Grammy ® nominated contemporary gospel star, Kierra Sheard, recently ignited the Windy City at the live recording for her forthcoming CD entitled, Free (KaRew Records). Scores of people were turned away before fans packed the Harold Washington Cultural Center for an electrifying set of urban-flavored gospel songs backed by Sheard’s Detroit-based BRL (Bold Right Life) Choir (with cameos by gospel star James Fortune and hip hop duo, Sonz of the Most High) aimed to inspire Sheard’s church base while winning her a broader audience. “I’ve been to many live recordings and I searched myself to see if I was being partial; I even checked with others, but I have never experienced anything like this,” said the singer’s father and KaRew Records CEO, Bishop J. Drew Sheard. “It was unbelievable! Wait until you hear, it will blow you away! Literally! I am super excited about Kierra’s future!”
Dozens of Sheard’s famous friends such as producer and artist Donald Lawrence and her mother, gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, were on hand to witness her musical evolution. The pre-law college student’s eyes watered as she looked out on the thick crowd. “God was with me,” says Kierra Sheard. “I’m still in awe of how He graced us with His presence! He loved on His people through me and made it an unforgettable moment! I’m praying every record will be able to match up to this one! I’m excited to Share the new music.”
Once the evening was over, fans, radio and music industry folks in attendance were abuzz about the dynamic energy and substance of Sheard’s recording. “Kierra Sheard delivers a unique contribution to gospel music, piercing the soul with exhilarant sounds of a fresh anointing that only she can accomplish,” said Dennis E. Cole, President of the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild. “This musical offering will attract all gospel music lovers in all genres.”
“This music is the first in recent times to take a non judgmental and invitational approach to the worthiness and belief in God,” said hip hop/urban artist and producer Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes. “The very definition of Gospel, an unquestionable message.” Her producer and baby brother, J Drew Sheard II, said, “Kierra and BRL were just awesome! The best live recording concert I’ve ever been to! Kierra displayed incredible growth spiritually & vocally… It was an amazing night & an amazing experience!”
“All I could think of with tears in my eyes was, “To God be the Glory’ for the generational blessing that was passed down to our children,” Karen Clark Sheard remarked. “The sight of how God can endow individuals with the same blood, but yet use them to deliver in their own element was incredible to see. My husband and I were so proud of both our children, Kierra and J. Drew II on that night.”(JDew II produced the live recording and Kierra’s “Free” CD slated for release in the Summer 2011)
Says producer and gospel artist, Donald Lawrence, “Kierra Sheard & BRL are “The Truth.” I am in awe that at such a young age, she has the instinct to re–brand herself with a choir. They were AMAZING!”
The initial radio single, “Mighty,” is an ultra-contemporary track with the flavor to crossover to both Christian pop and R&B radio. The song impacts radio NOW.
Sheard burst on the gospel scene in 2004 when her radio single “You Don’t Know”(produced by hit producer: Rodney Jerkins(Darkchild), struck #1 on gospel playlists, crossed over to the R&B chart, and earned her a gold record certification in Japan. Since then, she’s released five Top 10 CDs or Extended Play (EP) compilations, including I Owe You (2004), Just Until… (2005), This Is Me (2006), Bold Right Life (2008), and Kiki’s Mix Tape (2009). She earned Grammy nominations for both This is Me and Bold Right Life. Sheard has also branched out into acting with roles in the films “The Preacher’s Kid” and “Blessed & Cursed.” She’s also has a Stellar and two Dove Awards to her credit. Visit www.karewrecords.com for more information. twitter: @kierrasheard and Facebook @kierrasheard.