Author: Marcus Dyson
Published: December 30, 2003
Tool: [ email ]
I had the awesome opportunity and the unique pleasure of talking with Lisa Page-Brooks from Witness. She is very down to earth and a sweetheart might I add. Not to mention she loves God and it shows through her personality. What you are reading is an edited version of our conversation and does not even scratch the surface of what the awesome vibe was like. Here is a brief summary of that interview that was really more like an aunt to a nephew conversation. *smile*
Marcus: Lisa, it’s a pleasure to finally talk to you. Let me say that I have followed you all since the album ”I’ve Come Too Far.”How do you remember it all got started?
Lisa: Well, Pastor Michael Brooks who was at the time with Commissioned, was working with his sister (Tina Brooks) who wanted to do a solo thing so Pastor Brooks suggested we get together and it took off from there. When we got together we were considered the female Commissioned which kind of made sense because the music were doing was my husband’s music and it was a blessing because the music he was giving us was and is centered around the word of God.
Marcus: If I would have told you 15 or 20 years ago you would be a part of one of the world’s greatest gospel groups touring the world and ministering for a living with several awards and honors including topping the billboard charts what would you have said to me?
Lisa: It’s kind of funny because I never dreamed I would have this kind of life. This wasn’t like my dream or goal in life. I didn’t like most people dream of being a big star even though my father, the late Warren Harris, was a part of The Motions back in the 60’s and they were signed to Motown Records. My mother helped us to develop our gifts as well. But I don’t know how I would have responded. It has been an incredible journey as we have been blessed to be where we have been.
Marcus: Was it very tough going through the member changes and what kind of affect did it have on the group when it disbanded?
Lisa: It was very trying. We had several group changes and it seemed like as we got used to one set of members then we had to adjust again and it was trying at the time. We had several changes including the record company falling through which kind of took the cake.
Marcus: How would you encourage other groups who aspire to do what you do?
Lisa: You just have to be sure that this is what you want to do and you have to stay focused and most of all be able to trust the people you are with and know that they have the same mind you have.
Marcus: How does it feel having your husband as your producer and do you do some writing?
Lisa: I leave that to my husband. We work very well together. He writes it and when I get in the studio I do what I love to do and come up with the background parts and notes. It just flows. I enjoy the fact that the music is all-scriptural based. I know that many people say that I am the signature sound of the group but it’s my husband’s music. It’s a blessing having the same producer all these years that keeps your sound the way people know and love you for.
Marcus: Now, I feel like I am part of your family having followed you all so many years and I was in shock when I had learned that you and Michael Brooks had got married. How did you two fall in love?
Lisa: Ooh! It developed over time. He told me he wanted to marry me and I was kind of shocked but it has been a blessing since we have been married. We are pastoring now and it’s wonderful working with my husband as producer and my pastor as well.
Marcus: Right. It’s called Restoration Fellowship. How was that transition going into pastorship and balancing being a recording artist all at the same time?
Lisa: It has been a blessing but you have to be careful because you are leading these people and you are responsible for their souls. I love to see the people of God blessed and see their lives changed. It gets rough sometimes and there are times I just want to be normal because you know we do several interviews a day and it gets tiring but I love what I do and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Marcus: Who are some artists that have inspired you early on or who you all grew up listening to?
Lisa: Oh, boy. The Winans. Definitely, Vanessa Bell Armstrong. You know Detroit is like a melting pot of talent and there is some great talent here. Oh and yes, the Hawkins Family.
Marcus: On this current project, I have to say my favorite song has got to be ”Life.” If you had to pick a favorite what would it be or what song is more personal to you and why?
Lisa: I would have to say, ”Yes, I Touched Him.” That song really talks about how we all have some issues and how we can touch him with our faith that he can heal us.
Marcus: Your daughter, Natasha sings on that song as well. She has a beautiful voice. Is there a solo project in the works for her?
Lisa: She probably will do one eventually but she is more interested in the writing side of it. She writes with my husband and we let her flow in her gift. I am really proud of her. She wrote with my husband on this album as well as my son Justin who is producing. We actually have five children and the younger kids blow me away because they have talents as well and it’s amazing to see them developing their talents now. My brother Charles who we call ‘Ollie’ is also working with us and he has for several years.
Marcus: Byron Cage opened up his latest recording with “Magnify.” How did it fell hearing yourself through another artist?
Lisa: I remember Kurt Carr came to my husband at another event and told him that they were going to record it and we were so excited. When the album came out and we all were together and when we played the CD the whole room got quiet. My husband was so excited. I am very pleased with it as well because most times other artists do your material and tear it up but I love what they did with it.
Marcus: If I was to sit in on a studio session with Witness what would that be like or what would I experience?
Lisa: You would definitely have fun. We are crazy, we act stupid but when it’s time to do business we are serious, too. We love to act crazy and we love to eat! (Laughing) You would have a good time. We have church as well.
Marcus: I notice over the years you have become more and more beautiful every time you guys come out. How do you keep your look fresh and beautiful?
Lisa: That is sweet. Thank you. Well, doing what I did before I called you. I take walks sometimes and try to exercise as much as possible.
I must say this was the best interview I have ever done and I can’t wait to meet my long lost Aunt Lisa Page-Brooks and my other family of Witness. Please support their ministry by going to see them in concert and by going to pickup their latest CD “An Appointed Time.” You can visit Witness online at
http://www.witnessisback.com/home.htm for more information on this awesome group.
