Each week, JET is Giving You the Gospel with our newest series. Check out a spotlight on a dynamic pastor or preacher, plus get a round-up of what’s going on with entertainers and singers who are glorifying God. If you have any story ideas or item ideas for us, please send it to [email protected].
Ever since Jessica Reedy “Put It On the Altar,” the gospel songbird has stepped into a realm of blessings that is amazingly “Better.” According to the Sunday Best runner-up, the title for the new single off her forthcoming, currently untitled, sophomore album came from radio programmer, Elroy Smith.
“I called him and said I got a new song that I’m in love with and want you to hear it. He heard it and said ‘Better’—yeah, yeah—’Better’. The title is all his doing,” said Reedy. “It’s my full expression…I didn’t write it for radio. Angel and I sat down—I had tears in my eyes. God gave me every lyric…it was divine.”
Life is twice as nice for the 24-year old Michigan native, not only was her debut album From the Heart released on iTunes in 2011, but she also has her own recording label, Purity Records, and a distribution deal.
Although the young entrepreneur became a household name while performing on BET’s reality gospel singing competition, Reedy was surprisingly reluctant to audition.
“My best friend and another guy asked if I was going to the Sunday Best auditions and I said absolutely not,” she admits. “First, I was working seven days a week. Secondly, I didn’t know how to sing anymore. While I was pregnant and even after having my son, for over a year—I didn’t humm or anything. My voice went from soprano to first tenor and I was really insecure because I didn’t understand it.”
Her friend continued to plead and eventually she gave in.
“Two days before the audition, I got fired and one day before, my car was taken. My friend said you know I’ve been trying to sing all these years, can you just please drive me…my license expired? That’s how I got there…we drove 14 hours to Washington D.C.,” says Reedy.
Unfortunately, her friend didn’t make the cut, but she decided to give the auditions a shot and the rest is history. Reedy now appreciates the mysterious, but drastic change in her vocals.
“It’s a God thing—He wanted me to stand out…you don’t see many first sopranos. His divine purpose for me, which is not singing…it’s just a tool…we will find out the ultimate purpose a few years from now. Most people who lose their voice, by now would have found it, I can’t find it if it was in attic,” she said smiling.
Kirk Franklin and the judges gave her special notice. “[Franklin] said your voice is so soothing” she recalls. “He said ‘it’s like you can have a drink and listen to you at the same time.’”
Her sophomore album is expected to hit shelves this spring along with a promotional tour. “We want a strong release…it’s my best work without a shadow of a doubt,” says Reedy, who considers herself a singing minister.
In the meantime, “I’m doing a library campaign—me and my son to promote reading. My 6-year old son doesn’t go to sleep unless he reads a story. I’m also writing a book and movies.”
Her words of encouragement for others are: “God sees you and there is nothing that is not ordained by God…nothing in your life just happened…He leads and He guides. Make sure you are in alignment. I am scared right now…but I have my hand in God.”
And the Winner is….
Tamela Mann’s album Best Days, Hezekiah Walker’s Azusa, Donald Lawrence’s Best for Last, Shirley Caesar’s Good God and the soundtrack from the film Black Nativity are all nominated for (Traditional or Contemporary) Outstanding Gospel Album. The 45th NAACP Image Awards is scheduled to air February 22nd on TV One—check local listings.
Remembering a Gospel Legend
Before Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee or Anthony Brown—Dr. Charles G. Hayes, founder of the world renown Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir was telling the world that Jesus Can Work It Out—selling over a million copies. Affectionately known as Father Hayes and the Warriors—their music filled radio with rich traditional sounds that you could sho’ nuff feel…!
On February 12, the gospel community mourned the loss of the 76-year old Stellar Award winner who made his transition and joined the heavenly choir. The Alabama native came to Chicago in the late ’50s and joined the ranks of Albertina Walker and the Caravans, Rev. James Cleveland, Rev Milton Brunson and more.
In 2005, Hayes and the choir were introduced to a younger audience and secular radio with “Jesus Can Work it Out (Remix).” The project garnered two Stellar Awards for Best Choir and Video of the Year. In addition to a popular Sunday church broadcast, the singing pastor was a pioneer in Chicago radio as weekly host of Gospel Calvacades on WXFM, which was the first gospel music show on FM radio. You can find details about the arrangements here.
Our prayers continue for the entire Hayes family and Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer congregation and choir members—don’t stop singing…
About Effie Rolfe
Effie Rolfe is a media consultant, personality and speaker. For years, she was the “voice of inspiration” each Sunday morning and middays on Chicago radio. She also speaks at schools, churches and workshops. Effie writes for several publications and is the author of The K(N)ots Prayer. Visit her website effierolfe.com; like her on Facebook/mseffierolfe.com and follow on twitter @effiedrolfe.
