In Black America; Gospel Recording Artist WITNESS

music From the Longhorn Radio Network, the University of Texas at Oskan, this is In Black America. It all began with Tina, who approached her brother Michael, she expressed trust in getting into the music business, whether it be just anything. She just wanted to get into the music business, so he started out with just Tina myself.

And we were doing like a duo thing and then he said, well, you know, we went in and did a couple of demos and stuff and so he was like, well, hey, why don't we get a group of girls who started. So he got a Lisa and then he called Diane and there was another girl, Barbara, he was on the group too. Okay. And then we all got together and we started with herfals and everything and then we went in and laid a demo with the five of us. And Dr. Scott heard it from Jessica and he was impressed and they found us. Gospel recording group witness and all female group from Detroit, Michigan. The witness sound is just as hot and progressive as what's being produced in today's pop and R&D music circles. Witness possesses the same energy, style, smoothness and charisma as the emotion, the porn sisters and the Supremes. The group members consist of Tina Brooks, Lisa Page, Diane Campbell and Yolanda Harris. All young, beautiful, talented and dedicated to their music and ministry. Their objective is for the world to know that Jesus lives in us and that he can live in

you too. I'm Johnny Ohanston, Jr. and welcome to another edition of In Black America. This week, the Gospel recording group witness in Black America. We can do when we consider the sacrifice that Jesus made. We can do when we consider the sacrifice that Jesus made in us and that he can live in you.

We can do when we consider the sacrifice that Jesus made in us and that he can live in you. We can do when we consider the sacrifice that Jesus made in us and that he can live in you. Urban Contemporary Gospel has become the hottest and newest radio format in this country. Gospel groups such as Witness has put a 90s twist on vintage gospel music. Radio stations in Atlanta, Fort Myers, Florida and Oklahoma City are recent to the radio

pull-ups with this preaching up temple music. A recent Gallup poll reveals that one third of this nation claimed to be born again Christians. Witness is an all-female group from Detroit, Michigan who possesses the same style, smoothness, charisma and energy as any group on the music trail currently. The witness sound is hot and progressive, all wrapped around the good news message. The group members are Lisa Page, Diane Campbell, Yalanda Harris, and Tina Brooks. Witness debut album on Polygram Records is entitled We Can Make A Difference, which incorporates some sizzling rhythm tracks enhanced by strong vocal harmonies. The objective of this album is to reach young people to let them know that Jesus lives in us. We also want somebody to be touched, someone to feel the spirit generated through their music. It's very simple. We're about Jesus Christ. That's who we're here to promote. You know, a lot of times you go out and you do content and you do emotional things and you know, you said, well, we want to get known, we want to get our name out there.

And that's true to an extent, but it's all for the purpose of promoting Christ. The message is Jesus Christ is Lord, He's the Savior of all whom we believe that the world needs to have Him. And so that's the message that we'll promote. Diane speaking. Okay. Diane. And I think so. I think you're exactly right. The way gospel music is headed now. It's a lot of evidence. I've been opening. We can't forget also those who came before us that maybe struck out and maybe played different chords that maybe the church as a whole didn't agree with, but they took that chance. So even with us coming along now, I think in a sense we're helping those that may be coming after us to be more accepted because contemporary is definitely on the rise. And we have to face it that young people most of the time they listen to the beat. And then once they get into that, then you can't help but hear the message. So we need to use whatever remains necessary to get the attention of our young people. And if I can add, this is Tina. Okay, Tina. This natural progression to me, the artists that have gone before us, they took all the

beatings and all the scars and all the abuse. You know, artists such as Edwin Hawkins and the Hawkins family and different other artists, they took all the abuse and so they paved the way for us. And so now we're paving an even easier way for someone that comes after us and then they'll pave a way for someone after them and so on and so on. So it's just natural progression and we're just grateful to have the opportunity that we have to even be out here. Being a native Detroit of myself, I understand and realize and influence that certain artists have over, particularly Black Americans in Detroit. But there's a good mix between R&B and gospel is really big time in Detroit. Who were some of the people that inspired or gave you inspiration to particularly want to become gospel recording artists? Oh boy, I think outside of our parents who I think each of us in the group had a parent that was involved in music.

I would say, boy, Detroit is full of very talented people, of course, you've got the whiners and the commission and the Clark sisters and Vanessa Bell or I Vanessa Bell. So we admire all of those groups. And we, I guess, just have become part of the thing coming from Detroit now. What was it like signing that contract with a major record company, that's part one of the questions, and that first day in the studio, when you knew you were professionals, you're on a payroll of a big time record company and this was now serious business and not funny games. Oh, I thought Yelanda was going to answer. We can't really see each other, so we're wondering if we can answer what, but I go ahead Yelanda. You can answer that. What was the question? Yelanda was like signing that first contract, and then I was part of it. But first it was like, we couldn't believe it was happening so fast, right? It was at a concert we opened up for a commission in Brooklyn, I believe it was, Brooklyn, New

York. And things began to just happen so fast, no one really believed what was going on except for Tina Tina was the one with, like, look, it's going to happen, y'all, it's going to happen. We were like, yeah, all right. Sure. And then finally, Michael called us to the office and was like, oh, here's the contract. You guys want to look up over and just sat in the other and we were like, wow, this is really happening. And then I think that next week we were gone and start taking pictures for the album cover and everything. So it was really exciting. Lord, really blessed. The second part of that question, what was it like that first day in the studio? Oh, boy. It was, well, seeing that we had, well, a couple albums already out. So it was just like, overdoing it again, but this time it's like, was it on a different level? It was exciting. Wow. We were with the major record company out. So it was, and like you said, we have two other albums out before we did the, that we can make a difference album.

This is Diane speaking. The first album wasn't titled, Keep Looking Up, and the second is called, I've come too far. So before we got with Polly Graham, we sort of had a taste of studio. And I guess it's a, it's a new experience each time because with us being only four years old, we're still learning what it takes to enhance the group witness and, and using which each, each person brings to the group individually, and I think we're really learning each other now. So it's, it's an exciting experience. And also we're starting to get a little more involved in the making of the background parts and we sort of contribute what we think will sound nice. And Michael, let's just do that. So it's fun. How long does it take you all to put an album or CD together? The last particular album, which is, Witness We Can, make a difference. How long does it take? How long does it take? How long does it take you all? Well, actually, okay, you have the rehearsal period and actually going in and laying down the tracks. Uh-huh.

Oh, what would you say, Tina? It takes maybe a good month, maybe? Yeah, and that's really rushing. You know, that's kind of pushing it, but to really, and the Lord has been really blessing us. He's just been really good in that we've been able to put it out. But that's kind of Russian. Usually you should take about two months to do an album. And there are artists that take even longer than that. You know, they gather material from all over and they'll do a part one time and then they'll wait a couple of months and do another part. So I mean, but it takes us, it usually takes us about a month. And do you have a video out? Two. Two videos. And what was it doing the video? Work. A lot of hard work. Lots of it. That goes into four minutes. The first video, I think it took us a couple of days to do. Mm-hmm. And the second one we did it all in one day, but it's like a whole lot of work. A lot of work. We're up from early morning and we're there till late night. Who produced a video for you? The first one was Rich Murray. Rich Murray. And the second one was Katie.

Katie. Have you all been on a concert tour recently? We were on a tour this past summer, the whole election group, Edwin Hawkins, Keith Staten, Lexi, and Witness. We were all on tour this summer. We covered various parts of the country, the Carolina, and towards Georgia. So it was fun. It was made me a promotional tour. We did a lot of things in Atlanta. Love Atlanta. Uh-huh. We love Atlanta. It's wrestling, Tina. Have you all had an opportunity to hear yourself on the radio? And once you have what kind of reaction do you get, or is it just old hat now? What do you mean, like hearing our records or reviews? Hearing your records and interviews. Oh, boy. Well, when I hear the records, this is the line of speaking. When I hear the records, even today, it's still like, wow, that's a... It's still kind of exciting to hear.

Do you stop and say, that's a summer radio? Be quiet. Right. Right, right. But I don't think it'll ever get old because it's just something that I'd love to do and everything. It's just a new thing each day. I know life is different now, but has it changed that drastically? Are you still friends with the friends that you had before you became major recording artists? This is Tina. Sometimes, you know, I still know them, but it's like you... Sometimes, a lot of times, what will happen? People will try and say, oh, you've become a snob now and oh, you've done this. And what it is, they shouldn't wait for you. They stop hanging around you and you're trying to figure out, okay, well, what did I do or what happened? And there are a lot of times who are very busy. You don't have a whole lot of time to just hang out with friends and what have you. But it's like they kind of shun away and then try to make it seem like you've become a snob. But that doesn't normally happen. So with me, I'm... No, I'm really not.

It's not that I'm a friend. I still am, but I don't see them. We're talking to them. Okay. What do you all like to do once you're away from the studios and not attain the gospel of musical awards in New York City? What do you all like to do to have fun? Skate. This is Lisa speaking. Okay. I love... We loved me and Tina Skate a lot. And spent time with our families and shops. We usually get together and try to rehearse and we have prayer. And just... Sometimes we just come together and just talk and spend time with one another. We're not under the bright light. We don't have to dress up. We just hang loose and be ourselves. We spend time and talk to one another. Here's a mess, no makeup, you know. Once you all decide on a particular song, I guess, Rainian them producing and write most of the songs in which you'll have on the latest album. But who decides who's going to do the majority lead on a particular song? Usually the producer, which is Michael Brooke.

Michael has the first and last word. Michael will say, like, Yalanda, I want you to do the song and she'll try it. And if she... If it's for her, she'll do it. But if Yalanda feels like, well, I just can't do it, then he gives it to whoever... Whoever it fits. Okay. Yeah. What you all are doing is new and I would assume the contemporary gospel artists are... Some may be in agreement with you all styling. Some may not be in agreement. What would you say to those who are somewhat reluctant to look at change as something for the good instead of for the bad? Particularly, you all style gospel music. Um... Words that I'm a little... Well, older Americans, traditionally, it was brought up in the sense of Mahaler Jackson, you know, James Cleveland, Harold Smith and the Majestic, I mean, they're not here to, you know, electrified drums, time times, et cetera, et cetera, where you really do have a beat.

And the beat is not that much different from what is normally an R&B. The only thing that's really different is the lyrics in which you all sing. For those who are somewhat skeptical and say, well, this is not the lowest music. This is something else. Oh, I pray for that. I really do. I really do. You know, I pray for that. I mean, has that come up? Have people come up? And... Well, we haven't really run into that because Marvin line in. We're kind of like paved way for us with their style and everything. We haven't suffered as much abuse concerning that. But I remember reading an article where Marvin said, if you just take away the music and just listen to the words, if the message is still strong and the message is still Jesus, what difference does it make? But if they can't get past the beat, then that's their problem. I don't know if you know not to dodge them or anything,

but that's not what they like. And don't listen to it. As we are walking, throughout the city's dreams, seeing the people, but never seeing their needs, the one is homeless. They've got no place to live. Will they find shelter? That's what their question is. And who will be the one to understand? Who will be the one to let the hell begin? Who will be the one to recruit them? Please let the hell begin!

But life's been hard, can't seem to make it through. And who will be the one to understand? Who will be the one to let our helping hand? We can make a difference if we do what the Bible says. Reach out a hand to help someone in need. We can make a difference. We can make a difference together.

We can make a difference if we do what the Bible says. Reach out a hand to help someone in need. We can make a difference. No man is a nightmare. No man stands alone. In the days time, a lot of young people are returning back to the church. In your opinion, what has happened?

What has been the evolution for that recommitment to God in your opinion by young people? For your contemporaries? I really believe, first of all, the Bible says, in the last days, I should pour out my spirit upon all flesh. I could just leave it there and say it's self-explanatory. That's what happened. But speaking of adding to what Tina was saying, I believe now it's just a bad time. And I believe young people need to answer. It's like the devil is so busy. Before you might get sick, but now he's trying to kill us. It's like young people are like, I don't know what to do. I've tried everything. I've tried crack, I've tried cocaine, I've tried this, I've tried that. I need to answer to this problem. I have a problem. And the people are coming back, you know, young people, especially are coming to church and giving their hearts and their minds to the Lord because they finally realize within themselves that Jesus is the answer. So it's like, you know, if they need to answer,

and the answer is correct. You all are four very attractive young women. Are there any special men in you all's lives? For present time. I'm Mary. Okay, please. I've been married for eight years. And Diane is married. She's been married for six years, Diane. Six years. Tina has a special person in her life, and you learn to do that. They're not married. So it's balanced out. Two things to marry. Okay, so you all have a good working relationship with each other. Do you have a good tie to being around each other? Yes. Definitely. I can tell you something. I understand. Getting to the album, what particular songs you all enjoy singing. I'm quite sure you enjoy singing, but some songs bring out a little bit more of oneself than other songs, in my opinion.

Well, I'll state my opinion first. This is Lisa. Okay, Lisa. The song that I enjoy singing performing will be, you have it live, because there's so much energy, and then what you think about it's like, when you love somebody with the love of Jesus, no matter what that person does, you're yet going to love them. You think about how much Christ loves us, no matter what we do, no matter how many times in a day, we ask the Lord to forgive us for having mercy on us. He does just that. So when you begin to love somebody with the love of Jesus, that's unconditional love is incredible. So it's like you have a live, and when we start singing it with the band, you know that hip hop, we need to sing it. You can't sing it. I'm gonna get down the floor. I'm gonna get down the floor. Okay. Man. This is dying. I agree with Lisa. I love singing. You haven't lived.

Okay. You haven't lived. It's a nice song. Okay. Any other favorites on the album? I'm telling you once again, I like that one. Okay. Any other ones? Oh, boy. Any others. You know what I like? One song that we don't do often. Mm-hmm. But it's just, um, it has a lot of spirit. It has a lot of, a lot, a lot. Mm-hmm. Okay. A lot of spirit, no. Um, it's called a only surrender. And that song is really, it's a high-spirited song. You know, you really feel alive. Well, I do. I really feel alive. About you. Are there any other female groups in the Detroit area in which you think have the potential to be successful as gospel recording artists that you have seen or heard? Not the group called. Boy, what are their names? I can't think of their names, but they're young. They're very young. They're kind of green right now. I think with time, yeah, that's a name of the group. They're called Adoration and Praise.

And I think that with a little nurturing and some time and grooming and, you know, they're just very, very green. But I really believe they have potential to be very successful. Besides your records being played on the radio and the video on television, are the albums and CDs being played in clubs or dances, either in Detroit or around other parts of the country? Not my knowledge. Mine either. Is that a goal or...? Yeah, because that's who needs it. You know what I want to take water to the desert. That's who needs it. We wanted to go that way. Because no matter where it's played, our job is to meet the message there. But you can play it wherever, but, you know, the message is still there. So they can play it as much as they want. And along, if I can add to this, Tina, along with our job, our job is to leave the message and also to live the life that we sing about. Because no matter, like you said, no matter where your message is played, it's the message.

And it's the lifestyle that you lead. And if you leave a lifestyle that is the epitome to what you sing about, then people won't have anything to talk about. Okay. And a final minute or so. What would you tell young persons anticipating on a career as a recording artist and in specific, a gospel recording artist? What are some of the things, what are some of the things he or she should do and some of the things he or she should not do? This is Diane. Okay, Diane. First of all, I'll say what you should not do. And that's, look at this industry as far as gospel. If you're really out to do a good work, you shouldn't just look at the glamour and the light and how much money you can make. Which, you have to consider those things, and you know how much you make, but that's not your main goal. And things you should be aware of is that make sure this is a calling. This is what you really want to do because back to the glamour, it's not all about that. There's a lot of hard work involved. There's a lot of crying sometimes in praying,

and a lot of times our music ministers to us. Because we aren't perfect. We're just on stage. You know, we have our problems. We go home. We have our things, our trials. But to make sure that's really, really what you want to do. And then sing as much as you can and try to get to know maybe some people in the industry through some means. Okay. Any other one to answer? Good question. Hmm. Hmm. Well, Diane pretty much summed it up. There's definitely a ministry and it goes so much further beyond than just standing up on stage or a church singing. We've had cases where people, I've had incidents where people have called me talking about suicide. I've got ministers of them. So, you know, people look to you for an answer. Although, you know, you tell them that Jesus is the answer, but they're looking to you for it. They want something tangible, something that they can touch. They can relate to other than just get down on the knees praying. They want to see a human.

You know what I'm saying? So it goes so far beyond just up there singing. So you definitely have to check yourself, examine yourself and know that this is what God wants you to do because it goes a lot further than just singing. What made me feel that you would not hear my call, that you would not catch my phone when you did so many times before what made me feel that I could not come on you. That you would not take me through me after all I've seen you do for me. Gospel recording group witness.

If you have a question or comment regarding this program, write us. Remember, views and opinions expressed on this program are not necessarily those of this station or the University of Texas at Austin. I would like to thank the Terry Williams Agency for their assistance in the production of this program. For production assistant Heidi Cordell and in Black America's technical producer Cliff Hygrove, I'm John L. Hanson Jr. Please join us again next week. Cassette copies of this program are available and may be purchased by writing in Black America cassettes. Longhorn Radio Network Communication Building B, UT Austin, Austin, Texas 78712. That's in Black America cassettes. Longhorn Radio Network Communication Building B, UT Austin, Austin, Texas 78712. From the Center for Telecommunication Services, the University of Texas at Austin, this is the Longhorn Radio Network.

I'm John L. Hanson Jr. Join me this week on in Black America. People look to you for an answer, although you know you're telling them that Jesus is the answer, but they're looking to you for it. They want something tangible, something that they can touch, they can relate to. Gospel recording artist witness this week on in Black America.