Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 17 November 1994 — Page 12

The Muncie Times, Thursday, 17 November 1994, Page 12

Kee scores success after gospel music success

He's just as comfortable relating to Charlotte's hardcore drug traffickers as he is performing to sold-out crowds at churches across the nation. But then as a former drug dealer, who operated out of the church, he speaks both languages. Ironically today, his bestknown accomplishments have crowned him the prince of gospel. In fact, there are those who see him as the successor to its former king, the famed Rev. James Cleveland. John P. Kee takes the notion as sheer compliment, admitting that he's a student Cleveland's powerful stage persona and charismatic style. "Rev. Cleveland could captivate an audience and command itsattention with just two words." Kee fonrtlv recalls. But Kee is quick to add that Cleveland's successor "would have to be a placement from God." Well, then perhaps God has decided. For today, it is Kee enjoying success as gospel's biggest grossing star who is not only commanding the attention of sold-out gospel concert goers throughout the nation but with the explosive growth of gospel, is more and more catching the ear of secular music buyers. What's more, Kee is doing it all on his own merits, and has to his credit numerous chart successes including two smash albums "We Walk By Faith" and "Wash Me" originally released by Tyscot Records and recently re-released on Verity Records. And while he says his brain outplays his fingers, he characterizes his own distinct style as simple, Sunday-morning hip-hop,

noting: "it's got the thing that makes the kids move, but I also can stop and grandma will be clapping too." He was bom John Prince Kee in 1962, the last of six boys in a family of sixteen children. The only thing overshadowing the fact that all of them could sing was the love John's father had for

experience as part of a powerful testimony to his vast youth following. Kee's professional career began to take off in 1985, when he became the first artist to record lead vocals on two selections for the Gospel Music Workshop of America's annual mass choir recording. Next, he wrote and recorded "Jesus Lives In Me" for the Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar album, "Give Us Peace." Fueled by their momentum, Kee financed a demo. He was subsequently signed to Tyscot Records, and in 198.7, released his first album, "Wait On Him"

gospel. "You were bom to do that and if you didn't, you couldn't get anybody's attention, especially daddy's," Kee states. "And everybody wanted daddy's attention.” At 13, he formed his first choir. He went on to study voice and classical music at the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and later at the Yuba College Conservatory School of Music in Maryville, Calif. Off campus, Kee performed short stints with groups like Donald Byrd & the Blackbirds and Cameo. However, those formative years proved to be a turbulent time for Kee, who got caught up in the drug scene using—and selling cocaine. It wasn't until he witnessed the slaying of a close friend in a drug deal gone wrong that he surrendered his life to Christ. Today, he recounts the

with the New Life Community Choir. Kee's debut release on Verity Record "Colorblind," is issue-oriented. He said, "One of the things success has dealt me is an eyeopener to prejudice and other things that go on every day but are swept under the rug." The lead single (title track) deals with prejudice. Other highlights include remakes of Stevie Wonder's "Love In Need" and Ranee Allen's "Salt of the Earth," which also features Allen. Kee and Allen also team on the reworking of one of Kee's father's old favorites, "It's Alright," a traditional tune reworked with a touch of hip-hop. On his latest project, Kee chose to work with an inner city choir of neighborhood kids, rather than his renowned 30-member New Life Community Choir. He

formed New Life in 1990 of inner city reemits just off the streets, whose lives, like his, took dramatic turns when they surrendered to Christ. He said, "Our ministry today is one that can touch the hearts of young people. I've seen a lot of lives changed, whether it be deliverance from drugs or homelessness. I think that's the key to my success. Getting the mind off being a performer and actually doing what God says. Going back to the streets and ministering to the drug dealers and street kids. We don't spend all night recording or practicing. That's an area that God just blew up for us. I'm still just dumb enough to believe that I've placed my faith in something else (like him) and in that alone, I've been blessed." Last year, we built an

inner city playground and donated $3,000 to and inner city reading program. In 1990, I formed the Victory In Praise Music & Arts Convention because I wanted to make sure that the young people I see getting saved realize that victory isn't just for 30 minutes or an hour. If Kee is in line to become the next king of gospel, he insists music is just a small part of the reason why. "What we're dealing with today in America is tangibles," Kee said. "People are searching for things to which they can attach sincerity. We're still selling out concert houses from New York to California on a 3-year old album. So it can't be just the music. But the fact that oeople can come nut and sense or touch realness. So if I get the crown, that's why I got it.” ❖

Love Productions Presents “A Thanksgiving Celebration” In Concert fefut Si Jlee and JVem £ife Community GAovt Also Featuring: (TM Recording Artist) JtwpvteM Sunday, November 20, 1994, 6:00 p.m. at Muncie Central High School 801 N. Walnut Street Muncie, IN 47302 $15.00 in advance $18.00 at the door Ticket Outlets Christian Supply Center, 1108 W. McGalliard Campbell’s Records, 904 E. Willard Punchie’s Style Center, 828 E. Kirby Ave.