Donald Lawrence

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Donald Lawrence - Let People GO




Quick facts about Donald Lawrence

CAREER

Donald Lawrence is a gospel singer, songwriter, record producer, and choir director from America. He was a part of The Tri-City Singers before the group split up and he decided to pursue a solo career, as well as work with several other artists.

ACTIVE FROM

1992-present

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

14 Stellar Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 15 Grammy nominations as a soloist, and 3 Grammy nominations with The Tri-City Singers. Awarded Producer of the Year in 2008 after his work on a release by the Clark Sisters




GENRE

Gospel music

PLACE OF ORIGIN

Gastonia, North Carolina, U.S.

ALBUMS

10 studio albums, 2 compilation albums, 5 singles & EPs, 2 DVDs & videos, 1 miscellaneous

Starting Out

Donald Lawrence was raised by his aunt in Gastonia, and she taught him all of the spiritual principles that he still holds today by taking them to their local Pentecostal church. His parents weren’t around much, so his aunt made sure that he would go up to be strong and independent. He grew up as a fan on Walter Hawkins and Thomas Whitfield’s music and taught himself the piano at 15 because of his ever-growing passion for music. He worked hard to earn a place at the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to major in musical theatre. In 1986 he and his professor, Worth Gardner, wrote “Sing Hallelujah!” that became popular across America. He also wrote an off-Broadway musical that was praised by the New York Times  

Donald joined Jim and Tammy Baker’s PTL Club television program, as a part of the music staff. As word spread of his talent in the music industry, he was eventually recruited as En Vogue‘s vocal coach, as well as the music director for Stephanie Mills. His skills as a producer allowed him to work with a diverse range of talented artists such as Mary J. Blige, Ramsey Lewis, the Clark Sisters, and Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir. He also spent a lot of time working towards his own music career. 

Rise In Fame

Donald joined a group called the Tri-City Singers which was a group of just under 40 members from the “tri-cities’ of Spartanburg (South Carolina), Gastonia, and Charlotte (both in North Carolina). Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers debuted in 1993 with their album, ‘A Songwriter’s Point of View’ on the newly created GospoCentric Records label. The album managed to debut at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts. In 1995, they followed it up with their release of ‘Bible Stories’ which was met with similar success. In 1997, the group released their first seasonal album, ‘Hello Christmas.’  

 

In 2000, the Tri-City Singers signed with EMI Gospel and released the lead single, “Testify,” of their upcoming album in order to promote it. The single was given a house remix by Junior Vasquez, sending the song onto Billboard’s Mainstream Dance Charts, where it peaked at No 33. Later that year, when the album, ‘tri-city4.com’ was released, it managed to peak at number 2 and 13 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts and Heatseekers Charts, respectively. In 2002, the group released their ‘Go Get Your Life’ album, followed by ‘Restoring The Years’ in 2003.   

In 2004, Donald Lawrence’s career in Gospel Music, started an entirely new chapter, as he released his first solo album, ‘I Speak Life.’ Although it wasn’t with the Tri-City Singers, several of the groups member’s still made guest appearances. The notable jazz artists Ramsey Lewis and Lalah Hathaway were also featured on the album in a remake of “Don’t Forget To Remember” from ‘Bible Stories.’ 

In 2006, the Tri-City Singers decided to retire, following the recording of a two-part final live album titled, ‘Finale: Act One’ and ‘Finale: Act Two.’ The lead single from a combined version of the albums, “The Blessing of Abraham” was nominated for a Grammy Award later that year.  




I don't think in terms of genre or religious perspective. It comes from being honest. I just honour the gift and purpose I was given to touch the world and inspire.

Other Projects

Donald Lawrence also wanted to expand his career into television, film, and musical theatre. He did so by working as a spokesman for a gospel choir competition in 2007, as well as doing television and print advertisements. At one point Donald even emceed the competition. He also spent a year as one of the music mentors for the ‘Sunday Best talent competition on BET.  Recently Donald released a hit song with popular Christian Musician Kirk Franklin. Which set milestones on the gospel charts.

Cancer Diagnosis

In 2012, after a three-month long hiatus from performing, Donald returned to the stage for a post-game concert for the Grizzlies. During his performance of Not Making Sense, Making Faith” in Memphis, Donald revealed to his unsuspecting audience that he had been distancing himself from the public eye because he had received a cancer diagnosis. However, to the crowd’s relief, he went on to explain that he had been getting treatment in Los Angeles and was now proud to announce that there was no longer any signs of cancer in his body. He expressed his thankfulness to God for being healed.  

Donald's Most Recent Release

Donald Lawrence’s most recent release is his 2019 album, ‘Goshen‘ which features 14 tracks. The album was made with The Tri-City Singers, who reunited to record the album after having retired in 2006. It won the Traditional Gospel Album of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards. The title of the album, ‘Goshen’ comes from the Bible’s book of Exodus and was God’s protected place. He hopes to remind his listeners to be open to God, because that is how they can move forward in their lives. 




Bible stories Donald Lawrence

Bible Stories

Law of Confession Donald L

Law of Confession

I Am God Donal Lawrence

When the Saints go to Worship

Donald Lawrence Deliver Me

Deliver Me

The Blessing of Abraham Donald Lawrence

The Blessing of Abraham

Let My People Go Donald Lawrence

Let My People Go

When Sunday Comes Donald Lawrence

When Sunday Comes

Encourage Yourself Donald Lawrence

Encourage Yourself

Bless Me Donald Lawrence

Say a Prayer for Me Donald Lawrence

Say a Prayer for Me

The Gift Donald Lawrence

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