Kelli. in real life

And the Grammy Goes To.....

I got my start in the music business singing back up for a dynamic vocalist by the name of DEITRICK HADDON. I moved to Detroit from Ohio in the late fall of 2002 to serve as house psalmist at a fast growing church in the inner city. Within 3 months of moving here, I was standing in front of a video camera auditioning for a group that I had admired for years (Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity). That audition tape changed my life. 

I got word that I was chosen for the group just a few days after the audition, but later that year an even bigger dream came true. Deitrick had also branched out on his own into a solo career and I was asked to begin traveling with him as a background singer. It was a dream come true.

I had been a worship leader for about 2 years, with no professional training, just a true passion for God, music, and people. Deitrick's personality and amazing ability to captivate a crowd helped me transition from a worship leader to an aspiring artist. I began to understand the differences and similarities between ministry and entertainment. 

In 2006 we received a Stellar award for this project on which I sang 3 leads. About this time I had also began singing background for another phenomenal gospel artist, Dorinda Clark Cole of the famed Clark sisters. 

 I had recently gotten married (to Deitrick's wife's godbrother) and Deitrick and Damita Haddon had moved to Florida. (later to Atlanta). With the new marriage and the distance, I started traveling less with Deitrick and more often with Dorinda. But I never forgot where I started. You see, gospel is sometimes mushed together into this category that doesn't allow for the different styles, genres, and demographics that are represented differently by each artist. Deitrick was urban. He was and still is in my opinion, the Michael Jackson of the gospel industry. He just knows how to work a crowd. 

Last year, we recorded a worship album in Tampa, Florida at a church called WITHOUT WALLS, where Deitrick served as youth pastor for awhile. From the first time I heard the songs I felt at home in them. They were easy to learn because the lyrics spoke of the passion only a true worshipper can feel. The night we recorded the album was almost magical. 

Since that time I've sung with Deitrick maybe 3 times as compared to the regular bi weekly trips (sometimes more) we used to take to youth conferences, retreats, and music festivals. But I've never stopped supporting him. It has been through his passion for music and ministry that I have learned about the music industry, but also grown in my love for God. We've been all across this country and around the world, singing, dancing, laughing, fussing, forgiving, laughing more, crying, praying, believing and experiencing many times of refreshing and the wind of God. 

That's why it is with great joy and humility, I am thrilled to have been a part of TOGETHER IN WORSHIP, which has been nominated for a GRAMMY. Ironically, Dr. Cole's (Dorinda Clark Cole) newest studio album has been nominated for a GRAMMY as well....in the SAME category. 

I have much to be thankful for. 

"Butter"

As a singer people often ask me this question.

"In your opinion, what makes a good singer?"

I'm no vocal master, but I do believe I have an ear for "a good voice". I grew up listening to all types of music; everything from The Hawkins (gospel) to Lena Horne (jazz) to Phil Collins (adult contemporary) to Whitney Houston (pop) to Amy Grant (Christian Contemporary). Music was a must have in our home. It accompanied us on every holiday, made homework easier to do after school, and propelled us into devotion and worship when spending time in prayer or fasting as a family.

My mother used to sing in church. He voice is rich like deep, dark chocolate, bellowing deeply with flavor and poignant taste. I would watch her sing and wonder where that sound came from.

Growing up she recognized my gift for singing at a young age and taught me a few things I'd later realize were simple but foundational truths.

She'd say, "Kelli, if you can't harmonize; you can't sing. "

and later on in life she said, "If you let God use your voice, He'll take you places you've never been."

And He has.

And He Will.

She taught me how to listen for the conviction in a vocalist's voice. Their passion for the music they were singing and the connection to the melodies and rhythms they were ultimately intertwining with to create a sound; atmosphere, and melody.

Keeping all that in mind I have to say that (in my opinion) TONE QUALITY is the most important element to a singer's voice. Whether an individual's voice is raspy, light, or strikingly crisp; it is important that they master the "texture" of their voice during presentation. I've heard numerous singers who can riff and run with the best of them, but their tone quality is brash and so ragged that it's piercing.

I have fallen in love with the voices that have a "smooth" texture.

Smooth like BUTTER.

Hot, melted butter, poured into cake batter creating flavor, sweetness, and aroma.

There are two particular singers I cannot get enough of right now.

Remember Lauryn Hill?
K, well this chic here (Jazmine Sullivan) is like Lauryn Hill with a dash of Sarah Vaughn (raspiness and depth) and a dollop of Kim Burrell (riffs and runs). She in literally incredible. LIKE BUTTER AND SUGAR ON TOAST!!!!! The perfect combination of eclectic beats and tracks, thought provoking lyrics, and this resounding voice = SUCCESS! Even if r & b is not your genre of choice you can't help but respect the way this girl channels her voice through these songs. Smooth. Silky. So beautiful that even her riffs and runs seem like a natural part of the song rather than an ad lib or accessory. It fits PERFECTLY.

BUTTER.

And this guy here? (Myron Williams). WOW. I love Contemporary Christian music and the Praise and Worship genre, but I especially love to hear a vocalist who sings with such conviction that you are literally drawn into the presence of God from the moment they open their mouth. If this man sang no words and only uttered prophetic sounds and groanings I'd be just as happy to listen. You like pancakes? Fluffy, golden brown pancakes? With BUTTER and syrup on them. Yep. Well that pretty much describes his voice. Rich like butter and covered in sweet syrup (God's anointing.)

Absolutely.

BUTTER.

I'm amazed this day and time how many singers are able to get record deals off of their looks or style. For me its the TONE and TEXTURE of a voice that makes a singer. If you dont know your voice, you can't really sing.

No matter the genre. No matter the tempo. No matter the training.

Its the TONE and TEXTURE that makes a difference.

like BUTTER.