Posts Tagged ‘gospel’

Interview: Warryn Campbell – Producer Extraordinaire

Posted: May 6, 2011 in interview, music
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Warryn CampbellDate of Interview: 05/06/2011

When all things are considered, great music is quite simply great music. As a result, Warryn Campbell’s production talents have defied musical categorization – fluttering effervescently between the lines of hip-hop, Gospel and R&B. The diversity of his discography speaks for itself: Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, Jennifer Hudson, R. Kelly, Yolanda Adams.

Warryn Campbell is also the founder of My Block Records, whose roster includes artist such as Mary Mary and Kelly Price. With the recent release of these artists’ respective albums, Something Big and Kelly, Warryn Campbell managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on his internship at Death Row Records, the founding of My Block Records, and his production contribution to Our Stories Films’ Jumping the Broom.

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Interview: Don McGlynn – Acclaimed Music Documentary Filmmaker

Posted: May 5, 2011 in film/tv, interview, music
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Don McGlynnDate of Interview: 05/05/2011

Don McGlynn is the director of Rejoice and Shout, a landmark documentary that explores the depth and breadth of America’s revered Gospel music history. With no historical precedent, McGlynn braved the arduous challenge of compiling multiple rich – and layered – narratives into a coherent two-hour product that spotlights beloved performance groups with as much care as its presentation of Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. The filmmaker’s passion was matched, of course, by a team of meticulous specialists that aurally and visually restored hours of archival footage from the personal collection of executive producer Joe Lauro.

In the midst of promotional media showings of Rejoice and Shout, Don McGlynn managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry – reflecting on the documentary’s research process, its impact on his spiritual relationship with God, and common misconceptions regarding the Gospel genre.

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Interview: Tamela Mann – Singer, Songwriter and Actress

Posted: February 5, 2010 in film/tv, interview, music
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Tamela Mann

Date of Interview: 02/05/2010

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Interview: Mary Mary – Gospel Music Duo

Posted: October 1, 2009 in interview, music
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Mary Mary

Date of Interview: 10/01/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Erica and Tina Campbell are pioneers in the contemporary gospel movement.  Together, as Mary Mary, they have “pushed the envelope” in redefining the boundaries of Gospel, by blurring its ties to hip-hop and R&B music.  Make no mistake, however, God is present in every song they produce.

From the groundbreaking success of “Shackles” to the genre-defying production of “God in Me,” Mary Mary has the rare distinction of finding a welcome home on secular and religious radio stations.  The duo’s latest offering, The Sound, debuted in the #7 spot on the Billboard 200 and has remained on the chart for fifty-two weeks—a solid year!  The album also remained in the #1 position on Billboard’s Gospel Albums listing for over sixth months.

As “God in Me” made its historic climb up Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Eric and Tina Campbell managed to squeeze some time out of their busy schedules and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on “Shackles,” contemporary criticisms, and Proverbs 3:5-6.

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Interview: Oleta Adams – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Posted: May 15, 2009 in interview, music
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Oleta Adams

Date of Interview: 05/15/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

The music of Oleta Adams defies categorization.  Even her four GRAMMY nominations cut across multiple genres—showcasing her artistic versatility and inherent individuality.

Although “Get Here” is her biggest popular hit in the United States, she has developed a substantial following in Europe, where eleven of her songs charted on the UK Singles Chart.  And over the past two decades, Oleta Adams has amassed an international following, whose dedication draws strength and fixation from her warm vocals and passionate spirit.

Whether singing jazz, Gospel or R&B, Oleta Adams has the power to connect with her fans through the raw emotion underlying her personal—yet universal—lyrics.  Her latest album, Let’s Stay Here stands as the eighth of her long, illustrious career.

Upon the release of Let’s Stay Here, Oleta Adams managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on her European success, marketing challenges, and “Picture You the Way that I Do.”

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Interview: Tonéx – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Posted: March 30, 2009 in interview, music
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Tonex

Date of Interview: 03/30/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

If Prince sung gospel music, then you’d have a general idea of the artist formerly known as “Tonex.”  Like Prince, Ton3x is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist.  He is also an unconventional “bad boy” who won’t let the media or his fans stand in the way of artistic integrity.

After the massive success of Out the Box, Ton3x could have easily found a home amongst mainstream audiences.  But as quickly as he rose to the top, the trappings of newfound success were set to bring him down.  And sure enough, shortly after the receipt of his sixth Stellar Award and first GRAMMY nomination, Ton3x became a “whipping boy” within the gospel music industry.

Even with Jesus as his guide, Ton3x style was deemed too flamboyant.  Too unconventional.  Too abrasive.  And after much contemplation, Ton3x made an abrupt retirement announcement in 2006 and split from Jive Records, which received a vocal, public response from his industry peer, Kirk Franklin, who supported and respected his musical talents.

On March 17, 2009, Ton3x released Unspoken, his first release under Battery Records, a Sony BMG imprint.  Upon review of the album, Ton3x managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Walter Hawkins, Out the Box and “the naked truth.”

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Interview: Donnie McClurkin – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Posted: March 19, 2009 in interview, music
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Donnie McClurkin

Date of Interview: 03/19/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Donnie McClurkin is one of the most recognizable—and controversial—figures in the Gospel music arena.  Beginning with his solo debut in 1997, McClurkin has pressed his listeners to examine the nuances of life’s ominous struggles, as well as the ultimate “road to redemption” that every man ends up traveling. Through the power of song, Donnie McClurkin has given the world intimate insight into the trials and tribulations of his life, and his recent autobiography, Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor, builds upon his belief that “a saint is just a sinner that fell down and got up.”

To date, McClurkin has received two GRAMMY Awards from his industry peers: “Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album” for …Again (2003) and “Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album” for Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs (2005).   His best-selling album, however, is the platinum, critically-acclaimed Live in London and More… (2000).

Upon review of We Are All One (Live in Detroit), Donnie McClurkin managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on the role of religion in politics, the Winans family’s influence on his career, and the difference between preaching and singing.

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Interview: Israel Houghton – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Posted: March 4, 2009 in interview, music
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Israel Houghton

Date of Interview: 03/04/2009

© 2009 Clayton Perry

Every Sunday, the musical compositions of Israel Houghton fill houses of worship across the world.  Among the most popular are “Again I Say Rejoice,” “Not Forgotten,” and “Turn It Around” — “praise and worship” songs that bolster an impressive repertoire that has received 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, and 2 GRAMMY Awards.

Through Houghton’s lyrics, one can feel the presence of the Lord; and when these lyrics are transformed into song, one immediately feels the warmth and security of the Holy Spirit.  Thus, the inescapable reach of Houghton’s ministry is a testament to the favor God bestows upon those who walk in accordance to His will.

Since Whisper Out Loud (1997), Houghton’s catalog has defied categorization. And with each subsequent release, social constructs, like race and religious denomination, have had little impact on his influence within the contemporary gospel genre.

Upon review of The Power of One, Israel Houghton managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on New Breed, Ephesians 1:18 and his journey to Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church.

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Interview: Tye Tribbett – Singer, Songwriter and Producer

Posted: June 26, 2008 in interview, music
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Tye Tribbett

Date of Interview: 06/26/2008

© 2008 Clayton Perry

As the child of a pastor and choir director, one would expect Tye Tribbett to be “on fire for God.” With this being (perhaps obviously) true, then it is even less surprising to know that Tribbett has dedicated his life to the music ministry as well. Such palpable observations have a direct correlation, however, to the unexpected blessings that time affords, especially when a man’s life is in accordance with God’s plan.

In less than a decade, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing have transformed the Gospel music genre. And although the group has collaborated with notable mainstream artists like Sting, Faith Hill, and Justin Timberlake, Tribbett has made a vow to keep the focus of his musical endeavors on Christ—citing Ephesians 6:11 as his guide. “Putting on the whole armour of God,” Tye Tribbett follows in the footsteps of Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker—fusing non-traditional musical elements to create high energy praise and worship.

Like Franklin and Walker before him, Tribbett has been subject to the harsh criticisms of traditional Gospel lovers, but his innovative work has brought spiritual music to mainstream audiences. On May 6, 2008, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing released their third album, Stand Out, which was recorded in a live production at the Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Upon review of Stand Out, Tye Tribbett managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on “Good in the Hood,” the influence of Kirk Franklin, and his burgeoning music ministry.

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