“Voices of Fire” is a 2020 gospel musical documentary television series that follows Pharrell Williams, his uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Singers came to sign up with their team of gospel leaders as they travel to Pharrell’s hometown of Hampton Roads, Va., one drove in from Boston, in search of talented singers to build a world-class gospel choir.
When I heard about the Netflix series, it piqued my interest, because I’m a religion columnist, and, like most of us, we love gospel music. After finding the show, I found it extremely satisfying! Singers from throughout the Hampton Roads area stood in line just to sign up. Next show was the actual auditions.
To my surprise, someone is featured on the show whom I met virtually when Dr. Trenace Richardson invited me to appear on her monthly series called REAL Women. Her invitation said, “Dr. Trenace Richardson is the founder of REAL Women, a nonprofit membership community that creates safe spaces for women to do personal development work on themselves. She loves your work and would love to have you as a guest on her REAL Women FB Live on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. We help women CONNECT with other women in meaningful ways; grow their CONFIDENCE in who they are and what they are created to do, and become CATALYSTS of positive change in their lives and the lives of those around them. I’d love to feature you on an upcoming episode to connect with our real women.”
I did her show, enjoyed it tremendously, and I found the energy, enthusiasm and ability to connect fantastic. Afterward, weeks later, it dawned on me to schedule Dr. Richardson to appear on my radio show.
She accepted and suggested that I watch “Voices of Fire,” because she and her mother auditioned, and both of them made the choir! I’m telling you folks, both Dr. Richardson and her mother sang and I’m telling you both are anointed!
Gloria Whitfield Johnson is a powerhouse singer who has been singing for God since she was five years old, growing up in the New Hope Church of God in Christ where the late Bishop Herman Clark Sr. was the pastor. She is currently a deaconess and a lead vocalist in the choir at First Baptist Church South Hill in Chesapeake, Va., where Rev. Michael Toliver is the pastor. Her local music affiliations, past and present, include singing with the Inspirationals of the New Hope COGiC, the late Robert Wynn Jackson, theatre director at Norfolk State University, Peggy Britt and the Philharmonics, and the James Cleveland Tidewater Chapter of The Gospel Music Workshop of America Choir (GMWA). Gloria is a single parent and the proud mother of Dr. Trenace Nicole Richardson, Dr. Floyd A. Fayton Jr., Darnell Fayton, and a bonus daughter Renee Webb Thomas.
Dr. Trenace Richardson is a powerhouse singer, preacher, international keynote speaker, award-winning educator, author, and nonprofit founder. Trenace, lovingly known to family and friends as Nikki, has been singing all her life, getting her start in the kindergarten choir at her church. She has been nicknamed a fireball in the pulpit and has an innate ability to connect the Word of God to our practical, everyday lives. She has sung for audiences across the country and abroad. Throughout her 25 years in ministry, she has served as a praise and worship leader, a minister of music and several other church leadership roles. Dr. Richardson cultivated her love of music outside of the church, by entering local talent shows and performing in community theater. Trenace has had the opportunity to lend her vocal giftings to several gospel artist projects. She is currently working on her own debut project and writing a personal memoir about her experiences in and relationship with the church. Dr. Richardson is honored to be the wife of Gregory Richardson. They have two beautiful children, Nhi’ya and Nigel, and live in Southern Maryland.
Tune in on Friday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. to hear Dr. Trenace Richardson and her mom, as they share their story with listeners. Congratulations to both of them. Go to Netflix and watch this series. It is worth watching!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, visit her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on Twitter @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.