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Pastor John P. Kee (born John Prince Kee on June 4, 1962) is an American gospel singer and pastor

Early life

John P. Kee was born the 15th out of 16 children in Durham, North Carolina. At an early age he began to develop a musical talent, both instrumental and vocally. Because of his talent, he began to go to the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. At the age of 14, he moved to California with his brothers, Wayne and Al, attending the Yuba College Conservatory School of Music in Marysville. During this time, he began to play with famous groups such as Cameo and Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. It was during this time that his life started to go downhill. A hard life would follow him from his native state of North Carolina to California and back. When he returned home, he resided in Charlotte where he lived in the Double Oaks Community, a place known at the time for its violence and drug infested slums. It would take an act of violence (watching one of his friends murdered in a drug deal gone bad) to rededicate his life back to God. He surrendered his life to Christ during a revival meeting and has since then, been on a steady increase.

Musical career

Widely known as one of the most influential and well known gospel artists today. His 15 years plus career in gospel is a testament to his calling to praise God and minister to people through song. He is known for his ability to mix traditional gospel with modern contemporary gospel with his soulful, husky voice. Currently he has made a new CD released on December 5, 2005, entitled "The Reunion", which features some of the old members of his famed New Life Community Choir.

The New Life Community Choir

In the mid 1980's, Kee formed a community choir in Charlotte. Over time, the choir began to build success and traveled throughout the area. The choir, which also included some of his children, eventually grew to the world-renowned choir known as the New Life Community Choir, sometimes referred to as "New Life" or "NLCC".

Calling to Ministry and the New Life Fellowship Center

One night, while traveling with the choir in Michigan, he received his calling from God to be a preacher in his mid-twenties, and a few years later, he was ordained as a minister to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1995 while ministering in Ohio, he received a prophetic vision through Bishop Norman Wagner. In early 1995, Pastor Kee went forward and set his sights on building a Fellowship Center in Charlotte to preach and teach and minister the Word of God to the people in the community. He officially founded the New Life Fellowship Center, where he accepted the call to minister as pastor of the church. It stands on the same ground where he once lead a life of crime and drugs. Pastor Kee does not accept a salary from the church, but is satisfied in knowing that the preached word of God has been brought forth.

The Victory in Praise Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir

In 1990, Pastor Kee founded the Victory in Praise Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir, or "V.I.P." in order to fellowship among ministries, song writers, musicians and choir directors from all over the country. Since 1991, the V.I.P. choir has made record deals.

Discography

• In 1987, Kee debuted his solo album entitled, Yes Lord, recorded in the Brethren in Unity Youth Convention.
• In 1989, the New Life Community choir debuted with the album "Wait On Him." One of his famous tracks, "It Will Be Alright" came from this CD.
• In 1990, the NLCC came out with the CD, "There is Hope", which was made to deaw attention with the problem of child abuse.
• Also in 1990, Kee made his second solo project, entitled, "Just Me This Time" in which one of the tracks, "I Miss You Dad" was a tribue to his late father.
• In 1991, NLCC came out with the project, "Wash Me." Three notable songs include "Wash Me", Standing in the Need of Prayer", and "Jesus is Real" which has been remixed by different gospel artists, most notably Michael Speaks.
• In 1991, the Victory in Praise Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir came out with their first album, "Never Shall Forget."
• In 1992, NLCC came out with the album, "We Walk By Faith." Among some of the famous gospel singers was famed gospel artist Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
• In 1993, the VIP choir came with their second C.D., "Lily in the Valley."
• In 1994, Pastor Kee came out with his third solo album, "Colorblind".
• In 1995, NLCC comes out with one of the most successful albums to date. The album was titled, "Show Up!" Notable songs include "Show Up!" and "He'll Welcome Me."
• In 1996, VIP came out with "Stand!". The most notable track on this album is the rearrangement of Wait On Him's "It's Time To Praise The Lord
• Also in 1996, NLCC comes out with their Christmas album, "A Special Christmas Gift."
• In 1997, NLCC comes out with another smash album, "Strength" which included Vanessa Bell Armstrong. A bulk of Kee's famous songs comes from this album, which included, "Strength", "Turn Around", "I Do Worship", "Lord Help Me to Hold Out"(A tribute to the late "King of Gospel" Rev. James Cleveland, "Thank You Lord", "Mighty God" and "Clap Your Hands." It is also noted that the album was almost titled, "Thursday Love."
• In 1998, VIP comes out with "Any Day." Two notable songs in the album are "Any Day" and "When the Gates."
• In 2000, three years after "Strength", NLCC comes out with their first double CD album, "Not Guilty." Deitrick Haddon is among one of the special performers in this album. Some notable songs include "Right Here", "I Believe", "Not Guilty", a remix of "I Do Worship" from the "Strength" C.D., and "Rain On Us", which was originally titled "God of Mercy" from an album he did with the Inner City Mass Choir. Also, comedian Ricky Smiley offers a track portraying an old church mother entitles, "One Phone Call"
• In 2001, VIP comes out with the album, "Mighty in the Spirit."
• In 2002, NLCC, now known as "New Life", comes with "Blessed By Association." Some notable songs include "Oh How Wonderous" and "I Won't Let Go." Also, a remix of "You Blessed Me" is on the album, including a very country song entitled "Just For Me." Tonex is the special musical guest in this album.
• In 2004, Kee makes his first solo album in ten years, entitled "The Color of Music." On the notable track, "Harvest", Doug and Melvin Williams offer background vocals.
• In 2005, VIP came out with "Live At The Fellowship".
• In 2005, the New Life Community Choir, old and new members, come back for their reunion CD entitled, "The Reunion." Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Tye Tribbit are among the special guests for this compilation CD which covers many of the choir's old and memorable songs.

Musical influences

New Divine Destiny

A new church choir headed up by his brother Alphonza ranging in age from 16 to 30. New Divine Destiny is nicknamed “The Church Choir.”

Men of Standard

• Lowell Pye - Lowell C. Pye, Sr. sang as a tenor in John P. Kee’s V.I.P choir. In 1991, Pye was featured as the lead in Kee’s “Jesus Is Real.” Pye, who grew up in Detroit, sang in an adult gospel men’s quartet at the age of four. He is now a Praise & Worship leader at his church.
• Bryan Pierce - Bryan Joseph Pierce was born in New Orleans, LA on November 3, 1972. He began preaching at the tender age of six years old. He was later licensed at the age of nine and ordained at the age of 19. Pierce is the former Youth Pastor at Greater St. Stephens in New Orleans, where the Pastor is his spiritual father, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. In 1996, Pierce relocated to Greensboro, NC. He served in full-time ministry as Evangelism Pastor at the Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop George W. Brooks.

In April of 1999, Pierce accepted the call to Pastorship at Bethel Baptist Church in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He was installed in June 1999. Pierce is married to Minister Debra A. Pierce They are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter, Bryan Jr., Brandon Joshua and Bryana Janae. Pierce can also be seen and heard weekly on radio, television and outreach ministry “Possessing the Land.”Pastor Pierce’s church website

• Isaac Carree - Isaac Carree, a P.K. (Preacher's Kid), grew up in North Carolina where his mother is Pastor Nancy Wilson of New Beginnings Community Outreach Church in Greensboro, N.C. She gave the group their name. Carree was singing solos by the age of 5.

Carree later sang as a tenor in John P. Kee’s V.I.P choir. Upon leaving Kee’s choir, he kept a “day job” and later did road/touring stage plays where he met Pierce. He currently lives in Atlanta and is now a Praise & Worship leader at his church. He has contributed his vocals to singer Michelle Williams’ solo debut album, Heart To Yours. Carree is married to Dietra Carree and they are expecting a baby girl soon.Isaac Carree’s myspace page

Michael Bacon

Former Men Of Standard member Michael Bacon is also a P.K. from Dallas, TX. He left the group amicably in 1995.

Montrel Darrett

Joseph Montrel Darrett was raised in the small town of Evansville, Indiana. Born into a musical family of four girls and two boys, Darrett’s father played in an R&B band and his mother plays piano and sings. He wrote his first song called “Who Do You Need?” at the age of four. After his father bought him a drum kit, an electric guitar and bass, he continued to hone his craft. Every year, he’d trade his instruments in for newer ones, furthering his love and appreciation for live instrumentation. Darrett formed his first group, the True Notes, at the age of six with his four sisters and brother. Each of his siblings played an instrument in the group. They played together across the country on weekends and holidays for about a decade. Darrett later worked with various local bands in Nashville and recorded a few singles as a teen. He later served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War. On board, there were daily services to keep the soldiers grounded in the midst of such turbulent times. He was ministered to by another shipmate, and became an ordained minister at the age of 24. Three years into military service, he began to learn to play music on an inexpensive keyboard. He also began writing songs again. Darrett had a life changing experience after being discharged from active duty. Frustrated, confused and lacking funds, he tried to end his own life. An unknown Preacher spoke to him during a church service and prophesied that Darrett would be a great gospel recording artist, psalmist and songwriter. With those words of life, he began to pursue his musical career as a ministry. In 1984, Darrett performed the song "Be Encouraged" on John P Kee and the New Life Community Choir's album Show Up. He also wrote and performed the hit song, “Until My Change Comes,” which was selected as one of Commissioned greatest hits. Two years later he replaced Fred Hammond in the group Commissioned, with whom he performed and recorded for a number of years. He has written and produced for Londa Larmond, Chosen, Virtue, , and Juno award-winning Sharon Riley, and Faith Chorale. He has also been nominated for Stellar and Dove Awards as well as the ASCAP Writers and Juno Awards in 2000. His radical, confident, sometimes cocky style has been compared to that of gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Tonex. His first solo recording is entitled Chronicles of the Soul (1999). His second, Soul Metal: Unrehearsed was released March 20, 2007. The single “Change Has Come,” is scheduled to come out July 10, 2007. Darrett is married to Felicia, member of Given, a contemporary female trio.Darrett's myspace page

Chris Simpson

Simpson was a former member of a member of John P. Kee's New Life Community Choir, and later Kirk Franklin and the Family. He lent his vocals on several songs, including "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" from The Family's Christmas album. He then left The Family in the late 90's to pursue a solo career. But almost as soon as his debut project, Conversion was released on Higher Ground Records, the label went through severe financial challenges, and had to close its doors for a period of years. Fall of 2000, the album was re-released with the label on the rebound. Simpson won the role as the preacher in David Talbert's popular touring Gospel stage play (and video) Mr. Right Now in the late 90s, while he was working on a solo career. Simpson was also featured in David Talbert’s 1996 play, “He Say… She Say… But What Does God Say?” In 1997 it became the popular UPN sitcom “Good News.” Simpson also contributed his vocals to J2K project, a compilation album including his friend, Montrel Darrett. Simpson released Time For Healing in 2005. Simpson is Pastor and Founder of The Healing House Church in Dallas, Texas. He is often vocally compared to gospel artist, John P. Kee.

Chris Byrd

A busy man, Chris Byrd is a husband, father, Minister of Music, singer, songwriter, musician, producer and responsible for a church choir and music department, True Victory Ministries, Studio, Production Co., and Record Label. Byrd has been playing piano and organ in church since age 5. One of his brothers was a songwriter and choir leader. Byrd was music director for John P. Kee for approximately two years. To his credit, his first debut release was Attitude of Praise. He has done five Chris Byrd & True Victory releases titled: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah; Feel Him Movin’, Shower Down; Chris Byrd & True Victory: LIVE and Next Level. The newest release from Chris Byrd’s collection of Songs In the Key Of Love (Vol.I) is Between The Sheets, which is the debut project from Chris Byrd’s newly founded record label Minstrel House Music. Chris has also produced other artists such as Tressa Boles, Cornell Burton, Jr. & The HolyGhost Posse, “Salathiel” saxophonist, Nikki De’ & The Browns, and also Dr. Pat McKinstry presents Chris Byrd & Davidic Praise, produced with Keith Dobbins & RMC titled Fill Me, produced with Pastor Rev. Rance Allen and The Rance Allen Group titled You Make Me Wanna Dance. Chris is also very active in the corporate industry in which he has written and produced jingles for radio stations such as WAMO (Pittsburg), businesses such as Shoppers World, and Cousins (Detroit), Owens Community College (Perrysburg), and many more. He is currently the music director and producer for the Rance Allen Group and the Minister of Music at Upton United Methodist Church where Dr. Pat McKinstry is Pastor. Chris married his wife Bridgette when he was 17.Byrd's website Chris Byrd & True Victory's myspace page

Erick Matthews

Erick Matthews is a Founder, President, CEO, National Recording Artist and renowned producer in his own right. He has 2 CD's already out: Friends 4-Ever, produced by John Pee Kee and No Fear In Me produced by Matthews himself. His sister is Drea Randle. Sam Thomas and Erick Matthews are the founders of Gumbo Entertainment L.L.C. located in Birmingham, AL. The company was formed in January 2005. They spent 2005 setting up the company, signing artists to the label and producing the compilation CD Superfriends. Superfriends is a compilation of all the artists that are signed and/or considered part of the initial Gumbo collaboration. This is Gumbo's way of introducing its' artists to the industry.

Drea Randle

Born Andretta Nicole Matthews, she hails from Birmingham, AL. Randle is sister to Erick Matthews. She was mentored by John P. Kee. Her CD Ooo Wee was released September 14, 1999. She was nominated for the Female Vocalist of the Year - Urban Contemporary at the 19th Annual Gospel Music Excellence Awards in 2000.

Personal life

In December of 1995, he married the former Felice Sampson, and with this union, they are the parents of nine children.

External links

• www.johnpkee.com

References

• 1962 births
• Living people
• Performers of Christian music
• American gospel singers
• Urban contemporary gospel musicians
• African American musicians
• Christian ministers