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Gospel giants to sing at Hara

Murdock of Trotwood says the night will feel like ‘family reunion.’

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By Pamela Dillon, Contributing Writer 11:29 AM Saturday, September 24, 2011

Hara Arena will be filled with the soulful sounds of gospel music Sunday evening. Eight-time Grammy nominee Marvin Sapp, with national recording artists Shirley Murdock and Tonya Baker, will draw the audience to their feet with inspirational music.

“It will be a powerful night with all of us together,” Murdock said.

Sapp has received Stellar Awards, Gospel Music Excellence Awards and Soul Train Music and Dove Award nominations. His 2007 single, “Never Would Have Made It,” held the No. 1 position on the gospel radio chart for almost a year and sent his compact disc, “Thirsty,” to the top of the gospel charts for 27 weeks.

As impressive as those accomplishments are, Sapp’s newest single, “Best in Me,” jumped from 78 to 14 on the Billboard R&B charts. Billboard said it was the largest jump in any genre in four years.

In addition to his professional achievements, Sapp has also been recognized for his philanthropy. For example, he received a Frederick Douglas Award from the National Association of Negro and Professional Women’s Club.

The Marvin Sapp Ministries website (marvinsapp.com) says he is “not a singer that happens to preach, but a preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.” He is the founder and senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center, one of the fastest-growing churches in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sapp honors his wife of 18 years by referring to her as “first lady MaLinda Sapp.” They have three children, Marvin II, Mikaila and Madisson.

Murdock called the night “an awesome experience sharing the stage with Marvin. I’ve known him for years. Not only is he a dynamic preacher, but he is also a wonderful person and singer. I first met him in the late ’70s, when I was a guest soloist in his church. This was prior to either one of us having records.”

They certainly have records now. Murdock will release her first live CD, “The Journey,” on Oct. 18.

Murdock moved from Toledo to Dayton in 1983 to work with music producer Roger Troutman. She first served as a backup singer for Zapp, and then she recorded songs with Sugarfoot, lead singer of The Ohio Players. Murdock’s first ballad, “As We Lay,” made it to the R&B top 10. Her first LP, a self-titled record, went gold.

Murdock released “A Woman’s Point of View” in 1988 and “Let There be Love” in ’91. In 2000, she toured with Cuba Gooding Jr. and David Peaston in the gospel play “Be Careful What You Pray For.”

Her most recent release was “Soulfood” from 2007. Murdock sang in front of 8,000 people at Island Park in the summer of 2009.

“Dayton has really embraced me. I met my husband here and had my son here,” said Murdock, who lives in Trotwood. “It’s not too big, and very family friendly. Most of my family lives here now.”

Baker also lives in the Dayton area. She is known for her recordings “Life in Him” and “Since He Came In.” Her first CD, released in May, “The Live Encounter,” includes “I Came to Praise,” “Nothing Compares” and “Miracles.”

“I’ve known Tonya since she was a teenager,” Murdock said. “And I’m so happy for Marvin and always honored to be in his presence. So the concert will be like a family reunion.”

The concert will be hosted by Christian comedian Henry Sapp and includes special guests, The Ditto Girls.

Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.

How to go

What: The Sound of Praise Gospel Explosion

Where: Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood

When: 7 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $35 floor, $25 arena

More info: Call (937) 278-4776 or go online to www.ticketmaster.com

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