Filed under: Exclusives, Interviews, Music, Gospel
He's the Chicago-bred singer/songwriter best known for hits like 'My Worship Is For Real,' 'No Way,' and 'It's Only A Test,' but now VaShawn Mitchell is back with his first CD on EMI Gospel, 'Triumphant,' which debuted at number two on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart.
The former Tyscot Records artist - he released two CDs 'Promises' (2007) and 'Believe in Your Dreams' (2005) on that label - is racing up the gospel radio charts with his new single, 'Nobody Greater.'
"I want listeners to realize that there is 'Nobody Greater' and I want people to focus on the source, and not the resource, through being and living triumphantly," Mitchell told BV Buzz about the song.
Ha
ving penned hits for Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Bishop Paul Morton, and Karen Clark Sheard, Mitchell said he aims to make "timeless music" that will "meet you right where you are and help you get to your 'Triumphant' place."
'Triumphant,' Mitchell's best first week overall debut, is even being touted by gospel greats like Donnie McClurkin.
"VaShawn Mitchell has captured the heart and sentiment of every Christian, in his powerful interpretation of 'Nobody Greater," shared McClurkin. "I sing the song at every service and concert -- VaShawn is remarkable! I am a fan!"
BV Buzz caught up with the rising gospel star and had him take our Buzz Blitz.
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What's the biggest misconception about those who work in ministry?
That we don't have any problems and that we have it all together, when realistically, we go through just as much, if not more, because we are on the front lines of ministry.
What's one of the most memorable things someone has said about your music that has st
uck with you?
I remember singing the song 'Sound of Praise' when I was on tour in Switzerland and after we exited, one of the young ladies said that while we were singing she felt Jesus take her sins away! It was a "wow" moment for me!
If you could cast yourself on a television show, which one would you chose?
It would definitely have to be 'Law & Order!' It's my favorite show.
If you h
ad to chose between Paula Deen, Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart preparing dinner for you, who would you chose and why?
Paula Dean! I secretly use her recipes all the time but my mine never look the same as hers look in the pictures.
What current celebrity would you like to have dinner with and why?
I would love to have dinner with John Legend. First, because I am truly a fan and secondly, as a songwriter I would love to have a writing session toget
her one day.
If you could have three dream artists to be on your next CD, who would you chose and why?
I would have to be Karen Clark Sheard, just because she's amazing! CeCe Winans because she has a true heart and passion for worship. Lastly, John P. Kee because he just got it!
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For more information on VaShawn Mitchell, visit www.vashawnmitchell.com.
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Read also, ''Sunday Best' Winner Y'Anna Crawley Takes the Buzz Blitz'
& 'Music Matters: Fred Hammond Re-Launches Record Label.'
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VIDEO: Watch this video of VaShawn Mitchell performing 'Nobody Greater' live.
Black Music Notes Mar. 19
3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
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Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
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3/19/09: The Miracles
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Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'
Jemal Countess, WireImage
3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.
Evening Standard / Getty Images
3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.
Santiago Llanquin / AP
3/19/09: Kim Burrell
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Zomba
3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic
3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'
Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images