Donald Lawrence is a man with destiny on his mind. In a
world already reeling from the mayhem of everyday life, Donald Lawrence &
Company, was first conceived as a "spiritual vitamin" to reenergize a church
teetering on the precipice of spiritual despair and desolation. As the
catastrophes of September 11, 2001 unfolded, that need was heightened
immeasurably.
"I've
always done my best work when I follow what my heart is saying to me, and write
and record what I'm feeling," Donald comments.
The pulsating, rock-steady, dance-floor-ready sound is classic Donald
Lawrence & Company, with Donald in his signature, fluid modern gospel/R&B
voice, atop the singers' smooth-as-silk, contemporary-but-timeless take on
vintage choral gospel.
"I
want everybody to know that even when things are looking up, and starting to
change for the better, it's not all that God has in store for you. In fact,
compared to the wondrous things He still has to lay on the table before us, we
haven't seen anything yet."
Donald Lawrence – songwriter, producer, singer and
director-extraordinaire – whom Billboard magazine has hailed as a
"timeless…tunesmith, lyricist and master of the mix," was a child born with a
love for music, who grew up to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the
prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory. Anticipating a career in musical theater,
his plans were abruptly changed a year after his graduation when pop/R&B
superstar
Stephanie Mills – the friend of a
friend of Donald's – met the rising young prodigy and quickly hired him to be
her musical director.
By the mid-'90s Donald Lawrence had spent almost 10
years working and touring with the multi-platinum-seller Mills, and had produced
two of her albums, in 1992 and 1994. Along the way he had also established
himself as one of gospel music's most esteemed producers, with a sterling resume
comprising work with gospel/R&B/pop superstar
Kirk Franklin, hit-maker
Peabo Bryson, and the late gospel giants,
Daryl Coley and Thomas Whitfield. Other entries on Donald's dazzlingly
diverse list of credits include writing and directing several highly successful
gospel musicals and plays, and serving as vocal coach for '90s chart royalty,
En Vogue.
With
hopes for a future that includes movies, musical theater and TV as well,
Donald Lawrence speaks like a man still moving into his own ever-evolving
destiny.
"Life is a gift, and God didn't bless us with this gift to
live our entire lives in sadness," he concludes. "Sadness will pass, and then
it's time to get up, dry your eyes, re-boot and grab back your life. And when
you do, by all means, live it ... to the fullest."
Hit songs include --
- Testify
- The Blessing of Abraham
- Encourage Yourself
- I Speak Life
- You Covered Me
- Giants
Other notable songs include --
- I Am God
- Mender
- Stranger
- Dance in the Spirit
- Message for the Saints
- Holy
- Shut de Do
- Don't Give It Up
- Keep On Blessing Me
- If I Can't Say A Word
Donald Lawrence and Company may be available
for your next special event!
For booking information,
click HERE!
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