By R.K. Jackson
In recent years, some of the most innovative and risk-taking artists have made Gospel accessible not only to churches, but to the street and clubs as well. So, if the name of Kim Burrell doesn’t instantly strike a chord, then you better get off the slow train and join the rest of us. To put it simply, Kim is one of the most sought after Gospel artists today. Kim has recorded or shared the stage with artists such as Ricky Dillard, Rev. James Cleveland, Marvin Winans, and was even tapped for the upcoming releases by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Missy Elliot.”Puff called my office and asked me to sing on a gospel album he had been working on for two years, and Missy Elliot called me and said a friend of hers had died and that I was her favorite artist and that God had really been good to her (Missy) and that she felt Missy should really give back to God.”
It’s easy to understand why so many people share a love for her music. Kim gives off a warm, sincere persona, but her focus and dedication is in spreading the word of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t bother her that some Gospel artists feel that the genre is becoming “too worldly sounding”. It is Kim’s belief that music is a universal language and that the spirit of a person determines what their music sounds like. “I don’t care who the artists are, as long they are spreading the message of God” Kim says.
Born in Houston, Texas, also home to two of Gospel’s chart-breaking artists (Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams), Kim looked to her pastor/musician father and evangelist/singer mother for influences and inspiration. “We really didn’t listen to a lot of music around my home, we spent a lot of time just creating.” Eventually Kim began to listen to radio and appreciating other kinds of music. Kim never made a conscience decision to pursue a career in recording, she simply went where there was an interest in her music. Eventually, she had an opportunity to record a Gospel album on an independent label. But due to inadequate distribution, she felt it didn’t really get the exposure it should. So, when she spoke to the executives at Tommy Boy Gospel about recording a live album, they jumped at the opportunity.
On her latest Tommy Boy Gospel CD and video, Live in Concert, the Stellar Award winner goes back to previously recorded songs such as “I’ll Keep Holding On”, “Try Me Again”, and “Calvary” but its the energy and the fusion of a live band that breathes new life into these favorites. Taped at the Bountiful Blessing COGIC church in Memphis, Burrell’s interaction with the band and her jazzy- gospel flavored riffs are something to behold. Kim’s nine song set shows that she has the gift of song and ministry all wrapped up into one. One gets the feeling that there is more in store for her.
“I look forward to the next project and there are several producers that I would like to work with, but most surprisingly, I would like to work with Beyonce Knowles”. Kim says. When Burrell made a trip back home to Houston during the holiday break, she had a chance to sit down and enjoy the company of Destiny’s Child members Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle. Two things she observed were the drive and determination of Beyonce. “God put something inside of that girl because she has the tenacity of a bull dog.” Burrell states. While it would be interesting to entertain the thought of a Destiny’s Child/Kim Burrell collaboration, we must first be able to digest the beauty and talent of the anointed Kim Burrell.
