Four generations, one choir: The family legacy behind a Tabernacle Choir singer

Four generations, one choir: The family legacy behind a Tabernacle Choir singer

From It's Worth Mentioning by Rett Nelson

July 20, 2026 · 39 min · Season 2 · Episode 22

About this episode

Leslie Johnson shares her family's multi-generational connection to the Tabernacle Choir and her experiences as a member since 2022.

Singing in the Tabernacle Choir is a multi-generational tradition for Leslie Johnson. The Utah woman, who grew up in Rexburg, represents the fourth generation of her family to be part of the world-renowned singing ensemble. She’s been a member of the Choir since 2022 and was part of the Choir’s recent “Songs of Hope” concert at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater in Los Angeles, California, which included celebrity guest Donny Osmond and others. RELATED | Tabernacle Choir, Donny Osmond headlining free community concerts in east Idaho Johnson’s parents, Richard and Carolyn Robison, were members of the choir from 1957 to 1959. That’s where they met and fell in love. During that time, they were part of the choir’s original recording of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which earned a Grammy Award in 1959, according to a historical timeline provided by The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints, with which the choir is affiliated. Carolyn passed away on June 30, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She was 88. Carolyn’s mother, Helen Peterson Hooper, joined the choir in 1958 and stayed with the group until 1967. Hooper’s husband died years earlier. During this time, she became…

People in this episode

Host: Rett Nelson

Guest: Leslie Johnson

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tabernacle Choir, The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints

Places: Rexburg, Los Angeles, California

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