,
Join Forces to Form THE SISTERING, A New Musical Collective
Celebrating Strength in Song and Sisterhood
Experience THE SISTERING at Carnegie Hall
Wednesday, April 1, 8:00 pm
When They Make Their New York Debut
with The Tribe Jazz Orchestra
DURHAM/RALEIGH, NC, February 11, 2026 – Just as the construction term “sistering” refers to the practice of fastening a new beam alongside an existing one to provide combined strength, four of North Carolina’s most celebrated vocalists have joined forces to create a new musical supergroup: The Sistering. Comprised of Lois Deloatch, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, and Kate McGarry, the collective announces their debut album, The Sistering, set for global release on March 20, 2026.
The 12-track recording is a deeply personal exploration of life, family, and loss, blending jazz, ballads, gospel, and folk. Born from a place of deep friendship, starting with shared meals and wine, the gatherings evolved into a creative masterpiece. The project also includes a documentary about friendship, creativity and the power of making music together.
In addition, The Sistering will make their New York City debut at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, April 1, 8:00 pm, at a performance with The Tribe Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Helm.
To introduce the upcoming recording, the group has released two singles:
“Combat Boots and Glass Slippers” – Composed and sung by Dr. Lenora Zenzalai Helm, the debut single showcases the group’s intricate harmonies and distinctive individual styles.
“It Had to Be You” – A classic standard reimagined with a “Sistering” twist, highlights the group’s roots in the great American jazz tradition.
The full album, available March 20 on all major streaming platforms and digital music outlets, includes two songs written by each of the vocalists, two plus a reprise co-written by the foursome and one jazz standard. The stories of purpose, passion and power are “River Song,” “River Song Reprise” and “Origins” (The Sistering); “A Brother Just Like You” and “Dreaming Arms” (Freelon); “Dying Season” and “Follow the Stream” (Deloatch); “The Circle” and “Tribal Download” (McGarry); “Begin Again” and “Combat Boots and Glass Slippers” (Helm); and “It Had to Be You” (Public Domain).
“On this album, The Sistering, four powerhouse women (with awards and accolades too numerous to mention), come together to share their version of ‘sistering’ through sound vibration, words of wisdom and melodic dance,” wrote Terri Lyne Carrington, multi-Grammy winning drummer, producer, composer and educator, in the album’s liner notes. “… they present raw emotion with ‘in your face’ truth and honesty. The Sistering’ has something for everyone.”
About the Artists
Lois Deloatch: A singer/songwriter and radio host with a dynamic contralto voice steeped in Southern heritage. She is a dedicated advocate for the redemptive power of music.
Nnenna Freelon: A seven-time Grammy nominee, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee, and creator of the Great Grief podcast. She is a master storyteller discovered by the legendary Ellis Marsalis.
Lenora Zenzalai Helm: An acclaimed vocalist, composer, and Dean at Berklee College of Music. A two-time Fulbright Senior Music Specialist, she has released eight albums as a leader and written a textbook on singing and teaching vocal jazz.
Kate McGarry: A Grammy-nominated vocalist and educator known for her “lithe, nuanced voice.”
Explore The Sistering – four voices, one vision in a bold and beautiful collaboration. For more information, please visit sisteringproject.com.
Carolyn McClair Public Relations