Gospel’s soul sister and this weeks Brand Newz “Music Boxx” featured artist, Lisa McClendon entwines the sounds of soul, jazz and funk melodies while serving food for the mind, body and spirit. The 27-year-old alto and undefined songwriter earned her place in music last year with her debut release “My Diary, Your Life” which drew significant praise for Lisa’s incisive lyrics and funky neo-soul style.

McClendon’s breath-taking talent caught the attention of many inspiring writers, singers and record company representatives. McClendon really gained the love of the “heart of dixie“ and Mobile, Alabama-based label, Integrity Gospel.

After gaining the love of Alabama, McClendon signed with Integrity in early January and immediately began to hone her soul and God-given talents on a sophomore project entitled “Soul Music.” When asked how this talent came about, Lisa humbly replied how she remembered growing up in and around music, harmonizing along with the radio tunes and, like so many other child prodigies, “singing into a microphone hairbrush.”

As a child and adolescent, McClendon shared her vocal talents with various choirs and groups including a female urban group named 3N1. She traveled throughout the southeastern region of the U.S. as part of a music and dance street ministry. McClendon states that she would practice over Ella Fitzgerald or Ted and Sherri tracks until she “got it”–a technique she continues to use until this day. It was during her adolescent years that she saw first-hand the power of God and music ministry.

McClendon’s blend is like no other particular sound, however she cites melodic greats Ella Fitzgerald, The Commodores, Natalie Cole and Curtis Mayfield as some of her early influences, as well as, Harry Connick, Jr., and other artists such as Paul Morton, Jr. and Brian “B-Drill” Dilliard and big band music and the lyrical talents of India Arie and Lauryn Hill. Despite the great musical influences of such artist, McClendon quickly acknowledges that any talent she has as a performer, writer or worship leader is a gift given solely from God.

McClendon never guessed that she would be qualified to do any of this, referring to her role as both a rising gospel star and a local worship leader at the Potter’s House in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. McClendon stated, that “One day, I asked God, ‘Why me?’ and He said as plain as day, ‘Not you, me.’” From that day forward she knew she was qualified to deliver God’s message.

McClendon traces her desire to minister through music back to her father who is a pastor and to her teen years. She committed her life to Christ at age 15 and being delivered later at age 19.

“My heart is to speak the truth in love,” says McClendon. “The truth will make you free. So many people aren’t free because they haven’t received truth. My mission is to deal with life and issues. Things that are sugarcoated such as immoral sex, lying, divorce, etc… I want to take the sugar off and just call it what it is, and then offer hope. I want to go beyond the church walls… to go and teach all nations. Some people may never go to church. So, I’ll be a part of the church that goes to them.”

Lisa and her husband L.T. currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida with their two-year-old daughter, Diamond Cherise.

Reader, whether it is your purpose in life, to be a singer, writer, doctor, or lawyer, always remember the impossible is possible. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matt 18:4