Author: Thomas A. Warren Jr.
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
Mr. Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise have been busy these days. With
their latest project When I Think About You underway, they have their
work cut out for them. I was able to catch up with Lamar here in New
York. This trip has afforded them a performance at the Apollo, an
appearance on The David Letterman Show backing Aaron Neville and an
appearance on NBC s Weekend Today, also backing Neville. And all of
this after a six-city promotional tour highlighting the importance of
our local YMCAs.
Manhunt: Let's start with the reason for you being here. David
Letterman? How good is that? I mean, talk about accomplishments.
Lamar: Yes. This is a blessing from God and I am excited about the
opportunity, both to be on the show and to be backing Aaron Neville.
This is a great part in my career progression.
Manhunt: How was the six city promotional tour?
Lamar: It went very well. We were able to really focus on youth
outreach.
Manhunt: Is this why you chose the YMCA as the organization to be
highlighted as the tour's focus?
Lamar: Well youth outreach is an extension of our ministry and is a
part of what we've been called to do. Our ministry's mission is to
touch the lives of people with the gospel. With that in mind, we started
out doing a lot of local outreach work including establishing a
scholarship fund and various concerts and special programs. The YMCA's
backing was the result of our participation in a summer Jazzfest. The
opportunity allowed us to take our interests in youth awareness to
various cities, while increasing each city s awareness of the Y s
programming efforts.
Manhunt: Okay. So it wasn't like an artist finding a cause to devote
their efforts to.
Lamar: Not at all. The involvement was already there. The YMCA was just
supportive of our plight.
Manhunt: So why Spirit of Praise? What makes them different from the
other choirs that are existing in the industry?
Lamar: Sprit of Praise concentrates on doing what God has given us to do
which makes us unique from the start. We emphasize music that will
cross denomination, race, creed and age. We are also focused on soul
winning, and projecting Christ and His importance in our music.
Manhunt: There are times on the new release where the sincerity of your
love for God is inescapable. Describe your view on this relationship.
Lamar: I love the Lord. Where I am and all that is happening to me is a
reflection of my obedience to the will of God. What he has called me to
be is a music ministry and Spirit of Praise is an offspring of that. My
goal is that we would live the life that we sing about. That the message
in our music, whether live or recorded, would convey this relationship
to our audiences. And finally, that I can persuade the listeners to
develop their own relationship with Christ.
Manhunt: Things are going well for you and the choir. How long have you
been doing this?
Lamar: I actually started with a smaller group on the Tyscott label.
When that project was done, I went back to Indianapolis to work for one
of the largest churches in the city. After reevaluating things against
the revealed purpose God had for my life, I moved on to form Spirit of
Praise and have been on the go ever since. It was difficult being
received as a new artist, especially since I started out wanting
stardom. But now with several albums under my belt, I see things from a
different perspective. No longer do I view success in the same light
it s all about ministry now.
Manhunt: You know I must say that your label, EMI Gospel, has been
really helpful and accommodating to me as a journalist.
Lamar: They are a good place for me. When I was looking for a new
label, I was looking for one that would be interested in my ministry,
not just my music. That is one of the things that attracted me to EMI
Gospel.
Manhunt: And so what s next? More albums, more writing, new groups?
Lamar: I ve been writing for a while and I ve done a lot of work with
GMWA. I am working on some things with Marcus Dawson for T.D. Jakes new
album. I am also still committed to the label for more projects. So I
am still looking to take things to another level. I d really like to
begin writing and developing new artist.
Manhunt: You've written a few songs on your current release.
Lamar: Yes. Spirit of Praise is the one group, to this date, that has
been able to communicate my music in the way that I feel God has given
it to me. They are special to me because they deliver my music just as
I have envisioned it.
Manhunt: Who are some the artist you admire in the industry?
Lamar: I like artist who don't take down in ministry for public
acceptance or record sales or for what is the "hot" sound for the
moment. Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond are artist that I think have
maintained their integrity and message throughout their careers.
Manhunt: Any plans of leaving Indianapolis?
Lamar: No. I've been born and raised here. My family is here and
Indianapolis is a great place to rear a family. It is also on the
development side in the areas of sports and new business. There are new
conferences and the like coming through our area, increasing its
attractiveness. So no, I am not looking to move.
Manhunt: Oh, so you are married?
Lamar: No. My siblings and parent are here. My choir is here. My
ministry is here. I am single.
Manhunt: So what are some encouraging words you have for aspiring
artists?
Lamar: DON'T GIVE UP!! There are times when I get discouraged or
overwhelmed, feeling as though I've lost my life in the shuffle of
things. It seems as though I am in need and I'm looked on to be the
giver. There are times when I have to be strong, when in fact, I need
strength. But God sees me through those times. And new artists don't
always understand how rough things can be in the forefront. There are
not enough avenues to prepare new gospel artist for this type of
ministry. I would encourage them all to get before God and hear His
voice and follow his leading. It is through obedience to His divine will
that brings about your destiny.
