Gwen McCrae, now evangelist, still rockin', up for awards

By Strings

The year was 1975, and a vibrant, 32-year-old R&B singer Gwen McCrae was burning up the charts with a smooth but funky, uplifting single "Rockin' Chair." The song was destined not only to become a hit, but a classic anthem for women soul singers everywhere. Twentyfour years later, McCrae would revisit that theme on a Phat Sound release from soul writing legend Frank-O Johnson, on a record entitled "Still Rockin'." Just last year, she would prove that she's still got it, as they say, releasing "Gwen McCrae Sings TK," updating songs from the seminal record label piloted by Henry Stone that exposed the world to Latimore, KC & the Sunshine Band, Betty Wright, Anita Ward, Timmy Thomas and McRae's former husband, the great George Mc- Crae, among others. And, there was last year's brilliant "Gwen McCrae Live in Paris at New Morning," proving that she's still "rockin' the house" with the best of them.

Now McCrae, who in addition to feeding the souls of folks with good music is an ordained minister saving their souls with the gospel of Jesus Christ, is up for some special honors. Her 2006 remake of the classic "Let's Straighten It Out," featuring her in a duo with blues singer Latimore who first made it a hit in the 1970s, is up for the prestigious JusBluesMusic.com Best Blues & Soul Woman Song Of The Year. McCrae, herself, is up for the Blues & Soul Woman Of The Year award. In addition, word is she is scheduled to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

The Jus' Blues Music Awards Show is set for Aug. 16, at the Historical Daisy Theatre, 329 Beale St., Memphis, Tenn.

For McCrae, the awards that are coming her way decades after she started in the business are just a part of God's blessing-a blessing she said she has been patiently awaiting.

"God has certain ways and certain times to do everything," explained McCrae in a recent phone interview with Frost Illustrated. "When you work, you get paid over the years."

Speaking with McCrae-now known as Evangelist McCrae- is a truly delightful experience. Her speaking voice is musical, joyfilled and can't help but bring a smile to your face when you hear it. She can talk about the music business, family, her past and present but, invariably, the conversation comes back to the one subject about which she is most passionate-serving the Lord.

For some, the idea of a woman who has, and continues to make her mark as an R&B and blues singer preaching might seem to be a bit of a dichotomy. I remember the days when I played quartet gospel and had to give up all my gigs "in the world," so people wouldn't speak ill of the group. For McCrae, however, there's no hint of a problem or contradiction between her vocation and her spiritual passion. In fact, she sees the success she's had in the so-called secular music world as an added blessing for her world wide outreach ministry, because it gives her an opportunity to reach more people than she would in the average church. And, she's reaching the people who need Christ's message most, she said.

"That's my stepping stone to get to the people," she said. "I have a worldwide outreach ministry. I go wherever the Lord sends me."

McCrae explained that in her travels, she's seen countless young women-even some very close to home-who have chosen the wrong course in relationships and found their lives troubled and empty. In most cases, they've hooked up with the wrong man, selfish, abusive thugs who have no regard for others. That sends women into a cycle of trouble, often destroying them and their families in the process. That, explained McCrae, is because of low self-esteem and a feeling that they can do no better in life.

"Something is missing out of their lives," she said.

Consequently, she added, they settle for any man who gives them any attention. That can be dangerous, even fatal for some women. But, said McRae, many still fall into the trap because they "can't live" without a man in their lives. But, she said, there's a better solution to that aspect of life.

"They can live without a man. Just trust in Jesus-that's the only man you need," said McCrae.

That's a solution that she first hand can tell young women that works. Divorced for some years, but still friendly with her ex-husband George, Gwen McCrae said she has no craving for a man. She said, if God sends her the right one, that's fine. But, with Christ at her side, the 63-year-old singer, who admittedly still looks absolutely great and is as energetic as ever, says her life already is full.

"I want to share that message with women-and young people period," she said.

That's all part of her way of acknowledging what God has done in her life. She's still rockin' and still being blessed, she explained. And, the accolades and honors that are rolling in at the moment are something she said she wants to use to help others.

"This is my season," she said, speaking of being blessed to be acknowledged by others. "I want to take everyone I can along with me in my season."

To vote for Gwen McCrae in the Jus' Blues Music Awards, go to http://jusbluesmusic.com/JBBALLOT. htm. Or visit Jus' Blues Music's main site at http://jusbluesmusic. com/ and follow the links to the awards and ballot sections. For more information about the awards show including ticket availability and prices, call the Historical Daisy Theatre at 1-888-202-2003.

This is part of the June 13, 2007 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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