10 Questions For...

 Lisa Knowles

Award Winning Gospel Recording Artist and 
Lead Singer of Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers 

by  DIVINE Staff Blogger, Tiffoni Mitchell

        Lisa Knowles is a talented Gospel Artist home grown right here in Memphis, TN. She is a winner of the 2009 Rhythm of Gospel Award Song of the Year for the song “Work On Me” which Lisa performed along with The Brown Singers. In 2010, Lisa & The Brown Singers were nominated for three Stellar Awards for another hit “Experience the Evolution" and they will be honored at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards later this year with the 2012 Gospel Legends Award. Lisa has been a part of both Stellar and Grammy Award winning projects singing background vocals on Vickie Winan’s  “How I Got Over” , Sheri Jones-Moffett’s  “Renewed.” and on Earnest Pugh’s  “He Already Knows.”   Most recently Knowles performed a tribute to Kim Burrell at the 2012 Stellar Awards and she brought the house down.  DIVINE caught up with this awesome Gospel powerhouse to chat about her life in song which started earlier than most.

DIVINE:: You began singing at an early age. At nine you were a background singer for the Brown Singers and was the lead singer at twelve. Where did the passion come from?

Lisa:: I would say my passion for music came from my upbringing. I was born into a singing as well as a musical family.  Where did you first sing and how did you know that a career in music was what you wanted to do? I first sang when I was about 3 with Ms. Lula Collins who had just recorded “Hold Me Jesus”, they had to stand me on a chair so people could see me. I think I was always a character, and I loved singing even at an early age. As far as a career in music, I knew around about 18 this is what I really want to do.

DIVINE:: You have worked with some great artists, name some of them. What artists would you like to work with? 

Lisa::  Yes I have, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mama Vickie Winans, Earnest Pugh, J.J. Hairston and Pastor John P. Kee just to name a few. ’d like to work with Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence and maybe a gospel collaboration with Beyonce J


DIVINE:: What is the best advice that you have been given as it relates to your life and career?  


Lisa:: To always remember that I am the artist, I have the paint brush, I control the picture. If I let producers, managers, etc ., paint the picture then that makes them the artist. It was mind-blowing.

DIVINE::    Have you done any writing and producing?

Lisa::   Yes I have.  I wrote most of the songs on the Brown Singers' last project and I’m writing majority of the songs on the new album as well. As far as producing I do most of the pre-production and co-produce as well.

DIVINE:: As a singer you minister to people through song. What message do you always want to convey to the listener?

Lisa:: I want people to know that God is able to do anything. I try to write relatable, practical music with a biblical reference. In other words, the same thing He did back then, He can do it again. I know because He did  it for me.

DIVINE:: Besides singing Gospel music, what else is Lisa Knowles passionate about?

Lisa::  I'm passionate about People. I’m returning to school this summer to major in Psychology. I would love to be a family counselor.   
        
DIVINE:: Memphis has a plethora of musical artists. Gospel, blues, rock and the list goes on. Who are your favorite local artists?

Lisa:: I would have to say Courtney Franklin, Pastor Darrel Pettis, Billy Rivers and AVOF, Perfection, Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis, the Echoaires……I could go on and on…Memphis has some amazing talent!!

DIVINE:: You are participating in the NAACP Memphis Gospel Fest. Tell our readers about that opportunity?

Lisa:: Yes I am. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to encourage our students and guests at the University of Memphis. I’m always humbled and honored for such a great platform.

DIVINE:: How are you making a difference in the community? What are you doing to give back? 

Lisa:: I am currently creating a program that will deposit life back into our young ladies. I’m looking to link up with churches throughout Memphis to do a girls conference that will empower our young ladies into becoming amazing young women.   I try to make myself available for youth both young ladies and young men for support. The time that I spend with young people is priceless.

DIVINE:: What is on the horizon for you? Any projects in the works?  

Lisa::  I’m most definitely trying to make a difference in my local community as well as take one step towards changing the world through music.  Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers will be releasing a new project “The Evolution Continues”. The new single “God Do It” will hit the radio this summer. I will also be releasing my first solo project “Unveiled” so keep a look out for that! 

Lisa Knowles will be performing at the NAACP Memphis Gospel Fest Saturday April 28, 2012 at the Rose Theater on the campus of the University of Memphis. The doors open at 6PM and show starts at 7PM. For more information visit www.GetToThis.com

Connect with Lisa Knowles

on Facebook, Twitter

For booking information contact Zantino Kimmons at 901-438-0263

or Vanessa Knowles at 901-366-4764 or email lisaknowlesmusic@gmail.com.

Also Check Out Vidoes Of Lisa Knowles & The Brown Sisters on Youtube.