Artist Information
Biography
Lytrell was born on January 12, 1984 in New Brunswick, NJ to parents Jacqueline L. Stevenson (Harrison) and Michael A. Stevenson. Her mother Jacqueline Stevenson was a member of the Original Harrison Sisters singing group which was a gospel group comprised of she and her three sisters, Gail, Dianesia, and Tracy. The group travelled all over singing the gospel set to a unique funk style.
"I was always surrounded with gospel music. My mother and her sisters sang. My mother's father sang in a singing group called the Sons of Emanunuel for years! I was at all of their gospel programs and concerts. It was only a matter of time before they rubbed off on me!"
Lytrell began playing the piano for the Harrison sisters in Middle school and before that she began playing for her church's praise team.
"I hated piano lessons! I started taking them in like...the third grade. At first they were fun but as the newness of it wore off...I was like (makes a disgusted face!) hahaha! My parents kept making me go for like...I think 2 er 3 years. My piano teacher got really sick and couldn't give lessons any more. I was really sad she got sick because she was such a kind little lady, but I kinda took the opportunity to bow out of taking lessons. My parents still made me continue playing though. I'm greatful for that...now!"
Lytrell started writing songs and keeping little home recordings of herself when she was in the fifth and sixth grade. She took on more of a vocal role in The Harrison Sister's singing group as she entered into highschool.
"They started giving me small parts to sing and opportunities to harmonize with them in the background. I was excited but totally terrorfied!! They had been singing together since they were little girls and I had soooo much to learn. I felt way out of my league...and I really was! There were times I'd forget to sing!! haahha!! I'd get so caught up in my piano playing that I'd forget to come in! That's how I got the nickname "The Professor." My dad said that I would hunch over my keyboard like a mad professor and forget to sing. hahaha! Or I would remember to sing and forget to play!! hahaha!! Those women sang their behinds off!!! I looked up to them so much and still do! They were the real deal and I don't know if they'll ever know how much of an influence they had on my life. I learned so many life lessons from that singing group. Some things were good and somethings were bad...but they were valuable lessons learned."
While still attending Wallenpaupack Area High School, Lytrell began recording her first album which was realeased in 2004. It was entitled, I Thank God.
"I was so scared when this album came out! I guess it's like sending your first child off to school for the first time. I was afraid of the feedback I would get. I just felt like it could have been so much better. A lot of the songs on it were actually written for the Harrison Sisters and were never used. My dad is actually the one that pushed me to record them myself."
Her 2nd Album is called "Sorry" and it was released in May of 2006.
Lytrell Stevenson graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School in 2002. She was voted "Most Musical" female and "Most Talented" female by her classmates and is now a graduate of Summit Bible College. She now has a BA of Theology.
Lytrell is the Youth Pastor at Faith Christian Outreach Center in Lords Valley,PA. She was ordained as Youth Pastor in May of 2007.
"My job is to win souls for the kingdom. I've been called to be God's Songbird and that's what I want to be."
Lytrell finished up her third album entitled Kisses, which was released in September 2009. She enlisted 3 back up singers: Jackie Stevenson, Jasmine Stevenson, and Kahdijah Venable.
On November 20, 2010 Lytrell married the love of her life, Hamal Strayhorn and have moved to Virginia! They are now the proud parents of a son named Jaxson!
Instrumentation
Mikey "Maestro" Stevenson - Bass
Jasmine Stevenson - Keyboard ; Backing Vocals
Kahdijah Venable - Backing vocalist
Hamal Strayhorn - Backing vocalist
Jackie Stevenson - Backing vocalist
Discography
I Thank God - 2004
"Sorry" - 2006
Kisses- September 2009
Album #4 - Title and Release date coming soon!!
Links
Photo Gallery
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Kisses album picture
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kisses
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kisses album cover
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Lytrell in the Studio
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Lytrell In Concert
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Lytrell at Outdoor Festival performing "Come Back" with younger brother Mikey "Maestro" and little sister Jasmine aka "Lil' Sistah."Pic 2
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1st Album - I thank God - 2004
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2nd Album - "Sorry" - 2006
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promotion
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promotion
Press
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I could not believe what I was hearing!
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This CD is hot! It is very soothing and ministering to the soul...Lytrell is definately a gifted voc...
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great cd!
The cd is a blessing to our souls at the Hope Community Baptist Church Of Statesboro,Ga.
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My favorite is Pay Attention, you have amazing talent.
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I am in awe of Lytrell, she has come so far, and has worked so hard to get where she is. Love to hea...
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KEEP IT UP!
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Great stuff.... from one singer to another....Keep it Up! Dr. Jeff Victor President, Summit Bible Co...
Setlist
During concerts I try to do all original music. My set list usually changes according to type of program I'm on and God's leading of course! Every now and then I will sing a cover song or two. I like to sing some Karen Clark-Sheard, MaryMary, a little old school gospel but I only record original material. I only sing Gospel/Christian Music...No exceptions! :-)
My stage set up totally depends on whether or not I have my live musicians with me! :-)
