My eyes are so ready to shut. Normally my last day of Gospel Music Week is very uneventful, save for the Dove Awards. I always say it’s like Prom and everyone’s getting ready – no interviews! no meet and greets!
I did manage to speak with my new friend Andrae Crouch, who is, as you know a gospel legend. This man not only wrote “The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power,” “Can’t Nobody,” “Through It All,” “Jesus Is The Answer” and so many others, but he also wrote the songs on The Color Purple and some songs on The Lion King and arranged the choirs and sang on Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” and Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror.” When I sang a few bars of one of his songs, he paid me a great compliment and encouraged me to sing at church (maybe he meant “sing at church instead of here in front of me”). Besides being so talented musically, Andrae is incredibly funny and is obviously in love with Jesus. When I was leaving he asked for my card, which I didn’t have and then asked “if you don’t give me your card, how am I gonna’ call you and hang out when I come to Chattanooga?” I also promised him I’d visit his church.
I also had the chance to speak with what could very well be “the next big thing,” DecembeRadio. These guys are great, they make great music and are very personable and down-to-earth. I received their song sampler during the week and I can’t wait to soak up the new music.
After I met with these guys, Lance and I hooked up with our college friend Tonya Anderson who took us to J. Alexander’s on West End. I had some wonderful Mac and Cheese, along with a great rotisserie chicken. Now, after a big meal, the loss of sleep was starting to affect me. I felt like Josh Bates, who I found in the hallway.
Next, it was time for the big event, the Dove Awards. I have to run so I’ll post the Doves in the next post…….
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