Since African American Music Month (aka Black Music Month) has come and gone, what do we do next? The average person will not consider the importance of music from any genre; let alone that of the African American family and how it has enriched our culture until next year (June 2017). This might be hard to believe but it is definitely reality. So, I thought it would be fitting to start spotlighting some of Houston’s local gospel artists/musicians who are working diligently to spread the word of God. It is through their song ministries and community service that they continue to elevate gospel music. It is their dedication and workmanship that continues to keep the legacy of gospel music alive. Gospel music has helped millions of people through a number of situations, both past and present.
We don’t have to be restricted to one month in order for a celebration to take place. We should celebrate our ancestors’ accomplishments daily because the foundation has been laid and it is our job to maintain it so it doesn’t wither away.
The City of Houston has a wealth of gospel talent literally at its finger tips. Many of these artists live in the same neighborhood as you; many of them shop at the same grocery stores as you do; and they even eat at your favorite Wednesday night date night spot too. I sat down with three local gospel artists with the hopes of Houston getting to know them a little better. Here’s what they had to say:
Artist: Nikki L. Ross
Vocalist/Background Vocalist
Currently on tour with Kirk Franklin’s: Twenty Years in One Night Tour
Age: 42
Grew-up/High School: Studewood/Booker T. Washington HS
WTW: What inspires you?
Nikki: My inspiration comes from my two beautiful boys, Joah and Howard.
WTW: What’s your message to the world today? (Those struggling, youth, homeless, unemployed, etc.)
Nikki: That no matter what you go through in life, God is still God and He’s faithful.
WTW: What is your favorite scripture?
Nikki: Without a doubt, my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28!
WTW: Do you still carry an actual Bible or do you use the Bible app on your phone?
Nikki: Lol…I use both but I mainly use the Bible app on my phone. Since I’m on the go a lot it’s convenient.
WTW: How long have you been singing?
Nikki: I’ve been singing for 40 years… Geesh that’s a long time!
WTW: Who are your Top 3 of your musical influences?
Nikki: Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald and Karen Clark-Sheard
WTW: Are you working on any new music or special projects at this time?
Nikki: My single, “Ready for Change” is out and available at all digital outlets. I’ll be releasing brand new music, so please stay tuned!
WTW: How can the Forward Times readers connect with you?
Nikki: You can find me on Facebook and Instagram.
FB: Nikki L. Ross
Instagram: @i.am.nikki.ross
Artist: Rhonda McLemore
Vocalist/Producer
Age: 43
Grew-up/High School: Northside/M. B. Smiley High School
WTW: What church do you attend?
Rhonda: The Renaissance Church of Houston where I am the Music Arts Director.
WTW: What artist/CD are you listening to right now?
Rhonda: Pastor Kim Burrell’s is the only CD in my car right now.
WTW: Who are some of the artists you’ve collaborated with?
Rhonda: I’ve had the pleasure of working with my husband, gospel artist Shawn McLemore. I’ve also worked with B. Slade (formally Tonex), John P. Kee, Donnie McClurkin, Alex Ward, Yolanda Adams and countless others.
WTW: What/Where is the current state of gospel music?
Rhonda: I believe gospel music is in trouble if we don’t stop the political circles. It’s time to allow the others that just need a chance to be heard. Some of the artists can just speak a word and get people in the necessary doors, but the thought that they would be forgotten will not allow this to happen… (heavy sigh).
WTW: What’s your message to the world today (those struggling, youth, homeless, unemployed, etc.)
Rhonda: My message to the world is there is still hope! Regardless of the struggles, God has everybody right where HE wants you. In His timing, all will work out just as it should. He has not forgotten about any of us.
WTW: When things get a little rocky in your world, which scripture do you find solace in?
Rhonda: My favorite scripture is Psalms 91… He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of The Almighty.
WTW: There are so many genres of music; why did you choose gospel?
Rhonda: I chose gospel music because it’s my roots. It’s the only music I was allowed to even listen to as a kid growing up. My parents didn’t believe in any other type of music in their house.
WTW: Are you working on any new music or special projects at this time?
Rhonda: My single, “What a Friend” is out and was produced/co-written by B.Slade, Shawn McLemore and myself.
WTW: How can the Forward Times readers connect with you?
Rhonda: You can find me on Facebook and Instagram.
FB: Rhonda Mclemore
Instagram: @macksgirl16
Twitter: @macksgirl
Artist: David Michael Wyatt
Singer/Songwriter/Actor
Season 6 Contestant on BET’s Sunday Best
Age: 35
Currently resides/Grew-up: Southwest Houston/Born in Texarkana, Texas
WTW: What inspires you?
David: My daily inspiration is made up of a lot of things like my surroundings, conversations, and watching people. So I guess the short answer would be life, all aspects of it and trying to make a HUGE God practical enough to apply to every situation.
WTW: I know you’re from Texarkana, Texas but you’ve been in Houston for a while. What church do you call home now?
David: Let me first say, yes I’m a Texas native and although I wasn’t born in Houston I think Houston has some of the most talented people living here. I am the Music Director at St. John’s Downtown which is under the direction of Pastors Rudy & Juanita Rasmus.
WTW: A lot is going on in the world today and people have to take on more and more each day. What is your message to those trying to make it day-after-day?
David: My message would be for them to never forget 1 Corinthians 13:13, which says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
WTW: Which gospel artist(s) are on heavy repeat in your car, iPod, iPad, etc. right now?
David: Always, always, always Jonathan McReynolds, Mali Music and Stacy Barthe
WTW: Off the wall question…which do you prefer, bagel or toast?
David: Umm bagel, final answer!
WTW: I wrote an article here in the Forward Times a couple of months back entitled, “Bible”. Do you still carry a physical bible or do you use the Bible App?
David: It’s funny, I said the other day, “I am going to start carrying my bible again.” But I’ve yet to do so. I must admit, I use my phone.
WTW: How long have you been singing and tell us some of your musical influences?
David: I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old and some of my musical influences are Houston’s own, Yolanda Adams, Celine Dion, Jonathan McReynolds, Donny Hathaway and Daryl Coley.
WTW: How does David Michael describe the current state of gospel music?
David: In my opinion I think we are in a major transition. I think the face and the sound of gospel music is changing. Change is something scary because people become misplaced and comfortable with their same ole routine. So when the surroundings begin to shift you have to trust the foundation that was laid.
WTW: How can the Forward Times readers connect with you?
David: The best way to connect with me is to go to my website, DavidMichaelWyattofficial.com
#whatsthaword #ItsMeAmberShaw #houstongospelartist #gospelmusic #nikkiross #davidmichaelwyatt #rhondamclemore