Jamarien Moore

To say that Jamarien Moore is gifted would be a severe understatement. On the contrary, the skills and talents in which this individual has sharpened have often been described as inexplicable.

A vocalist with a knack for touching the hearts of his listeners, Moore, 20, said that he’s been involved with music for his entire life.

“My interest started as a young boy,” said Moore, who was born in Tallahassee, Fla., yet was raised in nearby Madison. “Going to church with my grandparents, and different people from the community, gave me an awareness of music and connected me with God. I enjoyed seeing the choir and musicians set the atmosphere for worship. I began to go to church just to hear good music and good singing -- no preaching at all. Just recently, I started paying attention to what the pastor had to say.”

Gospel music seems to have a fascinating hold on Moore, perhaps even a magnetic grip of sorts. However, maybe there’s more to it than just mere enthrallment. Perchance there’s something deeper -- something a bit more spiritual.

“This is where I met the Lord,” said Moore, who relocated to Orlando in 2001. “As a child, my grandparents made me vow that I would serve Him until my dying day. To aid through my singing [and] bring people closer to Christ really brings me closer.”

Those are heavy words from a man so young. Needless to say, Moore is undoubtedly a Christian, and his talents have earned him special attention -- he was a finalist on BET’s hit show, Sunday Best. In addition to this, Moore has also performed in concerts with numerous gospel recording artists including Shirley Murdock, Vickie Winans, Dottie Peoples, and Smokie Norful, to name a few. He’s also auditioned and performed with American Idol and Showtime at the Apollo.

Before moving to Jacksonville, Fla., to attend Florida State College in order to garner a degree in mortuary science, Moore could be found singing solos in New Bethel AME Church in Orlando which is where he said he gained confidence in addition to knowledge of the art of singing. While having the support of the reverend and congregation was touching, he credits his mother and stepfather as being the rock for him.

“My mother has always been a hard worker and a provider,” he said. “[She is] a very strong disciplinarian yet a compassionate supporter. She has always believed in me and has financially motivated me with all of my aspirations.” And those aspirations are quite huge.

Currently, Moore can be found as the Minister of Music for Allen Chapel AME in Jacksonville, and when he isn’t singing and lending his talents to a choir, he can be found playing the piano, shopping for snazzy church suits or serving as the president of the YPD - 11th Episcopal District, AME.

Moore said that he is encouraged and often reminded that the race is not given to the swift of the strong, but to him that endures to the end. Keeping that biblical adage in mind, Moore said that he has learned to trust in God and doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

“Never give up on your dream,” he said. “And never put your dream before God."