LET OUR HEARTS BE FILLED WITH THANKS & GIVING!
Welcome contemporary gospel artist, Marvin Matthews who will perform on Sunday, November 24, 2024 during the 10:30 am Church Service. Everyone is invited after the service for a Thanksgiving Potluck and performance beginning at Noon in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend!
“Marvin’s unique vocal style blends traditional gospel music with a touch of jazz, a bit of hip-hop, and a mix of light pop. His exuberant personality inspires listeners and his compassionate spirit demonstrates his love for Jesus, his family and the body of Christ to which he ministers.”
When Marvin was six years old, his first grade teacher told him he could go to a school closer to his home in inner-city Washington, D.C. to avoid a long bus ride across town every day. Hearing that, Marvin promptly transferred himself to a new school. That take-charge, “do-what-needs-to- be-done” attitude obviously is an integral part of Marvin’s personality. His music is simply further evidence of that trait. He sees a need and finds a way to meet it.
Marvin has eight recordings to his credit and two video presentations. As always, there’s a touch of jazz, a bit of hip-hop, some light pop and, of course, the traditional gospel music foundation upon which Christian music rests. He has made sure his projects provide something special for every listening ear while maintaining the integrity of “the call.”
One industry insider stated, “Marvin Matthews is the music industry’s best-kept secret.” That’s high praise indeed for someone who once thought he wasn’t cut out for a career in music. Marvin initially planned a career as an attorney. He pursued the study of law at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico before transferring to Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. “Everybody I knew as a kid growing up could sing or play an instrument,” he says, “so I didn’t think I was anything out of the ordinary.” But Marvin is hardly ordinary.
He began studying music at age eight. His credits then include the following: he started the first gospel choir at his junior high school in D.C.; toured Romania at 18; was featured soloist with the world-famous Spurrlows; sang contemporary gospel music in opera houses throughout Europe; electrified the Philippines on Martin After Dark the number one rated television show in that country, and the list goes on.
He has ministered in some of the finest churches in America, toured Korea, Japan, and all of Europe, and has led Christian leaders and congregants in praise and worship at various conferences including M.O. P.S. (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) Convention, OCEA (Ohio Christian Educators Association), J & J Music Conferences: for music industry professionals, The National Childrens’ Pastors Conferences, Southern Baptist Conservatives Convention, The Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney, and a score of other national and international gathers.
He has appeared on several TV shows including Cornerstone TV-Pittsburgh, PA, Daystar TV-Dallas/Fort Worth Texas, Swan’s Place with Dennis Swanberg, The Hour of Power with Dr. Robert Schuler-Garden Grove, California, The Bobby Jones Gospel Show-BET and the Word Network, to name a few. Bill and Gloria Gaither have featured Marvin on several of their Gaither Homecoming video series presentations.
As a featured artist at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, CO, Marvin shared the stage with today’s hottest, well-known artists. His offering was so well received that the imposing audience responded with a rousing standing ovation at the conclusion of his performance!
A tireless concert artist, Marvin has worked with a host of popular artists including Debbie Boone (You Light Up My Life), Andrae Crouch, the late Bob Hope, Mark Lowry, Little Richard, Karen Wheaton, Deniece Williams (Let’s Hear It For The Boy and Too Much, Too Late, Too Little, with Johnny Mathis), and CeCe Winans (Count On Me with Whitney Houston). He has been featured on most major Christian networks, including The Word Network, TBN and CBN.
His exuberant personality combined with his unique vocal talent and compassionate spirit crosses all socio-economic and racial lines. He’s a natural, whether on a concert stage performing with a symphony, or standing in front of a church congregation with his soundtracks. His enthusiasm envelops the listener.
In reflection of Marvin’s artistic roots and the priceless memories of family, he recalls vivid recollections of his mother singing hymns to herself when he was very young. He laughingly notices the popular hip-hop sounds resonating from his children’s rooms. He believes the songs his mother sang gave her the strength she needed to raise six children alone. He believes the songs he sings will give his children foundations for life.
Family is very important to Marvin. The spiritual life of his children has often fueled his desire to be an effective communicator. He explains, “I was sitting in church with my family one Sunday, when I looked down the row to find my children, Leslee and Aaron, sound asleep. We were singing hymns at the time, and I couldn’t believe they would sleep through these wonderful songs. After the service, I asked them why, and they said the songs were boring. I realized then that young people today, just like 20 years ago, aren’t necessarily tuned into the music their parents love. So I set out to find a way to make the timeless messages in the old hymns appeal to young ears.
Marvin’s desire is to affect change and provide a place of joy where hopelessness has prevailed. He really “sings because he is happy and he sings because he is free” (lyrics from His Eye is on the Sparrow on “The CCM Set” CD).
God vigorously uses Marvin’s musical talent, but much more, he uses his heart…a heart that He has developed in this contemporary gospel artist over the years. Truly, the only thing greater than Marvin’s voice is his love for Jesus, his family and the body of Christ to which he ministers.
