Interviews

Gospel artists and brothers Jeral and Percy Gray launched the almost 40-voice-strong choir, New Direction, ten years ago in the heart of Chicago. The mission of the choir, which began as a youth outreach, was to use the life changing power of the gospel through music as a means of impacting youth. This joyous and jubilant youth choir's name reflects its purpose of illustrating God's power to move us all in a "New Direction!" After more than 10 years since their inception, New Direction is one of the top gospel choirs around. They also have the hardware to prove it, having won "Choir of the Year" at the 2005 Stellar Awards.

DG.com (Carl B): Pat, most people know you from your recording of “In Times Like These” on the “Detroit Sings Nu Hymnz” project (produced by Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winning artist Deitrick Haddon). What did that recording mean to you?

Pat: Recording with Detroit Sings Nu Hymnz, was an awesome experience of worship for me and it showed me how you can bring all types of denominations together. Whether you were Baptist, Apostolic, or COGIC, we were all lifting The Most High up in worship on one stage together. So many yokes were broken that night. The recording was just awesome for me. Singing “In Times Like These” was a message to all, and I know that God used me to sing as a vessel to Him, to spread the message that we need Him now in times like these.

One of the first interviews that Detroit Gospel.com conducted was with four young ladies from Saginaw, MI, that go by the name of RiZen. It was a cold evening in February 2004, that Detroit Gospel.com first met Aundrea, Adriann, Kanika and Ashley behind the scenes of the "Experience New Life Tour" when it hit Detroit's Greater Grace Temple. The ladies were fresh off their Stellar Award win for New Artist of The Year and sharing their unique neo-traditional style across the country.

Dorinda Clark-Cole's ministry in the gospel music arena is internationally known, but she is also a powerful minister of the gospel even when there are no notes to be heard. She is one of those rare artists whose music ministry, personal walk with God, words, and actions all align to sustain a gospel music career that has both power and longevity. In a phrase, interviewing Dorinda, "blessed my socks off!"

Recently, Detroit Gospel.com had the privilege of speaking with the publisher of Gospel Today magazine, Teresa Hairston, regarding her latest praise and worship CD release. New staffer, June Green, was given the honorable task of interviewing Ms. Hairston.

Larry Craig was born and raised in Toledo Ohio, moving to Detroit after two years in the Navy. He raised 3 children with his wife of 27 years, Laverne, who passed away in 2000, after a long illness. He joined Mt. Zion church in Clarkston, Michigan, under the leadership of Loren and Bonnie Covarrubias, a year later. Now he lives in Clarkston with his second wife Kathy. Larry is an ordained minister of the Gospel, singer and psalmist of contemporary Christian music.

I recently had the privilege to chat briefly with the talented singer, songwriter, and musician, Twinkie Clark, of the legendary Clark Sisters. Twinkie Clark has been a gospel icon for many years. And with the recent release of her new CD entitled “Home Once Again…Live in Detroit,” that debuted on Billboard Magazine’s Top 40 Gospel Chart at #9, she is right where she belongs, back at the top of the charts. After listening to “Home Once Again…Live in Detroit”, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this CD because it has something for everybody.

Bishop Andrew Merritt and the Straight Gate Mass Choir have made a habit of releasing chart-topping CDs in the last several years. It started with their first CD release, “Faith in The House,” which has sold over 150,000 units. Their current release entitled, “Expectations: I’ll Praise,” has been a hit as well. It debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart and almost a year later it is still in the top 30.

Detroit Gospel.com had been anticipating our interview with Bajada Records recording artist Vanessa Williams during our weekly radio broadcast. But due to unforeseen circumstances, that opportunity was missed. However all things work together for the good, so the Detroit Gospel.com staff ended up interviewing Vanessa in downtown Detroit the day after her participation in the “One In Worship” conference which was hosted by Bishop Andrew Merritt and the Straight Gate International Church. As we enjoyed the view of the Detroit River and the shores of Canada, Vanessa began to open up to us about her career as a gospel recording artist, her life has a school teacher, her family, her passion for art, and working with gospel legend Richard Smallwood.

I had the privilege to sit down recently over breakfast and chat with the up-n-coming comedian, “Mel-Man” who is from Detroit. He is a young man that has a bright future in the comedy business and after talking with him it became very apparent to me why his future is so bright. He knows exactly what he wants and he loves what he does. He has opened up for such well-known comedians as “Cedric The Entertainer”, and DL Hugley. He also entertained the audience at Detroit Gospel.com’s Summer Mega Mixer in August. I believe you will be hearing from this young man for many years to come.