Artist Information Biography "Loretta Williams Gurnell is an inspirational voice whose refreshing sound and heart-wrenching lyrics soothe the soul while invigorating her audience with an engaging stage appearance." The 2008-09 Artist of the Year - Texas Gospel Announcer's Guild and Kirk Franklin's Fight of Our Life Tour finalist - Ohio native, 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 Williams Gurnell has developed and maintained a truly magnificent voice and stage presence that can only be described as inspirational while embracing her audience.                                                                          Loretta Williams Gurnell is a graduate of Central State University’s College of Education with a M.Ed. in Leadership Education and College of Arts and Sciences with a BS in biological Sciences, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Houston Gospel Announcers Guild, Texas Women Empowerment Association, Texas Christian Songwriters Association and many other progressive networks.  Loretta Williams Gurnell serves in music ministry as an anointed psalmist, recording artist, introspective lyricist, talented actor, prolific speaker, sought after emcee, praise and worship leader across an array of diverse conferences, workshops, festivals and special events throughout the mid-west, east coast and Texas southern region. As an actor, Loretta Williams Gurnell 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 – and captivated her audience as Sis. Taylor in the play “When Mama Prays” at the Wortham Theater, Harvest Time and St. Agnes churches and He Restoreth My Soul: The Story of Job, Grace International. Loretta Williams Gurnell is co-founder and chief inspirational coach for Swaziman Productions, LLC a marketing and promotional company designed to enhance and empower non-profit, entrepreneur and faith-based organizations to reach their marketing potential through creative and resource solutions with them in mind.  Loretta Williams Gurnell also heads Jabez Lyrics, LLC. providing inspirational lyrics to live with purpose.  Loretta Williams Gurnell’s CD, It’s a New Day has been well received and sparked a new inspiration in the music scene with hit singles, Truly Blessed, Adoration (Thank You) and It’s a New Day. Loretta Williams Gurnell has opened for or shared the stage with Joan Rivers, Yolanda Adams, Kurt Karr, Kim Burrell, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Angie Spivey, Kathy Taylor & Favor, Shirley Murdock, Dr. Vashti Murphy-McKenzie, Angie Spivey, Dr. Bettye Ransom Nelson, Ami Rushes, Evan. Kathy Bynum, Dr. Rod Paige, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, V. Michael McKay, Shei Atkins, Carolyn Traylor, Tre-9, BB Jay, Dottie Peoples, Dr. Theola Booker, Soulfruit, The Starlights, Mona Moore, Endurance, Tonya Baker, Dana Mackey and many others.  Click Here www.youtube.com/LorettaWilliamsGurne As a savvy business woman, Loretta Williams Gurnell was selected for the Inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston as an outstanding entrepreneur and the National Women of Achievement-Stars of Houston. Loretta Williams Gurnell has appeared on DTV Channel 34, KTBU Channel 55 TV stations and radio, Spring Break Alternative Music Festival (Houston, TX), Austin City Limits Festival (Austin, TX), Sun Hat Jazz Festival, GMWA ‘Hatters Affair Tea’ (Nashville, TN & Cin., OH), Nat. Gospel Music Conf. & Expo (Los Angeles, CA), I Hear Music in the Air Conf. (Cin., OH), Spring Break-08 Fusion Warehouse (Spartanburg, SC), Women N Power Nat. Con. (Indianapolis, IN) 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, Union Baptist (Durham, NC) along with many others.  Loretta also serves with Judah Praise Team at Bible Way Fellowship Baptist Church where Dr. Ivory L. Varner is senior pastor/teacher. Loretta Williams Gurnell is a woman, wife, and mother who understands that ministry starts at home and is designed for inspiration and empowering those who cross her path.                                    Loretta Williams Gurnell's prayer: "let the work I do for speak for me and the life I live speak for Him". To experience Loretta Williams Gurnell LIVE, please contact Severen T. Gurnell at 281.384.2949 or simply email him at menejorec@yahoo.com. Click Here -www.youtube.com/LorettaWilliamsGurne Instrumentation Loretta Williams Gurnell is an anointed-electrifying psalmist, introspective lyricist, prolific speaker and talented actor who resides in Houston, Texas.  Native of Trotwood, OH, Loretta incorporates elements of contemporary, soul, jazz and traditional gospel in eclectic and original compositions. 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. Discography Loretta Williams Gurnell:  "A Sampler" (It’s a New Day), © 2005 Loretta Williams Gurnell: It’s a New Day debut CD, © 2006 Links http://www.lorettawilliamsgurnell.com