“Sing, Oh daughter of Zion; Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Oh daughter of Jerusalem.” Zephaniah 3:14
Deidre D. “Dee Dee” Gray has worked to fulfill the goal of this famous Scripture through uplifting renditions and performances of some of the most powerful songs in gospel music.
Last weekend the Indianapolis vocalist held her largest concert to date before a crowd at New Beginnings Fellowship Church, which included several of the community’s pastors and music ministers as well as individuals who have followed Gray’s development as an artist.
Gray provided a dynamic and heartfelt presentation of gospel favorites that she has performed through the years as a member of several ministries.
“The concert was a way to share this time in my life with friends, family and extended church family members in celebration of what God is doing with my ministry,” said Gray. “It was a way of closing one chapter in my life and starting another one. I wanted to say ‘thank you’ to God and to everyone that has ever supported me or given me an opportunity to minister in their pulpit or with their organization. It has all been preparation and I am grateful.”
Music ministers who joined Gray at the event included Minister Larry Wilson and the New Beginnings Worship Team, Jordan Johnson of the JC Squad, Krash Krew, Sharon Rimmer, Sharon “Sister Bunnie” Moore, Eastern Star Sacred Dance Ministry, Sisters in Praise, Brian Reeves & Heart After God, and James Andrews and New Seasons.
The concert also heralded the upcoming release of Gray’s debut CD, “An Appointed Time”.
The project is a collaboration between Gray’s production company, Project Destiny Productions, and musicians Will Amos and Shaun Crooks of On the Beat Productions.
Surprise guests artists are set to appear on the album, which Gray says will offer something for everyone, whether they enjoy the contemporary or traditional style of gospel music.
“I am a parent of a teenager and also I am a child of the ‘80s, when hip-hop was at its prime. So that’s where the ‘contemporary’ vibe comes in,” Gray explained. “But I’m also old school as well. My family is originally from Mississippi and I was raised in the Missionary Baptist Church, so I had to go down South and take it back too!”
A native of Fort Wayne, Gray grew up around music. Her father is a quartet singer and musician, while her mother played gospel music on anything she could find, from vinyl records and 8-tracks to cassette tapes.
“I was always around music,” said Gray. “I sang in the church choir and did my first ‘adult’ solo at age 11. I cannot remember a time in my life, no matter what was going on, when I was not a member of a choir, a group or singing as a soloist for something.”
Gray’s musical experience in Indianapolis has been through her affiliation with Eastern Star Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., and she served as a worship leader for that congregation’s first church plant, New Life Worship Center, led by Pastor John F. Ramsey. Pastor Tommie Harris, New Life’s minister of music, saw potential in Gray and gave her the opportunity to grow and develop in music ministry.
Gray has been inspired by a variety of artists, from The Clark Sisters, Kiki Sheard and Shirley Caesar to Israel and New Breed, Martha Munizzi, Richard Smallwood and the Mississippi Mass Choir. She also enjoys quartets such as the Williams Brothers.
Gray said she is blessed to experience such an exciting time in her life, and hopes that listeners will take only one thing from her new CD – Jesus.
“I pray they will experience God and receive healing, encouragement, comfort and power to know him in order to run on a little longer until he comes,” said Gray. “I don’t want fans. I do appreciate support and love, yet my goal is to win souls to Christ.”
Gray’s concert was the first formal event presented by Daughters of Zion Ministries, which focuses on ministry and community outreach through worship, art and service.
“What’s awesome about Dee Dee is her kind, humble spirit. She is also truly gifted,” said Kathy Fuller, a volunteer for Daughters of Zion Ministries. “Her songs and delivery seem to meet you during whatever kind of moment you’re in. She can sing as quiet as a whisper when you need gentle encouragement, but she can also bellow as loud as if the universe is opening up when you need strengh and are ready to see God move.”
National recording artist Rodnie Bryant worked with Gray when she performed with his group Yet Unseen.
“She’s a very fun and easygoing person and great to be around,” Bryant said. “I think she’s a great singer and has a lot of potential as an artist.”
For more information about Deidre Gray visit www.myspace.com/deedeegray or Facebook: Deidre D. Gray
