It’s been said if you take a little bit of Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood—you’d get Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy.
“I’m honored that people even say that…those are people that I’ve watched and they have been my inspiration for years,” shares the gospel singer. “To even be named among them—I’m speechless.”
The group’s hit song “Testimony” catapulted the three-time Stellar Award winners on the gospel map.
Brown reflected on how the song almost missed the self-titled album.
“The interesting thing is that it wasn’t on the record,” he says. “I was at home one day trying to figure out how to make this thing happen. I felt discouraged and got down and God then said ‘Do you know who I am and what I’ve done?’ I took out my pen and starting writing and then I called my producer and said I have one more song—he said ‘No!’ That song was ‘Testimony.’ I’m glad God’s timing is perfect. You have to wait on Him.”
The Morgan State University alum just ended a whirlwind of events including McDonald’s 2014 Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour and performances on Sunday Best. Now the energetic singer and director is preparing to record his sophomore CD.
“Watch out for the next record,” he says. “I’m thinking Tye Tribbett, Donnie McClurkin—Tye is a good friend.”
JET: How did your choir come about?
Anthony Brown: I was in the practice room one day playing through music and I needed someone to sing. I started handpicking people out. God was showing me people one by one. I said could you come by and sing after class and that’s how it went down. They are great people—they are like family to me. It’s not just about singing. We formed a real relationship and 10 years later, we are still together.
JET: Is there an instrument you don’t play?
AB: My passion is the piano. I started playing when I was three, I played the organ and the drums a little bit, but my passion is definitely the piano.
JET: How do you stay grounded?
AB: I am a family type of guy. I have a very big family. They keep me grounded. iked being with my family and we play racquet ball and spades. If I’m not at church—I do watch the Real Housewives of Atlanta. The drama on that show is so much—I don’t watch a lot of TV—but when I do…that’s what I watch.
In Other Giving You the Gospel News:
Our sincere prayers go out to Grammy Award-winning producer and Stellar Award-winning artist J Moss, who recently lost his family home due to a fire. According to a press release, the fire quickly spread thoughout the house, but Moss, who was home at the time, was able to escape. The cause of the fire is believed to be due to electrical issues. His record label and production company, PAJAM, encourages Moss’ supporters to send their love and support to J Moss via social media by using the handle, @InsideJMoss (Twitter, Instagram, FB) or via email, [email protected].
On a lighter note—Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), celebrates noms for Erica Campbell and Michelle Williams on the upcoming Soul Train Awards 2014, which will be presented by CENTRIC from the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Bringing inspiration to fans with their acclaimed solo albums this year, both artists received nominations in the category of Best Gospel/Inspirational Song for this year’s Soul Train Awards. Erica Campbell is nominated for her hit single “Help” (feat. Lecrae) from her #1 Gospel debut solo album of the same name. Michelle Williams is nominated for her #1 hit Gospel single “Say Yes” (feat. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland), off of her hit fourth solo album, Journey to Freedom.
The Soul Train Awards 2014 show will be taped in Las Vegas, NV on Friday, November 7, 2014, and air on CENTRIC and BET on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 8 pm ET/PT.
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 mseffierolfe.com and follow her via @effiedrolfe.
