Asking herself, "Why am I here and where do I belong," God revealed it when He gave her a voice, an unpredictable home life, a microphone and a will to survive.
The powerful, yet sublime voice of Trotwood, Ohio native Loretta Williams Gurnell knows the benefits of living a life before Christ that are full of grace and mercy. Hearing her call and true to her gospel upbringing, Loretta has developed and maintained a truly magnificent voice and stage presence that can only be described as inspirational while embracing her audience.
Life experiences and some setbacks could have destroyed Loretta's witness, yet she pressed daily until her change came. According to Loretta, "Victory is sweeter than defeat."
Loretta’s sound is stripped to the bone, simple elegant songs that speak to the heart and to the head while ministering to the soul. Loretta’s vocals are raw-angelic combined with lyrics that are well crafted, and impassioned. Loretta’s stage presence is quietly captivating yet emotionally energized and designed for a listening audience who love to be engaged with their music.
So the journey begins .
|
Graduate of Central State University’s College of Education with a M.Ed. In Leadership Education in 1998 and College of Arts and Sciences with a BS in Biological Sciences in 1994.
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Served as youth and young adult music director/mentor/mass choir director and soloist for Canaan Missionary Baptist Church from 1994 to 2000.
Serves in music ministry as a psalmist, praise and worship leader, youth and young adult /women’s conferences, workshops, festivals, political and non-profit/corporate events across the mid-west, east coast and Texas southern region.
Received raved reviews in The Houston Chronicle, Daily Cougar Online and Houston Press for her starring role in the hit stage play, Crowns, as Velma at The Ensemble Theater – Spring 2004. In addition, Loretta also captivated her audience as Sis. Taylor in the play When Mama Prays at the Wortham Theater, Harvest Time and St. Agnes churches.
Launched production and publishing companies, Swaziman Productions, LLC and Jabez Lyrics, LLC.
Released debut CD, entitled, It’s a New Day with hit songs, "Truly Blessed", "Adoration" and "It's a New Day".
Selected as runner-up for the 2006 Texas Gospel Announcer’s Guild New Artist Showcase.
Opened for and shared the stage with Kim Burrell, Kathy Taylor & Favor, Dr. Vashti Murphy-McKenzie, Angie Spivey, Ami Rushes, Evan. Kathy Bynum, Dr. Rod Paige, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, V. Michael McKay, Shei Atkins, Smokie Norful, Carolyn Traylor, Tre-9, BB Jay, Dottie Peoples, Soulfruit, The Starlights, Mona Moore, Endurance, Tonya Baker, Dana Mackey and many others.
Selected for the 2007 Inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston as an outstanding entrepreneur along with Houston’s finest such as Beyonce Knowles, Gerald B. Smith, Percy Cruezot-Frenchy’s Chicken, Yolanda Adams, George Forman and a host of other and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Has appeared on the Day Star’s Houston Celebration and KTBU Channel 55 TV stations and radio, Spring Break Alternative Music Festival, Austin City Limits Festival (Austin, TX), Sun Hat Jazz Festival (Hitcock, TX), GMWA ‘Hatters Affair Tea’ (Nashville, TN), Nat. Heritage Music Conf. & Expo (Los Angeles, CA) I Hear Music in the Air Conf., Spring Break-08 Fusion Warehouse (Spartansburg, SC), Texas Music Festival (Houston, TX) along with worship centers such as The Fountain of Praise-Greater St. Matthews-New Jerusalem-Gulf Meadows of Houston, TX, North Central Church of Christ & First Baptist-IN along with many others. Also serves in music ministry through Judah Praise Team at Bible Way Fellowship Baptist Church where Dr. Ivory L. Varner serves as senior pastor/teacher.
Nominee, Texas Gospel Announcer's Guild and Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards.
Finalist, Inspire the Desire TV 2007 Gospel Showcase.
Woman, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend designed for inspiration and empowered for encouragement for all who cross her path. |
 |
Loretta resides in Houston, Texas as an entrepreneur, educator, mentor and coach with husband and manager, Severen and two exceptionally gifted & grounded son.
Loretta's prayer: "As I travel this life, let the work I do speak for me and the life I live speak for Him."
Taking you event/service to new levels ....
Contact: Severen T. Gurnell for Swaziman Productions at
Ph. 832-588-5617 e-mail: stgurnell@yahoo.com
