Over the weekend, Theta Mu Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity honored Grammy Award winning producer, composer and recording artist Donald Lawrence at its Black and Gold Ball at the Double Tree Hotel in Alsip, IL. The ceremony also honored blues great Lonnie Brooks, Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites, lyric soprano Jonita Lattimore and iconic jazz/blues guitarist Buddy Guy.
Lawrence is best known for his #1 gospel radio hits “Encourage Yourself,” “Back II Eden” and his current Top 5 smash, “Spiritual.” The bass heavy groove is even winning fans in the Fourth Estate. The New York Times pop critic Ben Ratliff calls it a masterpiece. “The song builds a tower,” he wrote in a recent review. “The last two minutes become breathtaking: the shifting harmony, and Ms. McAllister-Dyke’s hollering give it nearly gravitational force.”
The song hails from Lawrence’s recently released #1 CD, “YRM: Your Righteous Mind“ (Verity Gospel Music Group). The new album blends the classicism of traditional gospel music and soulful grooves with uplifting, messages of self-affirmation and practical exercises of faith. Among the collection’s highlights is the upbeat mantra “YRM (Your Righteous Mind)” featuring Dorinda Clark Cole, the smooth “We Agree” with Israel Houghton and “Through The Fire,” a rousing makeover of Chaka Khan’s 1984 hit. “This project really doesn’t differ from my past ones,” Lawrence says. “I want to continue to teach, through song, spiritual principles and laws based on scriptures.”
The Black and Gold Ball 2011 took place Saturday at The Double Tree Hotel, 5000 W. 127th Street in Alsip, IL.
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