discography

Salute

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:38:05 +0100

Heaven (Beautiful Place) Tribute To Bishop J. ...

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 05:57:35 +0100

During their many appearences request were made for some of the recording of "Daddy." It was decided that a "best of" cd was needed. The label chose to put together some of his favorites and release it as a tribute project. It includes songs that were release with the old and new line up. It also included the two tracks that were recorded with salvaged tracks by the new group after his death.
It also included a special collector's photo in each cd.
The project included song retrived from old recordings and masters. Two bonus tracks were later added.

Songs:
1. I'm So Glad That You Care - Lead: Bishop
2. Heaven (Beautiful Place) - Lead: Bishop
3. Fly Away - Lead: Bishop and Reggie
4. Thank You - Lead: Bishop and Wayne
5. Come By Here - Lead: Bishop. Guest Vocalist: Evan. Jean LeNear
6. One Day - Lead: Bishop
7. Look At The People - Lead: John and Bishop
8. Lord Don't Ever Leave Me - Lead: Bishop and Eli
9. Unto Jesus - Lead: Antoine', Bishop, Reggie and Johnathan
10. The Storm Is Passing Over - Lead: Bishop *
11. Somewhere To Lay My Head - Lead: Bishop and Wayne *

* Denotes Bonus Tracks

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 2011

Favorites 2005 - 2009 - Wayne Anthony Norwood and The Children of God

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 07:25:03 +0100

Due to the popularity that the group gained following the recent releases it became obvious to Godchild Productions that a cd of favorites should be released to put the most populars songs on one cd for the public.
It included all the songs that were getting airplay as well as a few that were requested at many appearances.

Personnel: Wayne Norwood, Antoine' Norwood, Johnathan Hunter, James Hunter, Jr.
Musicians: Antoine' Norwood - Bass, Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, String, Drum and Horn Programming.
Songs:
1. Rest Of My Life - Lead: Antoine
2. Call Him Up - Lead: Wayne, Johnathan and Antoine'
3. Trust In You - Lead: Antoine' and Johnathan
4. Battlefield - Lead: Antoine' and Wayne
5. Working On A Home - Lead: Antoine'
6. If I Had (10,000 Tongues) - Lead: Antoine' and Jimmy
7. I Came To Serve Him - Wayne
8. Do You Really Love Him - Antoine' and Johnathan
9. Psalms 139 (Right There) - Wayne
10. 99 1/2 Won't Do - Johnathan
11. Difference - Antoine', Wayne and Johnathan. Guest Vocalist: Tonya Hunter, Lalisa Barnes and Tijuana Gibbs.

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 2011

Difference - Wayne Anthony Norwood and The Children of God

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 07:26:12 +0100

Faced with the challenge of producing a new project, Antoine' started working on ideas that would show a different side of the group. Songs that would show a younger sound but would stay true to the Children of God's sound and style. He already had some songs in mind and started recording them. With the artistic freedom he was given on this project he decided to try new concepts to add to the appeal of the project to all listeners. The only request that he was given by his dad, Wayne, was to write a song that would incorporate guest vocalist to profess that their life had been changed for the better by having Jesus in it.
Antoine' took the challenge and ran with it. A week later he had completed his first project that was totally from his own design. It included guest vocalist but it was totally Antoine's labor of love in showing that all that he and the group had been through, personally, musically and professionally, that the Lord made the difference in their lives.
Personnel: Wayne Norwood, Antoine' Norwood, Johnathan Hunter, James Hunter, Jr.
Musicians: Antoine' Norwood - Bass, Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, String, Drum and Horn Programming.
Songs:
1. Trust In You - Lead: Antoine and Johnathan
2. Battlefield - Lead: Antoine' and Wayne
3. Run On (Revisited) - Lead: Jimmy, Antoine'. Guest Vocalist: Rev. Bryant Powell
4. Do You Really Love Him - Lead: Antoine' and Johnathan
5. Rest Of My Life - Lead: Antoine'
6. Difference - Lead: Antoine', Wayne and Johnathan. Guest Vocalist: Tonya Hunter, LaLisa Barnes, Tijauna Gibbs

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 2009

My Change - Wayne Anthony Norwood and The Children of God

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 07:03:22 +0100

As the sessions for "I Came To Serve Him" came to an end, a few tracks that Antoine' and Wayne composed remained. Antoine' decided that a follow up would be a good idea due to the fact that it was so long between projects and a new lineup and sound was being introduced to the gospel community. With complete comtrol of the next project, he decided to title it "My Change" to represent the group's new direction.
This would feature the other members as lead vocalist on the tracks. It would also include a track that featured the old and new group. On "Unto Jesus" it starts with salvaged vocals of Bishop Norwood, then on to the vocals of Antoine', Next salvaged vocals of Reggie followed by Johnathan and guitar solo by Elijah. Although this is not a new idea in the industry, it was put together well by the young producer. The standout cut of the project is by far the highly popular testimony of Antoine' stating that "If I Had (10,000 Tongues)" I just couldn't thank him enough.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Reggie Hunter, Antoine' Norwood, Johnathan Hunter, James Hunter, Jr., Terrell Jackson, Derrell Jackson, Kertrell Jackson and Chris Norwood.
Musicians: Antoine' Norwood - Bass, Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, String, Drum and Horn Programming, Michael Grady - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards.
Songs:
1. I'm Working On A Home - Lead: Antoine
2. 99 1/2 Won't Do  - Lead: Johnathan
3. Come By Here - Lead: Wayne, Johnathan and Terrell
4.Unto Jesus - Lead: Bishop, Antoine', Reggie and Johnathan
5. If I Had (10,000 Tongues) - Lead: Antoine'
6. I'm Waiting (My Change) - Lead: Johnathan and Antoine'
7. He Is Coming Soon - Lead: Antoine' and Jimmy
8. I'll Be So Glad - Lead: Antoine' and Michael Grady (Guest Vocalist)
9. He Came Through - Lead: Antoine'
10. You Didn't Had To Do It - Lead: Terrell and Antoine'

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 2008

I Came To Serve Him - Wayne Anthony Norwood and The Children of God

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:23:10 +0100

In 2005 the group decided to start a new project. Due to the fact that the Godchild Studios were in the process of moving to a new location and it would take a while to complete the move, the group started recording at Kendall Brown's Music Lab in Rochester, NY.
They recorded two songs there, "I Came To Serve Him" ( a song that they had been singing for a few years) and "Satisfied Mind" (the first song that Antoine' composed for the group). During this time the demand for the group grew. The tour schedule became so demanding that Kermit, Kelvin, Eli and Jeramiah departed to persue more home based opportunities.
In 2007 they returned to complete the project but it was again put on hold because Dorice Norwood (Wayne's wife) begain under going treatments for breast cancer. Sadly she lost her battle to breast cancer on September 4, 2007 but, we all know she won the war and entered into glory.
In March of 2008, with Godchild Studio back up and running, Antoine' enlisted the help of Michael Grady, Sr., of Gra-Day Music and The Original Soul Stirrers, to help him complete the project. It would include a mix of the old group's style and the newer sound of the younger members. Some of the tracks that were started before Bishop died were salvaged along with some of Reggie's tracks. As the recording proceeded it became apparent that Antoine' would soon take over as the producer of this and future projects.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Reggie Hunter, Chris McClary, Antoine' Norwood, Johnathan Hunter, James Hunter, Jr., Terrell Jackson, Derrell Jackson, Kertrell Jackson and Chris Norwood.
Musicians: Antoine' Norwood - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, String, Drum and Horn Programming, Michael Grady - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Kendall Brown - Lead and Rhythm Guitar ("I Came To Serve Him" and "Satisfied Mind") Jarvis Smith - Organ and Keyboards ("I Came To Serve Him" and "Satisfied Mind") .
Songs:
1. I Came To Serve Him - Lead: Wayne
2. Little Talk - Lead: Terrell
3. Pray For Me - Lead: Wayne, Antoine' and Johnathan
4. Run On - Lead: Wayne
5. Thank You - Lead: Bishop and Wayne
6. Call Him Up - Lead: Wayne, Antoine' and Johnathan
7. When I Rise - Lead: Wayne
8. Satisfied Mind - Lead: Antoine'
9. Without The Lord I'd Be Nothing - Lead: Reggie
10. Psalms 139 (Right There) - Lead: Wayne
11. I'm Going Through - Lead: Wayne
12. Reprise - Instrumental

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 2008

Without The Lord, I'd Be Nothing - Bishop Norwood and The Children of God

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:44:00 +0100

In the wake of the death of Bishop Norwood in the year 2003, the group took some time off as they under went many changes. Although they continued to tour they cut back on dates due to the fact that the group dynamic was changing. Many of Bishop's grandchildren were brought in as musicians and vocalist. Rev. Benjamin Jamison, a member from the late eighties and Wayne's father-in-law, returned to the group.
As the group continued to travel it was clear that a project was needed. The company decided to release a projct that included some of the old songs that they were doing at the time.
The songs were included on previous projects and re-released on this project.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Kermit Smith, Elijah Rodgers, Reggie Hunter, Jeramiah Crumity, Kelvin Rose, Chris McClary, John Fulmore, Rev. Benjamin Jamison, Sr., Andrae' LeNear and Freddie Mack
Musicians: Wayne Norwood - Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Drum and String Programming, Elijah Rodgers - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Kelvin Rose - Keyboards, String Programing, Bishop Norwood - Lead, Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Keyboards. Andrae' LeNear - Drums, David Hunter - Bass Guitar, Chris McClary - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Freddie Mack - Sound Engineer.
Songs:
1. Look At The People - Lead: John and Bishop
2. I Want To Be Ready - Lead: Bishop and Wayne
3. Anyhow - Lead: Bishop
4. Without The Lord, I'd Be Nothing - Lead: Reggie
5. What A Friend - Lead: Wayne
6. Somebody's Gone- Lead: Elijah
7. In A Time Like This - Lead: Bishop and Wayne. Guest Vocalist: The Holy Jerusalem Mass Choir
8. When I Rise - Lead: Wayne
9. One Day - Lead: Bishop
10. Are You Ready (Reprise) - Lead: Bishop

Label: Godchild Productions
Release: 1995, 1999
Re-Release: 2006

I'm So Glad That You Care - Bishop Norwood and The Children of God

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:01:16 +0100

After the sucess of the "We Held On" project a new one was soon in the works. As the group traveled they continued to work on new material. Each member directly influenced the project with song and musical ideas.
Included in this project were songs that had become popular during the previous tours.
Two songs that were considered the "highlights" of the project were: "Amazing Grace" and "Lord, Don't Ever Leave Me". Both had become the staple of each live performance. Kelvin Rose added his person compelling composition "If I Could." A song detailing what he would do if he could see Jesus during the crucifixion. It also included the updated version of an all time favorite "Fly Away" with Bishop and Reggie suppling the lead vocals.
Needing a song to complete the project, Wayne was called upon to write a song "by tomorrow" as Bishop put it.
"I'm So Glad That You Care" was composed and taught to the group in the studio. After it was complete it was decided that it would be the title cut.
The project became a Shurfine Gospel Recording by chance. As the group stopped in Benson, NC to visit Wendall Parker and pick up promotional CD's for Wayne's "World of Gospel Radio Ministry" they allowed Mr. Parker to hear the rough copy of the project. The very same day they stuck a deal and Bishop J. Norwood and The Children of God became a Shurfine Recording artist.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Kermit Smith, Elijah Rodgers, Reggie Hunter, Jeramiah Crumity, Kelvin Rose, Chris McClary, Andrae' LeNear and Freddie Mack
Musicians: Wayne Norwood - Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Drum and String Programming, Elijah Rodgers - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Kelvin Rose - Keyboards, String Programing, Bishop Norwood - Lead, Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Keyboards. Andrae' LeNear - Drums, David Hunter - Bass Guitar, Chris McClary - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Freddie Mack - Sound Engineer.
Songs:
1. I'm So Glad That You Care - Lead: Bishop
2. Jesus Touched Me - Lead: Wayne
3. Lord Don't Ever Leave Me - Lead: Bishop and Eli
4. Last Time - Lead: Kermit
5. Amazing Grace - Lead: Wayne
6. In My Room - Lead: Elijah
7. Come By Here - Lead: Bishop. Guest Vocalist: Evangelist Jean LeNear
8. Praise Him - Lead: Wayne
9. Heaven (Beautiful Place) - Lead: Bishop
10. I'll Wait - Lead: Wayne
11. Fly Away - Lead: Bishop and Reggie
12. If I Could - Kelvin

Label: Shurfine Gospel Recording/ Godchild Productions
Release: 1998

We Held On - Bishop J. Norwood and The Children of God

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:48:26 +0100

The project that made the bold statement of survival. After the major changes that the group went through word soon spread that the group was breaking up. Bishop, Wayne, Kermit and Eli received many offers to join other groups, both gospel and secular.
In a group meeting one night Bishop Norwood reminded the group that they are not the first group that has gone through changes and also remember that these are not the first changes that this group has gone through and they won't be the last.
They decided to make a project to let the public know that they were not a group that was going to quit and they were still strong in the work of the Lord.
The title cut was a song that the group had on hand for a few years but never got around to recording it. After Bishop heard it he knew that it was one that he wanted to record. It included a line by Bishop that was an instant favorite. Most places would give him a rousing chear of approval as he would deeply deliver the phrase "Go jump in the lake."
This project also featured The Holy Jerusalem Spiritual Church on "Battlefield" and "In A Time Like This." They were used because Bishop Norwood wanted to showcase his own choir.
Eli was pushed more to the forefront with "Somebody's Gone" and "Battlefield (Battle Cry)" a prayer that was composed by Eli to be delivered during a Men's Revival at the church. It was so well received that the group wanted to share it with the world.
the project was filled out with a few standards and original pieces.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Kermit Smith, Elijah Rodgers, Jeramiah Crumity, Reggie Hunter, Kelvin Rose, Chris McClary, and Freddie Mack
Musicians: Reggie Hunter - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Wayne Norwood - Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Drum and String Programming, Elijah Rodgers - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Kelvin Rose - Keyboards, String Programing, Bishop Norwood - Lead, Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Keyboards. Jeramiah Crumity - Drums, Freddie Mack - Sound Engineer.
Songs:
1. We Held On. (Lead: Wayne, Eli and Bishop.)
2. What A Friend. (Lead: Wayne)
3. Somebody's Gone. (Lead: Eli)
4. I Want To Be Ready. (Lead: Bishop and Wayne)
5.In A Time Like This. (Lead: Bishop and Wayne)
6. Are You Ready (Reprise). (Lead: Bishop)
7. It Must Come Down. (Lead: Wayne)
8. Anyhow. (Lead: Bishop)
9. Battlefield (Battle Cry). (Lead: Eli)
10. One Day (Lead: Bishop)
11. Look At The People * (Lead: John and Bishop)
*(Not included on original cassette release. Added to CD release)
Additional vocals on "Look At The People": Andrae' LeNear and John Fulmore.

Label: Godchild Productions
Release Date: 1994

He Is Coming Soon - Bishop Norwood and The Children of God

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:20:48 +0100

The year was 1991 and it was a year of change for the group. Reggie Hunter, Jimmy Hunter, Walter Nelson and Walisa Norwood all decided to leave the group to persue other opportunities. Although the departures were met with support from the remaining members, it came in the middle of recording the next project.
The untitled project had to be rethought because the sound of the group was undergoing a major change. Elijah Rodgers took on a more active roll as arranger, vocal and musical director. Sound engineer Kermit Smith and drummer Jeramiah Crumity were added to the background.
The group also began to look for a guitarist to fill the void left by the departure of Reggie. Many were brought in to fill the gap but none seemed to be the match they were looking for so, the project continued to be recorded with Elijah playing Lead and Rhythm parts as well as Bishop Norwood add additional guitar parts.
Many ideas were brought up and the idea of Eli singing more lead vocals was one that was met with overwelming support. The group decided to use the tracks that were finished by the old line up as well as recording some by the new line up. The project featured the highly popular updated recoring of "When He Calls Me." It had been released as a single and Bishop felt that they "had not gotten the milage out of it" by it being released as a single.
It also included the surprising popular song "One More Time." It had been sung as a song to fill live lineups and quickly became a favorite by many. "Somewhere To Lay My Head" was also gaining popularity. It was a heart wrenching song that included the account of events that took place the night Bishop Norwood suffered a mild heart attack while on stage. The events were told by Wayne during the song and concluded with Bishop singing the final verse and stanza. After hearing the playback of the recording the background was removed in certain parts to enhance the image of a servant plea to the master. When this is all over, allow me to have somewhere to lay my head. The final pieces of the new sound would be showcased in "Eli's Praise", an instrumental track that allowed him to play a few different styles of guitar and "He Is Coming Soon."
He Is Coming Soon was a song that was written by Wayne with Jimmy in mind. All the music had been laid down before the changes took place. The group was happy with the music track and did not want to just shelf the track. Elijah decided to take a shot at singing it and what came out of it was a true breakout showcase of his singing ability. Bishop was so impressed with the song that he decided that it would be the title cut of the new project.
As the recording was coming to completion Chris McClary and younger brother Perry McClary were added and the new line up was in place.

Personnel: Bishop Norwood, Wayne Norwood, Kermit Smith, Elijah Rodgers, Jeramiah Crumity, Reggie Hunter, Jimmy Hunter, Kelvin Rose, Chris McClary, Perry McClary and Freddie Mack
Musicians: Reggie Hunter - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Wayne Norwood - Bass Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Drum and String Programming, Elijah Rodgers - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Kelvin Rose - Keyboards, String Programing, Bishop Norwood - Lead, Rhythm and Bass Guitar, Keyboards. Jeramiah Crumity - Drums, Perry McClary - Drums, Freddie Mack - Sound Engineer.
Songs:
1. When He Calls Me - Lead: Wayne, Elijah, Reggie and Bishop
2. I'm Giving It All Up For The Lord - Lead: Bishop
3. He Is Coming Soon - Lead: Elijah
4. The Strom Is Passing Over - Lead: Bishop
5. They Laughed At Noah - Instrumental
6. Without The Lord (I'd Be Nothing) - Lead: Reggie
7. One More Time - Lead: Wayne
8. Love Lifted Me - Lead: Wayne
9. Somewhere To Lay My Head - Lead: Bishop and Wayne
10. Eli's Praise - Instrumental

Label: Godchild Production
Release: 1991