Chicago’s own Phil Tarver has been laboring in the musical trenches for a long time and his hard work is finally paying off. After almost a decade as the leader of the RIAA-certified gold-selling ensemble, Shekinah Glory Ministry (known for hits such as “Praise Is What I Do” and “Yes”), Tarver is finally becoming noticed separate from SGM as a solo artist. And for Tarver, the third time is the charm. After releasing two well-received solo CDs, his new “Place of Worship” (Kingdom Records) CD is his biggest yet. It debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums sales chart and the radio single “God Is Able” that reached #18 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. The single currently sits at #19 on the BDS Radio Gospel Recurrent Chart.
Now, Tarver’s booming baritone is netting recognition from the music industry. The “Place of Worship” CD has been nominated for a Stellar Award (Gospel music’s answer to the Grammy) as Praise and Worship CD of the Year. The winners will be announced at the 26th annual ceremony taking place at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The next day, Tarver is up for more awards at the 30th annual Chicago Music Awards at the city’s Excalibur nightclub where he’s contending for Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year and Best Gospel Album of the Year.
“Phil has gone literally around the world, ministering and providing encouragement,” says Kingdom Records President Joan Sullivan. “From `Mighty God’ and `Better Than That’ to `God is Able,’ his singles and his ministry have touched hurting people and left them with hope.” To learn more about Kingdom Records and its artists, visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com of become Tarver’s Facebook friend at : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phil-Tarver/152836204730203 .
