Hodges: Fred Hammond rocks KC!
LEGENDARY GOSPEL ARTIST ‘SHOOK DOWN THE HOUSE’ AT YARDLEY HALL by Wayne Hodges
OVERLAND PARK, Kan – Gospel extraordinaire, and acclaimed music artist, Fred Hammond had the masses dancing in the aisles on July 18th as he conducted a pair of live performances at the Johnson County Community College. The first show began late afternoon at 3:00 p.m. with an encore performance that followed at 8:00. The Grammy Award recipient, also known to many as the “Babyface of Gospel,” gave a memorable performance inside Yardley Hall that the hand-waving, head-bobbing KC crowd will never forget.
The concert, which was promoted by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church as “Shakin’ Down the House,” also featured an ensemble of local gospel singers and musicians. And, like the many fans in attendance, they were also star-struck by the icon’s presence. “Just the opportunity to share a stage and perform with a legend like Fred Hammond is a blessing to me,” said Adrian Wilson, lead singer of the group ‘Elevated Praise.’ “This entire experience has been awesome. I love Fred Hammond and he continues to be my idol in gospel.”
In addition to such popular hits as “No Weapon” and “Glory to Glory,” Hammond also gave the viewing audience a taste of his new CD “Love Unstoppable;” which is set to release September 29th. “I don’t normally do this,” said Hammond to the hyped KC crowd. “But I’ll perform a tune from my new album if you all promise not to tell anybody.” As a gifted composer and producer, Hammond’s “Free to Worship” won the 2008 Grammy Award for ‘Best Contemporary R&B Album.’
Fred Hammond shook the roof off Kansas City
The Detroit native, who currently resides in Texas, is certainly no stranger to giving top-notch musical performances. Hammond has rocked gospel audiences worldwide for over 25 years. And there’s no question his success and influence has been soaked up like a wet sponge from the artists that admire him most. “It was truly an annointed and blessed experience working with Mr. Hammond,” said Gospel recording artist Toi Lee, CEO of Jenae’ Platinum Publishing in Kansas City. “I like to give thanks to the AME Kansas City South District committee for the opportunity to perform with one of the best in the industry.”
Rev. Stacy Evans, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle AME Church, heads the Kansas City South District committee responsible for bringing Hammond’s musical talents to town. The organization’s mission is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. By the time Hammond had retired his microphone for the night, the roof was blown off Yardley Hall, the aisles were filled with dozens of toe-tapping witnesses, and the house was shook down to the specs. Mission accomplished.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and MPA at the University of Kansas. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
To see Fred Hammond get down, click the arrow.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:41 am
God is good all the time. Keep the Gospel holy and great things will continue to happen.
September 27th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Can I get an AMEN?
September 28th, 2009 at 6:38 am
I was at the concert in Overland park and Mr. Hammond is a wonderful ambassador for gospel. i have always enjoyed his work and will continue to be a huge supporter.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:57 am
i love Fred Hammond. i have all his albums…the man can really throw down and he’s been doin it for a long time