Smokie Norful's New CD is 'Life Changing' on October 3
CBN.com Grammy Award-Winning Artist Smokie Norful will release his third full-length CD, Life Changing, on October 3, 2006. Considered the “Voice of Inspiration,” Smokie Norful once again lives up to his name by delivering work that is expressive, heartfelt, and passionate. The new project is a regeneration of the EMI Gospel artist, and was inspired by a series of life-changing events that have taken place in Norful’s life over the past few years: fatherhood, pastoring a rapidly growing church, and experiencing musical success. “Since reconnecting with ministry and the true nature of my call (preaching), I have literally seen life change…in a wonderful way!” states Norful, while discussing the genesis of the project. “For me, this project is truly a rejuvenation of Smokie Norful. It is part of a series of events that have been life changing for me. I hope that listeners will be inspired to be better…to do better…to worship better…as a result of these songs.”
Life Changingwill not only delight current Norful fans, but will create a legion of new ones, as it is infused with Norful’s renewed passion for songwriting—containing musical selections ranging from praise and worship to traditional to urban pop. Norful has teamed up with new business partner and co-writer, Jason Tyson to form the new company, “One Wordd Productions,” which will focus on songwriting and production. Tyson also co-wrote two songs on the Life Changing project. Once again, Norful collaborates with producers Tommy Sims, Percy Bady, and Cedric and Victor Caldwell, all of whom worked on his 2004 Grammy Award-winning sophomore CD, Nothing Without You. Bady wrote "Um Good" (pronounced Mmm…Good), the quirky-titled but compelling first single from the forthcoming 10-track release. Additional songs featured on the project include the piano-driven ballad "Run Til I Finish" written by Norful; and the Caribbean-influenced "Great and Mighty" (produced by Bady). Life Changing also includes the Tommy Sims-produced "Where Would I Be," a contemporary, mid-tempo ballad; and the upbeat, praise and party song, Celebrate, another song penned by Norful. The diverse singer/songwriter also includes a rendition of the Whitney Houston hit, "Run To You" (from The Bodyguard film soundtrack)—changing the lyrics to focus the attention on his ability to run to God for restoration and strength to face whatever challenges life sends.
Recently Norful has been doing a series of pre-promotional events in preparation for the CD release. On August 16, Norful performed at the EMI Gospel showcase during the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) week in Dallas. Norful also performed at About My Father’s Business Conference (AMFB) on August 25 at the Convention Center in Indianapolis and on September 15, Norful will perform at the grand opening of the Zoe Bookstore at Faith Landmarks Church in Richmond, Virginia.
To promote the new CD, as well as share his ministry with a broad audience, Norful will launch the “Worship & A Word” promotional tour this fall. The idea for “Worship & A Word” was created by Norful to integrate his music and preaching ministries, and will be held at various churches across the country. The promotional appearances will consist of a message from Pastor Norful, as well as a musical performance featuring selections from Life Changing. Promotional tour dates are set (see schedule below).
The acclaimed, multi-talented artist has been successful since entering the gospel music scene four years ago. Since the release of his Gold-certified debut CD (and smash single of the same name), I Need You Now (June 2002), Norful has never left the Gospel charts. His follow-up sophomore CD, Nothing Without You, debuted at #1 when released, and has remained on the sales charts since its release in 2004. It is now approaching Gold status. Norful has earned numerous awards, including a 2004 Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album;” three of gospel music's Stellar Awards; two of Christian music’s Dove Awards; three Gospel Music Excellence Awards; and many others. He was named “Gospel Artist Of The Year” for 2003 and 2004 by the industry’s top trade publication, Billboard magazine. Norful ended last year as the fifth best-selling artist of 2005 (following only behind the likes of Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin—all of whom released CDs the same year).
In addition to touring in music venues and churches throughout the country, Norful has made numerous personal performances. Most notable was his performance for President and First Lady Laura Bush at the White House last year. He has also journeyed internationally, traveling on a five-stop South African tour, in support of the “Save Africa’s Children” campaign. The well-spoken music artist has also made several national television performances, including the BET Awards, Soul Train, the CBS Morning Show and others. He has also been featured in a host of print publications.
Norful—a husband, father and music artist—is now pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center—one of the fastest growing churches in the western suburban community of Bolingbrook/Romeoville, Illinois (outside Chicago). The ordained minister started the church in Fall 2005 and has seen a continuous increase in worshipers every week—now amassing a membership of close to 1,200…and still growing.
No man ever became great by imitation…Life Changing proves Smokie Norful is forging his own path in today’s ever-changing gospel music world and living up to his God-given call to inspire others to achieve greatness.
For more information, go to www.smokienorful.com.
Courtesy of GQ Media & Public Relations
