By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Donald Lawrence has a lot to smile about.
The gospel music maestro, one of gospel music's most beloved artists, claims four of the top five singles on this week's 'Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart, They are: (No. 4) 'Let Go' by DeWayne Woods; (No. 3) 'Blessed and Highly Favored' by The Clark Sisters; (No. 2) 'Faithful is our God' by Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Crusade; and the No. 1 track 'Encourage Yourself' by his own group, Tri City Singers.
This major feat marks a new precedence in the gospel music business and for Lawrence -- a bona fide hit-maker who once served as vocal coach of 1990s super-group EnVogue, and the musical director for R&B veteran Stephanie Mills.
"It has always been my dream to create music that speaks to the hearts of people," the 15-time Stellar Award winner told The BV Newswire. "I've been so blessed to be able to work with some of greatest singers in the world, which has helped fulfill this dream. To know that right now radio/industry has embraced my work as an artist, a producer, a songwriter and an executive-through these songs - is an incredibly awesome feeling."
There's plenty more from where that comes.
He's reportedly in talks to score the film adaptation of 'Mama I Want to Sing,' and has also been tapped for Stevie Wonder's upcoming inspirational project.
Jazzy Jordan, the Senior Vice President/General Manager of Zomba Gospel, which boasts three of the top four singles called Lawrence's artistry "masterful" and "unmatched."
"Because of Donald's gifted ear, DeWayne Woods has one of the top songs in the country and it is only his first album. Donald Lawrence is definitely a talent to celebrate."
Lawrence, who has recorded for gospel imprints GospoCentric, EMI Gospel and major labels Island and Reprise over the past 15 years, is one of the most esteemed producers in the business. He has collaborated with an array of powerhouse vocalists in the field, namely Karen Clark Sheard, Kim Burrell, Ann Nesby and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
Even the men in the gospel game have been blessed by his craftsmanship.
Gospel pioneer Walter Hawkins and platinum-selling sensation Donnie McClurkin recorded with Lawrence for their respective projects.
Walker, an internationally renowned Grammy Award winning musical wunderkind himself, claims him as one of his "favorites."
"His ear is fresh for gospel music today. I consider him a genius in his own right not only because of his productions but because of his education in the music industry."
Lawrence is a National Trustee of National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and is also a national spokesperson for WorldVision. He founded Quiet Water Entertainment, home to Woods and The Murrills in 2001. Quiet Water is distributed through Zomba Gospel, a division of Zomba Label Group.
Comments: (7)
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By: makeithville on 5/21/2007 10:38PM
Donald Lawrence is indeed a talented artist in the field of Gospel Music and his music does seem to touch me in a special way.
His song "GIANTS" reminds me of people who try to undermine you in life and what ever their position or status in life they can fall.
But He also reminds me that God has the last say-so in any situation no matter what someone tries to do just keep on serving God and develop a personal relationship with Him and He will see you through and go through anything with you.
This song to me is powerful and it is a testimony to.
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By: Cheri Edwards on 5/22/2007 7:58AM
Aside from Bishop Eddie Long's Total Praise choir's first album, almost any offering of Donald Lawrence is a favorite of mine. I remember him when he was with one of the first Christian 'guy groups' way back when, and they sang a song called "Superman." Favorites of Donald Lawrence and Tri-City are "Go Get Your Life Back, Prayer of Jabez, Lord, I Try, Miracles, And Still I am Saved, Seasons..." I could go on and on.
I think God Brother Lawrence has an ear toward the Lord. He seems humble and I believe he spends time seeking God's guidance and it is this relationship with the Lord that makes His music so powerful. His music ministry is a powerful one. I know He has touched many lives, including mine!
Cheri
www.cheriparisedwards.com
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By: Toe on 5/23/2007 4:22PM
Uhm, I can't believe black people still look at whether you are a success or not as a determinant of whether one is Godly. This dude is obviously homosexual...and no number of #1 hit singles is going to change that--it's a lifestyle that is not approved by the word or by God.
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By: Raymond on 5/27/2007 10:01PM
Hey Toe....you are TOTALLY off base with your comment. Do you know Donald Lawrence personally? Judging by your comments, YOU DON'T!! I have a working relationship with Donald, being that I manage one of the artists on his label- DeWayne Woods. He is one of the most humble and god fearing minstrels out there and he is NOT gay. No, he does not parade around with women on his arm or have lots of kids out of wedlock, Like most of these BIG BLACK BISHOPS, but he carries himself in a respectable manner. You need to get a life and keep your mouth off of people that YOU DON'T KNOW!!!
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By: tee on 6/06/2007 11:04AM
so what if he is gay i mean toe you really need to stop judging folks and look at whats on the inside and not on the outside thats whats wrong with this world today
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By: kay on 6/15/2007 11:19AM
So what if he's gay? That is looking at what is on the inside. Christians are supposed to live a life style of holiness. Homosexuality is a sin, as is fornicaton, drunkeness, smoking and alot of other inappropriate actions that some so called christians engage in. However it IS important if he is gay...Leaders have to be accountable and live their lives according to God's word. I am not judging him as a person because I love his music and it is very inspiring to me. But I am judging the action, the sin, that is homosexuality. If he is Gay (which I am not saying he is) and not trying to change his lifestyle then I don't believe he should be in a position of power. Same goes for all christian leaders. If you are not going to make the necessary sacrifices to stop living knowingly sinfull lifestyles, step down from the leadership position because someone is looking to you for guidance and you will be leading them in the wrong direction
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By: hgthomas on 6/20/2007 5:14PM
Here's an idea. When you buy the music or give it credibility, you encourage the sin. So, here is a novel idea. Stop buying his music. As he is spiritually bankrupt, let his finances suffer the same way.
And I would say this about any immoral person. I say the same thing about R kelly.
Christians need to start purifying what they hear, what they support, and what they believe. Time is short. The armies are preparing to surround Israel, heralding the entrance of the LORD into time and space again.
Stop playing.
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