Minnie Tate was born in Nashville in 1857 of free parents. Her mother taught her to read and write before she entered Fisk.

Green Evans, the most widely traveled of the singers, was born on September 19, 1848. His master moved all over the south to escape the Union army. Finally, Evans met a Yankee officer in Selma, Alabama and became his servant for two years. In 1868, after teaching school for several years, he entered Fisk.

Isaac Dickerson was born a slave on July 15, 1850 in Wytheville, Virginia. After his mother died, he became a houseboy at the age of five. Before entering Fisk, he worked as a hotel waiter and a school teacher.

Jennie Jackson, born free, was the granddaughter of President Andrew Jackson's personal body servant. Jennie's mother had been a slave but her master at his death gave her her freedom. Jennie entered Fisk in 1866.

Maggie Porter was born February 24, 1853 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Her master was wealthy and as her mother was a favorite house servant, she saw little of the harsher side of slavery. She entered Fisk in 1866.

Ella Sheppard, often considered the backbone of the group, was born in Nashville, Tennessee on February 4, 1851. Her father, who operated a livery stable in Nashville, purchased his freedom for $1800 and purchased Ella's freedom for $350. He tried to purchase his wife's freedom but her master refused to sell her. She was taken to Mississippi and Ella and her father moved to Cincinnati where she took music lessons. After the death of her father in 1866, Ella went to Gallatin, Tennessee to teach school. In September 1868 with only six dollars, and all of her possessions in a trunk so small the boys called it a "pre box" Ella enrolled at Fisk. Knowing that the six dollars would only last three weeks, Ella went to work teaching piano in the city. Later she was appointed teacher of instrumental music at the university. She helped George L. White train the singers before the northern tour and was placed in charge of the entire training of voices and general care of the troupe during the tour.

Thomas Rutling was born in Wilson County, Tennessee in 1854. His father and brother were sold away from him before he was two years old. He stayed on the plantation until 1865, when he moved to Nashville and soon after went to Fisk.

Benjamin Holmes was born on September 25, 1846 or 1848 in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1862, he was sold to a master in Chattanooga. The next year he became an officer's servant in the 14th Army Corps. After working in a barber shop and teaching school, he entered Fisk in 1868.

Eliza Walker, one of eight children, was born a slave six miles out of Nashville at Flatrock in 1857. Her father owned an ice-house and made enough money to purchase a home for the family. She entered Fisk in 1866.