Donald Lawrence is a renowned and award winning American gospel music artist, songwriter, producer, and choir director.
Biography
Born on May 4, 1961, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lawrence’s musical journey began at an early age. He was introduced to gospel music through his mother, who was a choir director at their church. Lawrence quickly developed a passion for music and began honing his skills as a singer and musician.
In the 1980s, Lawrence moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he formed the gospel group Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. The group gained widespread recognition for their innovative sound, blending traditional gospel with contemporary elements such as jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Lawrence’s distinctive musical style, characterized by intricate vocal arrangements and powerful performances, set him apart as a visionary in the gospel music genre.
Throughout his career, Donald Lawrence has released numerous albums both as a solo artist and with The Tri-City Singers. Some of his most notable projects include “A Songwriter’s Point of View” (2004), “The Law of Confession, Part I” (2009), and “Goshen” (2019). He has received multiple awards and nominations for his contributions to gospel music, including Grammy Awards and Stellar Awards.
In addition to his work as a recording artist, Lawrence is also highly regarded as a producer and songwriter. He has collaborated with many prominent artists in the gospel and secular music industries, lending his talents to projects across various genres.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Lawrence is known for his philanthropy and community involvement. He has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at empowering young musicians and promoting education and social justice.
Career
Lawrence studied music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He’s won Grammy and Stellar Awards and worked with artists like En Vogue and Stephanie Mills.
He started The Tri-City Singers when a friend left the musical director position. They had hits like “A Message For The Saints” and “I Am God”.
He produced Karen Clark Sheard’s album “Finally Karen” and released “Hello Christmas” with The Tri-City Singers.
Lawrence signed with EMI Gospel and released “tri-city4.com” in 2000. The album peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts.
In 2002, he released “Go Get Your Life Back” featuring Bishop Walter Hawkins and Ann Nesby.
His solo album “I Speak Life” earned him 7 Stellar Award nominations and 6 wins.
The Tri-City Singers retired in 2006 after releasing “Finale: Act One” and “Finale: Act Two”. “The Blessing Of Abraham” earned a Grammy nomination.
Lawrence’s second solo album “The Law of Confession Part I” came out in 2009. He also worked on projects like “Released” by Bill Winston and hosted “How Sweet The Sound Choir Competition” for Verizon.
Donald Lawrence Net Worth
Donald Lawrence, an American gospel songwriter, producer, and artist, has a net worth of $1 million.
Awards
Stellar Awards 2006
- Artist of the Year for I Speak Life
- CD of the Year for I Speak Life
- Producer of the Year for I Speak Life
- Group/Duo of the Year for I Speak Life
- Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year for I Speak Life
- Contemporary CD of the Year for I Speak Life
Stellar Awards 2007
- Artist of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Choir of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Producer of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Contemporary CD of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Contemporary Choir of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Special Event CD of the Year for Finale: Act One
- Music Video of the Year for Finale: Act One
Stellar Awards 2008
- Producer of the Year for The Clark Sister – Live! One Last Time“22nd Annual Stellar Award Winners (2007)”. GospelFlava.com. Retrieved January 14, 2007.
Grammy Award Wins
- Best Traditional Gospel Album (2007) for Live – One Last Time
Grammy Award Nominations
- Best Gospel Album by a Choir of Chorus (1995) for Bible Stories
- Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album (2000) for Tri-city4.com
- Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album (2002) for Go Get Your Life Back
- Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album (2005) for I Speak Life
- Best Gospel Performance (2006) for The Blessing Of Abraham
- Best Gospel Song (2006) for The Blessing Of Abraham
- Best Traditional Gospel Album (2006) for Finalé Act One
- Best Gospel Song (2007) for Encourage Yourself
- Best Traditional Gospel Album (2007) for The Grand Finalé: Encourage Yourself
- Best Traditional Gospel Album (2009) for The Law Of Confession, Part I
- Best Gospel Song (2011) for Spiritual
- Best Gospel Song (2012) for Released
- Best Gospel Album (2013) for Best For Last: 20 Year Celebration Vol. 1 [Live]
- Best Gospel Performance/Song (2014) for Sunday A.M. [Live]
- Best Gospel Album (2019) for Goshen