Vashawn Mitchell profile
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It was a quiet evening. The interview with Mr. Vashawn Mitchell began on a serious note, with lighter tones in between, but always ending, and then concluding on a serious note. You could tell from Mr. Mitchell’s speech, that his music was important to him. So with austerity, he shared his purpose
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for singing gospel music.
“You know what, I sing gospel music because it is my assignment. Growing up in church, and around church, I tried years ago, to sing other forms of music. I realized that it wasn’t for me. When God calls you to something, He assigns you to it. Now that I know my purpose and my assignment, it makes it easier to walk it out.
I believe it is my purpose – understanding my assignment and walking it out. It is defining who I am, what I’m called to be and what I’m called to do. That becomes my purpose. It ties into it. It is who I am. It’s who I was predestined to be. It is who God knew I was becoming as I maneuvered through life.”
He went on to share who his purpose is connected to – Jesus.
“He is my Savior. He dies for my sins. He rose again so that I can live again. He is Who I sing about. He is Who I minister about. That is the main purpose for who we are in this earth: to represent Jesus. So, it ties into my purpose, because we represent the main purpose, and that is Jesus Christ.”
He described where the roots of his assignment began.
“You know what, I sing gospel music because it is my assignment. Growing up in church, and around church, I tried years ago, to sing other forms of music. I realized that it wasn’t for me. When God calls you to something, He assigns you to it. Now that I know my purpose and my assignment, it makes it easier to walk it out.
I believe it is my purpose – understanding my assignment and walking it out. It is defining who I am, what I’m called to be and what I’m called to do. That becomes my purpose. It ties into it. It is who I am. It’s who I was predestined to be. It is who God knew I was becoming as I maneuvered through life.”
He went on to share who his purpose is connected to – Jesus.
“He is my Savior. He dies for my sins. He rose again so that I can live again. He is Who I sing about. He is Who I minister about. That is the main purpose for who we are in this earth: to represent Jesus. So, it ties into my purpose, because we represent the main purpose, and that is Jesus Christ.”
He described where the roots of his assignment began.
“You know what, I sing gospel music because it is my assignment ... now that I know my purpose and my assignment, it makes it easier to walk it out."
“I started out singing in my local church. From there, I started writing music. In writing music, I began to write for my church choir and write for other artists. So, over the years, I’ve written songs for Smokie Norful and Vanessa Bell Armstrong … just different artists over the years. As I was working behind the scenes, I knew God was calling me to my own ministry. I began to record my own songs. I went from a minister of music, to recording with my church choir, to writing for other artists. Then God opened up the door – a platform for me to record my own music as well – with Vashawn Mitchell and Friends. I signed my first record deal, I want to say, around 2004, with Tyscot records. I put out a product over the years, until the day I put out “Nobody Greater” on the CD, Triumphant. Then … everything is history. I recorded that one song that God used me to carry this message to the world. People who did not know Vashawn Mitchell, started to know Vashawn Mitchell through this music and through the ministry God has given me. From there, I just continued to build off of what was started, not to duplicate it – but to continue to hear what God is saying next, to record music that is relevant, that is inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting to the world."
Along with his goal to write uplifting music, the contemplative songwriter noted how he finds joy in experiencing the worship experience of others.
Along with his goal to write uplifting music, the contemplative songwriter noted how he finds joy in experiencing the worship experience of others.
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"From there, I just continued to build off of what was started, not to duplicate it – but to continue to hear what God is saying next, to record music that is relevant, that is inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting to the world."
“One of my biggest joys has been to travel outside the country on numerous occasions, watch the worship experiences, and be a part of the worship experiences that are not like ours. It’s not only to sing in other countries, but to experience this God, this joy, that others experience in other countries and in other cultures. I’m reminded of a story … I was in New Mexico, and I talked to a young lady. I asked, ‘Why is the worship so heavy in here?’ She said, ‘Vashawn, because you all in the United States, sometimes, you just seek a doctor, or something happens to you and you go to this and that. But some of us in this country, we don’t have a doctor. All we have is our faith.’ So, learning about the faith of others, and the place of others, has been very important and unique.”
He conveyed how the song, “Nobody Greater”, personally influenced someone’s life decision.
“There was a point that I was in Texas, sitting at the table signing CDs and a young lady and her father came over. He said, ‘I had to meet you. I had to meet you. I had to meet you.’ I was like, ‘Okay, okay, okay.’ He said that someone had messed with his daughter, and he was on his way … he put his gun in the trunk … and he was on his way to shoot him. He said he was driving down the street, and that he doesn’t listen to gospel music. He was listening to a secular station, and “Nobody Greater” came on. He said while he was driving, tears came to his eyes. He realized that God is still the greatest power and that vengeance belongs to the Lord. He turned around, went home, hugged his daughter and told her everything was going to be alright. That’s probably one of the most memorable testimonies I've heard. There’ve been so many over the years, but that was one that kind of stuck with me. It was just … it was right on target.”
Mr. Mitchell continued to share how his music not only touched others, but for him, had its own personal impact.
He conveyed how the song, “Nobody Greater”, personally influenced someone’s life decision.
“There was a point that I was in Texas, sitting at the table signing CDs and a young lady and her father came over. He said, ‘I had to meet you. I had to meet you. I had to meet you.’ I was like, ‘Okay, okay, okay.’ He said that someone had messed with his daughter, and he was on his way … he put his gun in the trunk … and he was on his way to shoot him. He said he was driving down the street, and that he doesn’t listen to gospel music. He was listening to a secular station, and “Nobody Greater” came on. He said while he was driving, tears came to his eyes. He realized that God is still the greatest power and that vengeance belongs to the Lord. He turned around, went home, hugged his daughter and told her everything was going to be alright. That’s probably one of the most memorable testimonies I've heard. There’ve been so many over the years, but that was one that kind of stuck with me. It was just … it was right on target.”
Mr. Mitchell continued to share how his music not only touched others, but for him, had its own personal impact.
“Me personally, some songs that I write, I have to live through it to be able to minister it. I know that I’ve lived through quite a few testimonies that come out as music. That is a better experience of ministry than any other – when you're able to relate to music that you’re releasing. I have numerous testimonies that I have received via Facebook and other places. People always, always send encouraging messages about how the music has blessed them or how it stopped them from this or that or encourage them from this or that – which is the igniting fire for me, to continue to do what I do. Without the testimonies, you can find yourself in a discouraging place at times. The testimonies are like fuel for me, to continue to spread ministry to people and places that are beyond my reach. It will reach some people I will never see or never touch or never talk to face to face. The music reaches beyond where I can.
There’s a song – one of my first songs that was played on the radio years ago, and we recorded it, called, “My Worship is For Real”. It is my personal testimony, because being in church all your life, a lot of people think that when you’re in front, you’re not supposed to go through. You’re not supposed to have a bad day. You’re going all day long and things don’t bother you.
So that’s my personal testimony. I wrote it at a time in my life that I needed to encourage myself. That song, I would say, sums my entire life up beyond any other music that I’ve written or recorded over the years.”
So that’s my personal testimony. I wrote it at a time in my life that I needed to encourage myself. That song, I would say, sums my entire life up beyond any other music that I’ve written or recorded over the years.”
"Without the testimonies, you can find yourself in a discouraging place at times. The testimonies are like fuel for me, to continue to spread ministry to people and places that are beyond my reach. It will reach some people I will never see or never touch or never talk to face to face."
According to the staid songster, each of his songs should have one thing in common.
“You know what, I can sum it up a little bit better than that. I prayed a long time ago that God would allow me to sing, write, produce and release music that can live longer than I can. When it comes to the messages I release, like, “My Worship is For Real”, or “Only a Test”, or “Nobody Greater”, or “Turning Around for Me”, those are songs that are timeless. They’re not just for one season. You can pull up a song today, tomorrow, or next year and it meets a certain person at a certain place. So, I don’t know if it’s a certain message, but the messages that God has given me definitely have long life.”
As he continued to tell his story of purpose, Vashawn Mitchell gave a light-hearted portrayal of a personal realization that he was confronted with.
“It’s the feeling after you win several awards. This is gonna to be strange. But a lot of people, when we watched award shows growing up, said, ‘Oh my God, that person is on top of the world’. It is almost like, you think that it’s supernatural. But, I remember winning several awards on the Stellar Awards show, going home the next day, and the phone not ringing anymore.
It’s like, ok, what’s going on? It brought me back to the reality that’s it’s not really about the rewards, but the God that we serve that allowed us to get them. It’s just the reality hitting that, you know what? Everyone that I've watched on television over the years, felt this way before, you know? What we saw on television, and what we saw from watching, was not always what was.”
The gifted composer went on to illustrate what he viewed as one of his own personal challenges, and how he eventually surpassed it.
“One of my hardships was finding myself. Once I started the journey, I wanted to be like those who I saw before me. I wanted to almost copy different people who I admired and looked up to. And you know, trying to find my own self, my own voice, my own style, my own ministry within, was probably one of the biggest hardships for me – because that's how you find longevity. You can only copy for so long until you find the ministry within you, to be uniquely who you were called to be.
As he continued to tell his story of purpose, Vashawn Mitchell gave a light-hearted portrayal of a personal realization that he was confronted with.
“It’s the feeling after you win several awards. This is gonna to be strange. But a lot of people, when we watched award shows growing up, said, ‘Oh my God, that person is on top of the world’. It is almost like, you think that it’s supernatural. But, I remember winning several awards on the Stellar Awards show, going home the next day, and the phone not ringing anymore.
It’s like, ok, what’s going on? It brought me back to the reality that’s it’s not really about the rewards, but the God that we serve that allowed us to get them. It’s just the reality hitting that, you know what? Everyone that I've watched on television over the years, felt this way before, you know? What we saw on television, and what we saw from watching, was not always what was.”
The gifted composer went on to illustrate what he viewed as one of his own personal challenges, and how he eventually surpassed it.
“One of my hardships was finding myself. Once I started the journey, I wanted to be like those who I saw before me. I wanted to almost copy different people who I admired and looked up to. And you know, trying to find my own self, my own voice, my own style, my own ministry within, was probably one of the biggest hardships for me – because that's how you find longevity. You can only copy for so long until you find the ministry within you, to be uniquely who you were called to be.
“You know what, I can sum it up a little bit better than that. I prayed a long time ago that God would allow me to sing, write, produce and release music that can live longer than I can ... so, I don’t know if it’s a certain message, but the messages that God has given me definitely have long life.”
I heard from one of my mentors. He was talking to me one day. He said the two things that you should learn are: number one, who you are on the earth and number two, who you are in God --- so that you can walk out who you are on the earth even better. Understanding who you are is the most important part. So, I began to use my meditation, my prayer time, to just seek God for my ministry, for my calling, for my assignment that was like none other. I can only walk in others’ shadows for so long. I found out who I am. I found my voice, my style, my ministry, my calling – my assignment. I’m able to walk it out, and it’s not defined by awards. It’s not defined by stages. It’s not defined by what people think success is. It is defined by completing the assignment God has called me to complete.”
Along with his music, Vashawn Mitchell works with organizations that he also sees as ministry.
“It’s ministry. It’s really ministry. Sometimes we don’t look at it that way, but it really is. You know, everyone has to find their niche. I realize my niche is not like some others – going out the country and feeding the homeless, and things of that sort. You know, some of it is working with agencies, and building young people. Once you find your niche, you’re able to give back even better. It’s coming from a place that you understand even more.
Over the years, I’ve been able to connect with several ministries outside of singing; but because of singing, it has opened doors. One of those ministries is Big Brother, Big Sister. To serve as a Big Brother, Big Sister spokesperson, and to see the lives that being a part of that program changes, is still part of the ministry that I do. We sing music of life, love, inspiration; and you can bring life, love, and inspiration through a program. I think that we’re still continuing the vision and the ministry that God has called us to do – God has called me to do. That’s one of the biggest platforms – affording me an opportunity to be a part of what they’re doing.
Also, I am president of the Gospel Heritage Foundation. I just became the president last year. I’ve been on the board for probably seven years. It is a foundation geared towards preserving the heritage of gospel music, and a platform for newer artists as they are entering into the industry.”
As he looked back at his yet completed work, he talked about what he believed were his overall areas of growth and understanding.
Along with his music, Vashawn Mitchell works with organizations that he also sees as ministry.
“It’s ministry. It’s really ministry. Sometimes we don’t look at it that way, but it really is. You know, everyone has to find their niche. I realize my niche is not like some others – going out the country and feeding the homeless, and things of that sort. You know, some of it is working with agencies, and building young people. Once you find your niche, you’re able to give back even better. It’s coming from a place that you understand even more.
Over the years, I’ve been able to connect with several ministries outside of singing; but because of singing, it has opened doors. One of those ministries is Big Brother, Big Sister. To serve as a Big Brother, Big Sister spokesperson, and to see the lives that being a part of that program changes, is still part of the ministry that I do. We sing music of life, love, inspiration; and you can bring life, love, and inspiration through a program. I think that we’re still continuing the vision and the ministry that God has called us to do – God has called me to do. That’s one of the biggest platforms – affording me an opportunity to be a part of what they’re doing.
Also, I am president of the Gospel Heritage Foundation. I just became the president last year. I’ve been on the board for probably seven years. It is a foundation geared towards preserving the heritage of gospel music, and a platform for newer artists as they are entering into the industry.”
As he looked back at his yet completed work, he talked about what he believed were his overall areas of growth and understanding.
"I found out who I am. I found my voice, my style, my ministry, my calling – my assignment. I’m able to walk it out, and it’s not defined by awards. It’s not defined by stages. It’s not defined by what people think success is. It is defined by completing the assignment God has called me to complete."
"My story represents my testimony. So, most of the experiences were either learning experiences or growing experiences. I would say that if I could go and speak to myself again, I would budget better. I would manage what God has given to me, better. I would try my best to be more philanthropic. We talk about gospel, we talk about ministry. We talk about what God has called us to do. It’s not just about singing, it’s really about giving back. Although I do give back now, I would have started earlier, now that I understand the importance of it even more.”
The determined artist described what he would like to do next, walking out his plan for progressing ahead in his music.
“I would like to continue to evolve and change with the change. A lot of people talk about the industry changing and things of that sort – and one thing I learned about change, if you know it’s changing, you can stay ahead of the change. The way that people get music is very important to me. My next steps include just studying, learning more and continuing to be that voice of this generation and generations to come. As God continues to pour vision, I want to release it. So, for music, if it’s on a CD still, if it’s streaming, if it’s on television, if it’s on a soundtrack – whatever it is, I believe God has given me a unique gift to provide music with long life that is encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting. So, He will always provide a platform for it.”
So then, as Vashawn Mitchell strives to continue to create, inspire, and uplift others with his music, that his objective to shift with the change, remain timeless, and be a generational voice through song, is attained, as he describes, through as many platforms possible.
The determined artist described what he would like to do next, walking out his plan for progressing ahead in his music.
“I would like to continue to evolve and change with the change. A lot of people talk about the industry changing and things of that sort – and one thing I learned about change, if you know it’s changing, you can stay ahead of the change. The way that people get music is very important to me. My next steps include just studying, learning more and continuing to be that voice of this generation and generations to come. As God continues to pour vision, I want to release it. So, for music, if it’s on a CD still, if it’s streaming, if it’s on television, if it’s on a soundtrack – whatever it is, I believe God has given me a unique gift to provide music with long life that is encouraging, inspiring, and uplifting. So, He will always provide a platform for it.”
So then, as Vashawn Mitchell strives to continue to create, inspire, and uplift others with his music, that his objective to shift with the change, remain timeless, and be a generational voice through song, is attained, as he describes, through as many platforms possible.
Sources:
- Ruhlmann, William. “VaShawn Mitchell | Album Discography.” AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/artist/vashawn-mitchell-mn0000251390/discography.
- “Gospelheritage.” Gospelheritage, www.gospelheritage.org/.
- “About Gospel Heritage.” Teresahairstoncom, teresahairston.com/?page_id=743.
Music Information & Discography:
Album | Year: So Satisfied | 1988; Believe in Your Dreams | 2005; Promises | 2007; Triumphant | 2010; Created 4 This | 2012; Unstoppable | 2014; Secret Place | 2016
Album | Year: So Satisfied | 1988; Believe in Your Dreams | 2005; Promises | 2007; Triumphant | 2010; Created 4 This | 2012; Unstoppable | 2014; Secret Place | 2016
Link(s):
http://www.vashawnmitchell.com
Wakeelah’s Picks:
Song: “Joy” | Album: Secret Place (Live in South Africa) | Year: 2016
Song: “Turning Around for Me” | Album: Created 4 This | Year: 2012
Song: “Nobody Greater” | Album: Triumphant | Year: 2010
http://www.vashawnmitchell.com
Wakeelah’s Picks:
Song: “Joy” | Album: Secret Place (Live in South Africa) | Year: 2016
Song: “Turning Around for Me” | Album: Created 4 This | Year: 2012
Song: “Nobody Greater” | Album: Triumphant | Year: 2010
Trivia, Not Trivial:
+In what capacity did Vashawn Mitchell work with the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation before stepping into his role as President?
+In what capacity did Vashawn Mitchell work with the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation before stepping into his role as President?
Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge is a Freelance Writer residing in Chicago, IL with her husband. Her writing includes academic writing and creative writing such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Wakeelah likes to laugh and cry about the sweet somethings of life, and find out about the unique stories of others. She loves comedy, animation, extended metaphors, quiet times, and she is an avid listener of gospel music. Oh … and she likes Peppermint Stick ice cream!
Wakeelah has joined us as a Columnist, forming Purposeful Gospel Profiles, a periodic column. She hopes, as she interviews each Gospel Artist, to portray their purpose for singing gospel music and what it means to those who provide a musical narrative for the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Wakeelah has joined us as a Columnist, forming Purposeful Gospel Profiles, a periodic column. She hopes, as she interviews each Gospel Artist, to portray their purpose for singing gospel music and what it means to those who provide a musical narrative for the Good News of Jesus Christ.
+Mr. Mitchell worked with the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation in roles such as minister of music, board member, and delegate before taking the lead as president. The Gospel Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 by Teresa Hairston (Gospel Today Magazine founder), that specializes in worship education, preparing individuals and ministries in worship, through means such as its annual International Worship Summit.
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