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Mighty Aires
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Rooted in Family
Honoring the Ones Who Started Our Song
Sylvester "Pop" Finney
Our Pop. Our Deac. Our Legend.
Founder & Patriarch
To the Mighty Aires, he's simply Pop the one who started it all. Long before the stages and the recordings, there was a father gathering his family to sing. That spirit is still at the heart of everything the group does today.
Bonita Finney
The Glue • Our Heart & Harmony
Background & Lead Vocalist
Bonita Finney grew up inside the harmony her father built and grew into the voice that leads it. As lead vocalist, she carries the family's sound forward, note by note.
Two best friends, and a name a child gave us
The Mighty Aires began in 1980 through the vision of best friends Shirley Jones and Rosetta Finney. Formerly known as the Trii-State Gospelaires, the members at the time called Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey home. After a split, remaining members Shirley Jones, Rosetta Finney, and Bonita Finney joined forces with former Southern Gates members William "Country Bill" Riley and Eugene "Mitch" Mitchell to form the new group. Deacon Sylvester Finney soon joined as spokesman and MC, and Curtis Clack — today's guitarist and vocalist — joined as the drummer.
Four decades, in the songs we left along the way
First recording
A year into the group's life, they cut their first 45: "Promise to Meet Me There" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Finding their places
Chuck Finney moved to drums as Curtis Clack took up bass; a few years later, Deacon Finney stepped into lead vocals and Curtis moved to guitar — the seat he still holds today.
I Am Blessed & Lift Me Up
Their first full-length cassette, I Am Blessed, was followed by Lift Me Up — whose title track was the first original song written by Curtis Clack and Chuck Finney.
Give You All the Praise
Recorded live at the Cathedral of Fresh Fire in Wilmington, this was the group's first CD and their first live recording — the start of a growing catalog of original music.
Keeping the ministry moving
When Deacon Finney fell ill and couldn't travel, Chuck Finney stepped up as lead singer. When Deac returned, Chuck moved to bass and background vocals.
Been Running for Jesus
A studio project featuring the title track performed by Deac Finney himself.
Breakthrough
Recorded live at the Baby Grand Opera House in Wilmington, this CD/DVD carried the title song written by Chuck Finney — still the group's most requested song, and the project that carried their name across the country.
Heaven
A second live CD/DVD, and another favorite among longtime friends and fans.
Can't Give Up Now
Recorded at Canaan Baptist Church in Delaware, this project landed on the 2014 Stellar Awards ballot — a few votes shy of a nomination, and a milestone as the only independent artist on the list.
Still Winning
Recorded for the fun of it, and to prove that new technology couldn't change what the Mighty Aires do best.
Through the pandemic
Livestream concerts, a sold-out 42nd anniversary show, the project Can't Stop My Praise, sessions for The Unsung Project, and the single "Making a Way" kept the ministry moving through the hardest years. Mom Rosetta Finney later retired from singing, at nearly 89, to enjoy the music from home.
Honoring the ones who started our song
Deacon Sylvester Finney
Deac had beaten prostate cancer twice before other complications took him home in December 2019. He had testified many times that he was ready to go — and he went peacefully. Never to be forgotten.
Bonita "Nita" Finney
After 45 years with the group, Bonita passed away suddenly in August 2025. She was the most consistent and recognizable sound the Mighty Aires ever had — a voice that can never be replaced.
A different look, the same good music
Remaining members Chuck Finney and Curtis Clack have brought the Mighty Aires back to the stage — joined by two new voices and the same band that has always stood behind them.
Chuck Finney
Curtis Clack
Brian Hightower
Dave Stansbury
"It's a slightly different look now, but it will be the same good music, God's message, and the same worship experience we've always given you."— The Mighty Aires, 2026