Pastor J Drew Sheard and first Lady Karen Clark Sheard, will be giving their daughter away when Pastor Welton T. Smith, IV and Kierra Sheard marry on the as of yet unannounced date.
Don’t know much more than that, but as details come my way I will keep you guys updated!
Big congrats to the lovebirds!
As this terrible news continues to send shockwaves through the Gospel industry, I’m deeply saddened to report that Bishop Walter Hawkins passed today July 11, 2010 at the age of 61. Bishop Hawkins had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time, but was said to be in good health and even returned to most of his pastoral duties.
Walter Hawkins was a pioneer and a Gospel legend, not only in Contemporary Gospel music, but also in music history as a whole. Gospel music wouldn’t be what it is today without the last name “Hawkins” attached to its historic legacy. Walter’s timeless melodies and brilliantly crafted lyrics are still some of the most re-recorded and re-produced songs today from some of the Gospel industries biggest names. Hits like “Be Grateful,” “Thank You,” “What Is This,” “Change,” “Dear Jesus,” and “Marvelous,” reiterate just what a prolific songwriter/artist he was.
Bishop Hawkins also split his time between being a highly sought after artist and Pastor of The Love Center Church in Oakland, CA.
Walter Hawkins leaves behind two children, Jamie and Trystan Hawkins from his first marriage to Gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins, along with siblings Edwin, Carol, Freddie, Daniel and Lynette.
On a personal note, this is a sad day for me as The Hawkins dynasty was one of my first introductions to Gospel music that my mother exposed me too. The Hawkins family is one of the main reasons why my love for Gospel music is so strong today. Bishop Hawkins you will be missed, but we thank God for the assurance that this is not the last place we’ll see you.
Musical
Tuesday – July 20, 2010 @ 7:30 P.M.
The Tuesday Night Musical Celebration, titled, “The Man, the Music, The Ministry: A Musical Salute to Bishop Walter Hawkins” will be Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Pastor Donnie McClurkn, Daryl Coley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Ledisi, Ted Winn, Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Karen Clark Sheard, DJ Rogers, Melvin & Doug Williams, The Love Center Choir and more. Lady Tramaine Hawkins will be make a special appearance along with Bishop Hawkin’s sister, Lynette Hawkins Stevens. The musical directors will be Edwin Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, and Bishop’s own musical director Rusty Watson. The master of ceremony duties will be shared between Dr. Bobby Jones, Marvin Winans, and BeBe Winans.
Homegoing Celebration
Wednesday – July 21, 2010 @ 11 A.M.
Everyone is requested to wear the color “CREAM”
Services will be held at:
Paramount Theatre
2025 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612-2303
(510) 465-6400
Hotel Information:
Hilton Oakland Airport
1 Hegenberger Road
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 635-5000
$85.00 a night, plus tax
For more info on the services and arrangements go to www.lovecenter.org.
As I’m typing this, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards still haven’t aired here in Los Angeles yet. But, I know I have enthusiasts of Da Gospel Truth all over the country, so being the kind gentleman that my mother raised me to be, I decided to post the winners in the Gospel categories.
I didn’t make any predictions because the CD you think should win never does. So why even waste my breath! (lol) Congratulations to ALL the winners who will now be able to put in front of their name “Grammy Award winner.” And to those who didn’t win, well you know how the saying goes, “It was just great being nominated!” (LOL)
Best Gospel Performance
“Free To Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli
Track from: Free To Be Me
“Jesus Is Love” by Heather Headley feat. Smokie Norful
Track from: Audience Of One
“I Believe” by Jonny Lang w/ Fisk Jubilee Singers
Track from: Oh Happy Day
WINNER “Wait On The Lord” by Donnie McClurkin feat. Karen Clark Sheard
Track from: We All Are One
“Born Again” by Third Day
Track from: Revelation
Best Gospel Song
“Born Again” - Tai Anderson, David Carr, Mark Lee & Mac Powell, songwriters (Third Day)
“City On Our Knees” – Cary Barlowe, Toby McKeehan & Jaime Moore, songwriters (TobyMac)
“Every Prayer” – Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey & Ricardo Sanchez, songwriters (Israel Houghton & Mary Mary)
WINNER “God In Me” – Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary)
“The Motions” – Jason Houser, Sam Mizell & Matthew West, songwriters (Matthew West)
Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album
The Big Picture – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Crash - Decyfer Down
Innocence & Instinct – Red
WINNER Live Revelations – Third Day
The Dash – John Wells-The Tonic
Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
Speaking Louder Than Before - Jeremy Camp
WINNER The Power Of One - Israel Houghton
The Long Fall Back To Earth - Jars Of Clay
Love Is On The Move - Leeland
Freedom - Mandisa
Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album
WINNER Jason Crabb - Jason Crabb
Dream On - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
The Rock - Tracy Lawrence
In God’s Time - Barry Scott & Second Wind
Everyday - Triumphant Quest
Best Traditional Gospel Album
God Don’t Never Change - Ashley Cleveland
The Law Of Confession, Pt. 1 - Donald Lawrence & Co.
WINNER Oh Happy Day - Various Artists
The Journey Continues - The Williams Brothers
How I Got Over – Vickie Winans
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album
WINNER Audience Of One - Heather Headley
Renewed - Sheri Jones-Moffett
Just James - J Moss
Smokie Norful LIVE - Smokie Norful
Bold Right Life - Kierra Sheard
Well everybody I’m back from my first official Stellar Awards Weekend EVER and I must say it was worth all the build up and hoopla and it exceeded my expectations! Now that I am back in Los Angeles I can say that I’m 100% exhausted. You don’t come to the Stellars to sleep that’s for sure! But, I’m back with a renewed sense of energy and I’m ready to hit the ground running with a vengeance. There was a lot going on the whole weekend. So much so that I can’t recap EVERYTHING, but I’m going to give you some of my favorite highlights from the weekend. So let’s go…I’m going to start from my flight.
Thursday January 14th, 2009 leaving LA
Unbeknownst to me there were a couple of familiar faces on my flight starting off with Erica & Tina best known as Mary Mary, Neily Dickerson big time executive in the Gospel industry and Phil Thornton Jessica Reedy’s manager and a major power player in the entertainment business! Momma Campbell was on the flight too, but I don’t know her name so we’ll just call her the Mary’s mom! There were some other black people on the flight that I know were headed to Nashville also, but I don’t know who they were so there it is! LOL
Later on that night…Urban Soul Café Access Granted
After I met my roomie for the weekend, up and coming Gospel artist Titus Jackson (remember the name yall plus he’s an absolute fool) we dropped our stuff off at the room, hooked up with the Bonnerfide Radio crew and got some grub! THANK YOU JESUS FOR PROTEIN! (LOL)
Then we made our way to the Urban Soul Café Access Granted show. We got there really late so to be honest I don’t know who we missed. But by the looks of the flyer, 98% of the artists I had never heard of. So I was giving it CRICKETS even before I got there. (I know that wasn’t right, but I’m just being honest lol) J. Moss was on the flyer and I don’t think he performed. 21:03 entered the building via video screen because they were in London. CRICKETS to that video message they showed. I didn’t see the purpose!
The highlights of the evening for me came from Melinda Watts, Adrianne Archie and Johnny B Williams. Melinda Watts sang “Say Yes,” which is probably one my least favorite songs on the album, but I thought it went over well live! Then she sang “Purpose Driven Life.” GOOD LAWWWDD does she minister with that song! Melinda performs like a seasoned artist and every time I see her sing live she is in perfect voice! She has really become one of my favorites lately.
I had never seen Adrianne Archie perform or even heard any of her music, but she obviously has a following. She made me a believer! She definitely got the crowd up and her energy on stage was infectious. I really enjoyed her set.
And THEN some dude hit the stage by the name of Johnny B. Williams. HEAR ME WHEN I SAY he is THE TRUTH!!! He was phenomenal. It was just him, his red/burgundy guitar and flawless vocals! Think Stevie Wonder meets Jonathan Butler and that’s what he sounds like! He captivated the whole room and had everyone worshipping. It was an awesome experience! It’s imperative that I get more information on him! STAY TUNED!
An artist named Petula performed and she was cool, but I felt sorry for her because she had a table set up with a lot of CD’s and I didn’t see anybody go by her table. But Michelle Lang’s table was right beside hers and I didn’t see anyone at her table either. The crowd was giving the tables CRICKETS! I almost went over to their tables so it would look like someone was over there, (lol) but I was too tired to get up. The men of G.I. did a cool two song set too. The one with the braids…he can really sing. They need to let him do most of the leads! Oh yeah James Fortune & Fiya performed and of course everyone was just waiting to hear Zacardi Cortez rip the vocals to shreds. I don’t even know anyone else in that group. I don’t think anybody else does either? Well do you??
BMI LUNCHEON Friday January 15th
So this was the exclusive invitation only luncheon that I’ve heard in the past is usually better than the actual Stellar Awards. This year at the 2010 BMI event, Andrae Crouch and Donnie McClurkin were honored. In the back of my mind, I was like I hope I don’t get to the front to give my name and they give me CRICKETS. (lol) Thank God that didn’t happen. Before the show started everyone was mulling around doing that kissy, kissy, so happy to see you spiel. You know what I mean…the formalities! (lol)
Let me tell you what we ate before I go any further. They started us off with a salad. Then the main course came which was a roll, some type of breaded crusted chicken breast, macaroni and cheese and a vegetable. There was some type of pastry on the table too. I never ate it, but it was there. Overall the food was good. Except that macaroni and cheese that me and Karen Jackson of EMI had to doctor up because it tasted like cardboard at first! (lol) Before I move on can I say there is a spirit of hmmmm…how do I say this…HUNGRINESS more so among the men in Gospel. Some of them with their bellies hanging over their belts should practice portion control. There was someone at my table, who will remain nameless, because everyone will know who it is, wiped his plate CLEAN. And he’s somebody that probably should have left a little something on his plate. LOL ok I’m done moving on.
The afternoon started off honoring Donnie McClurkin. DeWayne Woods served as the musical director. With him were 6 of the baddest sangin women background singers and the house band that consisted of a whose who of musicians. Hosted by Byron Cage the afternoon went something like this…
All in all I felt Donnie McClurkin’s tribute was nice. But as me and some my friends were talking about everything over brunch on Sunday, a few of us felt that the tribute wasn’t personal enough. Meaning, the organizers of the event could have done a better job personalizing the performances with artists that were close friends or even family members of Donnie. (i.e. The McClurkins) It didn’t take away from anything, but it was just a side note.
After Donnie’s tribute concluded they went right into the legend Andrae Crouch hosted by Yolanda Adams.
I think Andrae’s portion was a little better than Donnie’s, but overall it was an absolutely great event. If you weren’t in the building, I hope this recap makes you feel like you were there or at least in the lobby peeking in trying to see what was going on! J I was truly honored to be there. God is so good!
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THE DAGOSPELTRUTH STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP!
Every year a new crop of music is released to the masses and some shoot for the stars and actually surpass expectations. Then there are some that never make it pass the clouds! I try to have a positive outlook on everything, but as we all know you’re not going to love everything and everything isn’t going to be a hit. So here’s a look back at my hits and misses for 2009!
HITS OF ‘09
MISSES OF ‘09
For more articles on ‘09 recap go to
Biggest Breakouts of ‘09 www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=1557
Trin-i-tee 5:7, also affectionately known as T57, has had countless hits like “God’s Grace,” “Put Your Hands,” “Lord,” “Holla,” and the list goes on and on. This critically acclaimed, top selling, Gospel girl trio has made their mark in the music industry and continue to leave a trail of success that many Gospel and even mainstream artists never get the chance to experience. They have been one of my favorite groups since their first album and I’m still riding with them all these years later. So this interview was an absolute treat for me! Shout out to Nicole for putting in a good word for me!
You have a new Christmas album “Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas.” How is it different from the other Holiday releases from other artists?
ADRIAN: We are very excited about this album. It’s the first Christmas album for us. This album is a tribute to the classic Christmas albums from the past. It’s our twist on some of the traditional and standard songs. What makes this album different is that it’s Trin-i-tee 5:7’s record. It was a lot of work, but it’s a gift to our family and fans.
What are some of your favorite Christmas CD’s?
CHANELLE: My favorite Christmas CD is The Supremes’ Christmas album. I grew up every Christmas with my mother playing that album. ADRIAN: I love Boyz II Men’s Christmas album and Brian McKnight’s. They both were contemporary, but harkened to the days of old. ANGEL: I love Babyface’s Christmas album.
What do you attribute the success of Trin-i-tee 5:7 to?
ADRIAN: When we came out the group represented such a unique presence with an inspirational mainstream presentation and sound. The song “God’s Grace” is a classic to this day and I think people could relate to the group. It was something that hadn’t been tapped into wholeheartedly by young women and certainly Kirk Franklin launched that movement. We were relatable, easy and refreshing at the time. And prior to me joining the group, T57 had their own sound. It’s hard for a new group to have an authentic sound that is their own. And I’m sure that being current for the time and remaining current through the years has had a lot to do with our success. CHANELLE: I also think it’s how you define success. To me, success is doing what you love to do and waking up every morning thanking God that this is your reality. When that’s not your reality life can suck. Having a joy about what you do is imperative.
What’s the most difficult part about intermingling ministry and the entertainment business?
ANGEL: One of the hardest things can be the church and the Christian audience. They are one of the most complicated audiences that you can try to cater to. I think there are a lot of expectations and a lot of unnecessary judgments. We want to do what we love to do and perform from our hearts for our fans. If it was that simple it would be a perfect world. But artists like us face a lot of criticism. We go through a lot for being contemporary. Someone’s always questioning you like, “Why are they singing that or why are they wearing that?” It’s especially hard when you are just starting out because you don’t exactly know who you are or why you’re doing what you’re doing. Now, we’re at a point in our lives and careers where we want to do what makes us happy and what makes God happy. The people who have loved us all these years will continue to love us. Those who have loved to hate us may continue to love to hate us, so we’re fine with that. You can’t please everybody and once you realize that, it’s a much easier road.
When you hear negative comments or nasty things people say about the group, does it affect you?
CHANELLE: I can’t tell you how we always respond to these circumstances because they aren’t always a way that might come across as Christian. But we’re human. We get discouraged sometimes and sometimes we put our game face on because at the end of the day we have to do what we are purposed to do. You have to get to place where you stop saying “I’m sorry” all the time. There are a lot of believers who walk around with this cloud of being sorry and it comes from being afraid of being judged. You have to get to a place where you please God and you are satisfied with what you do. Years ago we sang at a church and the audience booed us. They booed us because we were who we are. Everyone is not going to like you for who you are. I’m not a big girl. I’m a size 2. I believe when I get on stage I want to be the best I can be for God and myself. I like to stay fit and healthy and preserve my body which is the temple of the Lord. This group is not just for the church, it’s for the world. I’m a preacher’s daughter and a lot of people were looking at me like I was doing something wrong. My dad said if you’re going to be a leader you will always be a target, so we know that comes with the territory. The Bible says people know you are My disciples based on your love for one another, but also when you’re persecuted for righteousness. ADRIAN: I always keep in my mind the success we’ve had and the constant support we receive outweighs any of the drama we’ve been through. At the time T57 came out, we were the only group of its kind. Usually when you’re the first of anything, that’s when you deal with a lot of criticism. There are people who couldn’t appreciate Kirk Franklin for his vision when he first came out.
T57 has been recording for many years now. Are you ladies financially stable or is it tough with the recession?
CHANELLE: When we first signed our deal, I wanted to go shopping and go get this fancy car. I had never made that much money in my life. I was 19 years old so everything looked desirable. But, my daddy told me to buy property. I stayed in a modest apartment and I didn’t buy a brand new car. I’m so glad I listened to him and made the investments that I did because now whatever is going on in the industry, I’m not biting my nails every month trying to figure out what I’m going to do. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been affected by the recession just like everyone else, but God has just blessed me. No matter what business you’re in, if you’re a good steward over what God has given you, you can make it. ADRIAN: I believe everyone should enjoy the honeymoon stage, but with that said you also need to have a sound ear. I’ve been fortunate enough to build my own company. I knew I wanted to have my own business one day so I made sure I was consistent with that over the years in getting that set up. Certainly, the economy makes things a little harder, but no matter what you do you will go through ups and downs. We’ve just been blessed to have more highs than lows. You must get directly involved behind the scenes too. Even with a hit record, if you don’t have a presence with people behind the scenes that are handling your career it could be detrimental. You have to invest in yourself and in your project. You can’t just jump up and spend your money any kind of way. Fortunately, I come from a house of 6 and I grew up being conservative and resourceful. So, I applied that to my own life as an adult. But I’m thankful this is a good time for me because I was prepared.
How has T57 managed to avoid the predictable breakup of girl groups?
ANGEL: We attribute it to God because a lot of groups that started out when we did are not here. When we started out we were truly real friends. When we’re traveling it’s not just a business partner, it’s a friendship. ADRIAN: We have our moments of disagreements. But during our 12 years together, we haven’t had a lot of major flare ups. When I joined this group, we established that we wouldn’t speak to each other when we’re highly emotional. Sometimes you say things you can’t take back and you say things you don’t mean. And we never want to be on the road together to drive each other crazy. That’s not the purpose. We have 3 very different personalities, but know each other and have learned one another. And at different times we tap each other and say ok calm down or relax a little. But we have a mutual love and respect for each other, so that’s why it has worked all these years.
T57’s 14 RANDOM TRUTHS
Sometimes I feel the “media” or “music critics” are scrutinized a little harsher because our opinions are out there for all of the public to read, which is part of the job! I’m not trying to run from that at all. But I also think it is very important for artists to hear directly from the people who are purchasing their music and get their honest viewpoint. If I were an artist I would want to know if the majority of people who bought my album felt they got their money’s worth. So instead of me doing this review, I reached out to one of my readers, Brian Sings. (yeah I’m going to research that last name lol) I asked him if he’d be interested in doing this review since I knew he had purchased this CD. He obliged and this is what he had to say about Byron’s latest offering.
BRIAN SINGS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Given the history of Byron Cage, I expect nothing but greatness from him. I mean, he has been involved in a lot from a behind the scenes standpoint from directing the choir on numerous projects for Dottie Peoples, New Birth in Atlanta and his home church of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD to breaking out with his own material. The new CD from Byron Cage “Faithful To Believe” is a well put together effort to spread the Gospel across the nations. With Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods assisting as musical director, I had high expectations prior to listening to this CD, especially knowing that Woods is from Donald Lawrence’s camp.
Some components definitely stick out more than others in comparison to Cage’s previous CD’s. The sound of the background vocals are totally different in some places, a bit pitchy in parts and not blended well in my opinion. Musically, I was left a little confused with the direction and the arrangements on certain tracks. But there were some tracks that caught my attention like “In The Midst” featuring Tye Tribbett. I mean who wouldn’t know Tye from his distinctive high pitch screams and infectious energy. The song, “I Can’t Hold It” took me to church with the hand clapping and foot stomping. However, the song that stood out the most is, “You’re My Everything”, featuring Pastor Marvin Winans & Karen Clark-Sheard. You have two musical giants that lent their unique style and sound to this track. Pastor Marvin Winans is smooth with his delivery, yet you still hear the sincerity in his voice, while Karen sings with her signature “Clark” growl and riffs. All in all I say this CD is okay, but not Byron’s best.
Aside from the tracks previously mentioned, the majority of the content seems a bit underwhelming.
One word comes to mind when I think about this interview with newcomer Darlene McCoy and that’s “LAUGH.” I don’t think I’ve laughed with any artist more than I did with Darlene McCoy. I don’t know if this is how she is all the time, but she had me laughing non- stop and to be honest I don’t really know what we were laughing about. I was so excited to interview the mother of 3 because her debut CD is on my list of favorite CD’s. If you missed my review on her album go back and check it out. But just to reiterate, I LOVE IT!!!
How did you get hooked up with mega producer Dallas Austin?
My husband grew up with Dallas. We have been friends with Dallas for years and never even thought about having him help us with a project because our relationship wasn’t about business. Now Dallas and my husband have a production company together called “Darp Inspiration.” So one day we were just all sitting around and Dallas was like, “So when are we going to work on some music together?” My husband was the driving force getting me to seriously consider it. It was crazy because when we went in the studio and laid down a couple of songs as a little demo, I really wasn’t thinking much of it. I especially wasn’t thinking about a record deal or anything serious at that point. I had been working in corporate America for 12 years and was very successful, so my head wasn’t even in the entertainment business at all. My music career is truly a testament of the Lord working His hand in my life and the direction He had for me.
How did you get signed to EMI?
To make a long story short, I was singing background for Darwin Hobbs and he was signed to EMI at the time and he eventually walked my demo into the label. They liked what they heard and there you have it.
You had one of the most sought after producers in the industry working on your album. How was that?
It was wonderful. I had a blast. But it took a while to record my album because Dallas was so busy. Like you said everyone in the industry wants to work with him, so I had to wait my turn.
What was it like recording your first solo debut?
It was fun, stressful, hard and easy. It was a little bit of everything. It really just depended on what I was working on or who I was working with. The easiest song was probably “Simply Because.” I had a writing session with Antonio Neal and we were sitting around for 2 hours and we couldn’t come up with anything. He stepped out for a minute and came back singing a melody. We ended up doing that song in 15 minutes. The hardest song to record was “Finally. Darwin Hobbs started off singing background vocals on it and then that changed by the time the final mix of the song was done. “Finally” just went through so many phases lyrically and musically before it was eventually completed. I loved working with “Darkchild.” I went and recorded at Rodney Jerkins’ house and that alone is a sight to see. I almost flipped out when the gates opened for me! They worked me in the booth though! They had me singing in the rafters. (lol) The song I did with PAJAM “If There Were No You” was actually supposed to go on J. Moss’ CD “V2,” but it ended up on my album. I would say Tommy Simms was one of the producers that pushed me the hardest. He got things out of me that I didn’t think were possible.
Do you prefer being in the studio or singing live?
I like singing live much better. I hate recording in the studio because I have to be perfect and I don’t like hearing myself in my own ears.
How difficult is it to balance the ministry side, but still handle the business at the same time?
When I first started it was all about ministry. That’s all I knew. A lot of times you realize you can’t operate freely in what you do because of the business. It’s a hard thing to balance when you are totally about ministry, but there are so many other people involved who have a say and a stake in your career. Even though it’s your name and your record, there are other people attached to it. You kind of have to get prepared for that.
Do you read critiques?
I do read them. The very first critique I read was not a good one and it was on the day my album came out. They were comparing me with Dallas Austin and the situation that he was dealing with over in Dubai. I have read a couple of reviews that literally brought me to tears before. My goal is that people are blessed. I don’t want them just dancing and saying she has a good sound. When someone tells me my project affected their life or I didn’t know Christ until I heard your song, that’s why I do what I do. It’s about getting people to have an encounter with God.
How well did your album sell?
I was very pleased with how it did. Now as far as my record company is concerned they may have had bigger goals for my project. My objective was never to be a big superstar. I was able to record a CD that will be around for the ages! A lot of people never get that opportunity, so I’m grateful.
Are you still signed to EMI?
I’m not signed to EMI anymore because they just couldn’t afford to keep me on the roster. It was contractual. In my contract it stated that if I sold a certain amount of albums that I would get an even bigger budget for my next project. The recession has affected every industry. But, there is absolutely no bad blood between me and EMI. They are so supportive of my music. You may see our relationship continue in a different capacity in the future.
How did you end up on the soundtrack “Diary of a Mad Black Woman?”
Dallas Austin was the executive producer of that soundtrack. I had actually submitted 7 songs that went along with the movie and none of them made it. Then one night Dallas came to see me at a watch night service and I sang “Fallen In Love” and he fell in love with that song! The rest is history.
Are you working on another CD?
There is a track listing in the works. I just have to record the songs. I’m definitely working with Dallas and Tommy Simms again. I’m looking for a particular sound for this new project. A lot of people don’t know me as a worshipper, but I am. I want them to know the depth of my ministry. I would love to work with Prince! I want him to do a nice God song with me. (lol) I think it would be great to work with Donald Lawrence also.
How did you become a radio personality?
I’m on the number one gospel station in the country, “Praise 102.5.” And to be quite frank, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But I love it. It’s crazy how it all came about. My song “Already Got Joy” started charting on Urban AC. The program director had me do a guest spot on his secular show. I was actually the Praise & Worship leader on CoCo Brother’s show and I would have a morning each week to minister to ladies on his show. Then I did a radio show with Canton Jones called “Judah Jams” on Saturday night. Two months later the programming director approached me about being a midday host. I was not excited at all about having to be somewhere every single day. But, we have worked it out now and everyone is happy. This radio show has been a wonderful experience and it’s allowed me to come out of artist/minister mode, and just be Darlene.
I hear you have a show in your living room?
I actually do. It’s an online chat show that I do from my living room and it’s called “In My Living Room.” It’s a live webcam setup and I sit and chat live with people all over the world. We talk about topics that nobody likes to talk about in the church. Some of the topics can be risqué, but they are topics that need to be talked about. I come up with all of the topics on my own. But, everyone is more than welcome to bring up topics they would like to discuss. It’s been a very effective tool for ministry. About 3 weeks ago, 3 young ladies gave their life to Christ in my living room. I can’t even remember what the topic was, but it was powerful. I’m chatting live once a week every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. @ darlenemccoytv.com. I encourage everyone to join us! I guarantee you will get a blessing and stimulating conversation with people all over the world.
DARLENE MCCOY’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS
I want to start off by saying Ted Winn is a very smart man. He’s well read, articulate and knows what he’s talking about! But what can you expect from a Morehouse graduate with a degree in English?!? I hope one day I will be able to sit down with him and pick his brain on a business level. I’ve always respected him as a singer/songwriter, but now I respect him even more for being a man who is using his mind to further his success and God’s purpose for his life.
In your teens you went into the service. What branch were you in?
I was in the Air Force and I served for two years.
Was it always something you wanted to do or were you kind of forced to join?
It was something I wanted to do. It was an honor to serve my country. I joined right out of high school and it was good for me because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life yet. I only did two years because at the time they had early outs and it was at that time the musical side of me started to develop. I was 18 when I joined and I can say that it definitely made an adult out of me. The service really instilled community values. I still take that with me. The fact that everything you did impacted someone else’s life was big. You do one thing wrong and that could cause hundreds of people to get killed. We need more of that community spirit here in the U.S. My grandmother was in the paper at one time because she had 5 kids in the military at the same time all with the same last name.
While we’re on the subject of politics, what is your opinion on the war?
I’m very sensitive to anyone who serves, but I’m not in support of the war. I thought George Bush was using the war as a scare tactic. But, I knew once we went into Iraq it was going to be like a 10-year obligation. I just think that the whole thing in one word is “inappropriate.” I’m supportive of the troops and their efforts, but sending someone’s husband, friend, mother, daughter or father and they never comeback, that’s a problem. And then you ask what was it for?
What was the hardest thing about breaking up as Ted & Sheri?
The hardest thing was probably just not having the support on stage and in the creative process. Creatively we always bounced ideas off of each other. A lot of times I would call Sheri and tell her to write a verse for one of the songs. It was a partnership. That was the biggest transition for me. And you know when you’re on stage and your voice may not be up to par that night your partner can pick up the slack. But when you’re on your own you have to make it happen. Interestingly enough all of my influences are virtually solo artists like; Donald Lawrence, Andrae Crouch, Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, Richard Smallwood and Karen Clark Sheard. Watching Karen break away from The Clark Sisters to do her first solo album was amazing. I was in college when “Finally Karen” was released and it was incredible.
Will Ted & Sheri ever do another album together?
We plan to. We’ve talked about it.
What’s the best aspect of being on your own now?
Well I’ve matured more and it makes you become more focused. It makes you think about things more introspectively because it’s just you.
What are some sacrifices you make when you are in a group or a duo?
Sheri and I are family, so I don’t have that crazy story like I’ve heard about other groups. We never had any fallouts or fights. We knew it was ordained. When you sing with someone for such a long time you just have a connection. When God calls something into existence and you’re aware of that and sensitive to it, you handle things differently. Maybe you don’t get to stay in a 5 star hotel, maybe you fly coach sometimes or your payment is a little smaller than what it would be, but you know there is a bigger purpose.
What advice would you give to new artists or producers trying to break into the industry?
LEARN THE BUSINESS!!! That’s the best advice I can give. I’m not going to give you vocal techniques or image advice…I’m going to tell you to LEARN THE BUSINESS! I have friends in the business who seemingly fly under the radar because they don’t have an album out or they don’t have a household name, but they are doing really well because their business is straight. Being spiritual is great, but at the end of the day it’s a business.
Do you like to work with new and upcoming producers or do you strictly work with well-known producers?
I love working with new people. Daniel Moore was 23 when I first met him. He was phenomenal. I saw him at my church and that’s how he ended up becoming Ted & Sheri’s musical director. His style was so advanced that it was like being at a musical concert at church. And at that time I was really seeking out someone new.
Your new solo album “Balance” hits stores September 29, 2009. What was the most difficult thing about recording this new album?
I’m really excited about this project. I recorded the whole album on my own label “Teddys Jamz” and partnered with Shanachie Records. I am totally humble and very clear that this is my purpose. But probably the most difficult part was the scheduling. It was a nightmare. All of my songs were done with a live band and singers so we cut everything live. I produced all the vocals myself and I was there and hands on when the band was recording their parts.
Do you read critiques?
I don’t search them out. And for me I always consider the source. The question becomes, “Is it an informed opinion?” What resonates the most is not what the critic says, but what the public says. The public is going to have the last say.
How do you feel when your album doesn’t sell well or the public doesn’t take a liking to it?
Sometimes you just have to go back and rework some things. But if you are true to yourself and do music that is honest and heartfelt, then most likely people will get it.
What other business ventures are you involved in?
I own a publishing administration company called “Veracity Entertainment,” which means integrity and truth. I represent 30 writers at the present time. My writers work with everyone from Day 26, T-Pain and Marques Houston to Juanita Bynum. Ricky Dillard is one of the writers I represent. I love being able to be instrumental in taking someone’s career to the next level. I’m excited about my company and how well it’s been doing! I even have my first intern.
What made you cut off your dreads?
When I first locked my hair, it was a very spiritual experience for me. I’m at a new phase in my life and I had my dreads for 10 years, that’s a decade. It’s 2009 now and I’m also an executive and in the throws of writing a book, so it’s just time for a change. Prior to Sheri and I coming on the scene, nobody else had them. I honestly got some pushback too and the response to my dreads was lukewarm. Since I’ve cut them the response has been good. But, it makes me think that people are not as progressive as I thought because the inference is that my low haircut is better.
What do you like to do in your down time?
Absolutely nothing! I love to read and watch CNN and shows like “True Blood,” “Weeds,” and “Dexter.”Sometimes I’ll just go and fly away somewhere and just relax. Sometimes I’ll just get a hotel room in Atlanta and not tell anyone except my mom. You have to go away and breathe a little bit.
What is your ultimate goal of being able to share your music?
Whether I hear about it or not, if someone makes the decision to live their life differently then I’ve done my job.
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