Cheryl "Ping" Leonard

Biography

Cheryl "Ping" Leonard is an anointed minister and psalmist. Her style of delivery of traditional, contemporary and praise and worship music is phenomenal. Cheryl is a songwriter whose songs will motivate, encourage and exhort the body of Christ. At the same time, with an emphasis on deliverance and repentance, Cheryl’s focus is on soul-winning. She was born in the home of as pastor, the Late Reverend Harry J. Wilson, where she learned early what dedication and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His service was all about. Singing with her sisters, cousins and aunts in their family group, The Wilson Sisters, was the beginning.

Cheryl is committed to spreading the gospel in word and in song. This dual ministry puts her in great demand for her speaking and teaching as well as her music ministry. Touching lives, speaking hope, bringing deliverance and encouraging souls to be saved is the focus on her ministry. This minister has the ability to worship God and bring others along with her in that experience. Cheryl has ministered cross denominationally, cross culturally across the United Sates as well as internationally.

§ After singing for many years in church choirs and other local groups, even recording with the TS Chorale, Cheryl still felt the need to respond to the call to record a solo project. In December of 1999 Cheryl released the CD entitled, "Middle Zone." The release of Middle Zone shared with the rest of the world what was evident to those who had experienced and enjoyed this ministry for so many years. The "Middle Zone" CD included a variety of music styles that demonstrated the depth of Cheryl's ministry. Cheryl is able to minister to several aspects of the body of Christ from many different perspectives. Most importantly, this anointed woman of God has a passion for what God has called her to do. The song “Hide Me” has been heralded as a signature song from Cheryl’s freshman project. The “Grandma’s Medley” served as an example of good old-fashioned church.

With the success of Middle Zone, The Lake County Black Achievers Society honored Cheryl for Advancement in Music and Entertainment in 2002. Cheryl was nominated and received the honor of being voted Contemporary Gospel Artist of the Year of the Orlando Source Awards in 2002. Cheryl "Ping" Leonard, as regular guest performer at Walt Disney World's "The House of Blues", ministered to people from all over the world. This artist has the ability to entertain you and minister to you all at the same time.

§ “Real Praise” released in December 2005 has already received much attention and great acclaim. The songs—many of which were co-written or written by Cheryl on the Real Praise project were inspired by personal relationship with God, struggles and trials, victories and triumphs and above all the Word of God. This project is a true reflection of growth both spiritually and vocally. Thanks and praise are resounding themes of many of the songs on this project. “Over There” was written over a span of time when Cheryl lost her father, older brother, two older sisters and several close family members, friends and ministry partners. It speaks of the hope of Christians that we will see each other again. “Mount Up” with a catchy upbeat flavor makes foot-stomping a must. Ballads like “Zion”, “Everything You Need” and “Praise Waiteth” quickly bring you into the spirit of worship. Once again Cheryl includes the “Church Medley” songs about thanks with a modern yet familiar sound that brings you right into a Friday night old fashioned service. This project has something for everyone. The title cut “Real Praise” has a bold contemporary sound and ends with a churchy stunning praise.

Cheryl now serves as Co-Pastor of the Tabernacle of the Enlightened Church of God, Mt. Dora, Florida where her husband D.L Leonard is the Senior Pastor. Cheryl also serves as the District Supervisor of Women's Work for the Tabernacle of the Enlightened Churches of god, Incorporated. Cheryl is the founder of First Ladies in Praise (FLIP), a platform that brings first ladies together for a time of encouragement and sharing and ends with a concert featuring first ladies.