Professor Wilbur Belton & LADWEC

Many know that music is a large part of the black church experience. Gospel music has been a necessary musical backdrop for every possible occurrence taking place inside the walls and stained glass windows of our spiritual edifices. Professor Wilbur Belton, one of today’s most gifted music ministers, has been called to this sacred stage, to provide it with uplifting and rousing sounds of praise. Hailing from the Nation’s Capital, Belton has carved out an illustrious musical career that’s been highlighted by work with gospel’s finest including Vickie Winans, Marvin Sapp and Richard Smallwood, and award recognitions which include a 2007 EnSound Award, a 2007 Washington Area Music Award Nomination for Best Mass Choir, and two 2005 Gospel Awards, Best Traditional Choir and The Community Choir Award. Few would have imagined that this young man would ultimately lead a singing aggregation that would have one of the most popular choir hits of 2007.

Belton’s musical journey began as a toddler. He started playing piano at the tender age of three and later studied music in school. He continued his studies in high school. Once entering Catholic University in his hometown of Washington, D.C., he chose music as a major. With a desire to educate, he majored in Music Education and minored in classical piano. One opportunity lead to another and Belton found himself directing, singing and writing choir music. It was just the start of what would soon be a dynamic career in the gospel music industry.

Professor Wilbur Belton, a multi-talented composer, musician, and arranger is an innovative and exceptionally creative individual. Uncle to gospel music sensation Tye Tribbett, Belton is building his own legacy. He’s organized mass choirs which have opened for the legends of gospel such as Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Rev. Timothy Wright and Jeff Majors. Currently, he’s the Minister of Music of the Church of Jesus Christ and is the Founder and Executive Music Director of the Excel School of Music. In addition, he’s the coordinator at the Cathedral School for the Performing Arts Adult Education and is often called upon to serve as the workshop facilitator for Choral Directing, Voice Technique and Musical Accompaniment, roles which earned him the moniker “Professor”.

A connoisseur of fine gospel music, he’s been working with countless choirs for decades. As a matter of fact, he’s been part of the Movement of Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith for over 35 years, most recently as the Director of Church Music. In 2005, a friend suggested that Belton record one of his choirs during the Labor Day Weekend Youth Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and LADWEC was birthed. Originally, the group consisted of 59 vocalists, but due to travel constraints, LADWEC, with members from another gospel group Chosen, was merged and eventually whittled down to a 22-member ensemble.

Come Bless His Name, the group’s first venture at recording, brought almost overnight success. Produced by GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award winner Steven Ford, Come Bless His Name and the title cut, also written by Ford, catapulted the unknown choir to instant recognition with the up-tempo praise number. “Come Bless His Name” became a major choir hit. With gospel airwaves dominated by soloists, “Come Bless His Name” gave choir directors exactly what they had been waiting for, a hyperactive, well-written, easy-to-learn song of praise to God. The song was in heavy rotation on stations nationwide (including Radio One, Clear Channel and Sirius Satellite Radio) and even caught the attention of the Stellar Awards in 2006 making it a strong contender for a choir nomination. On the strength of “Come Bless His Name” and the other church-influenced tracks on the 17-song project, the choir went on to receive a 2007 EnSound Award, a 2007 Washington Area Music Award Nomination for Best Mass Choir, and 2005 Gospel Awards for Best Traditional Choir and The Community Choir.

Now the widely-celebrated choir is preparing for the release of their highly-anticipated follow-up. Deciding not to mess with perfection, renowned producer Steven Ford takes his seat again in the producer’s chair on Great & Mighty. On the LADWEC Music label, Great & Mighty, the 10-track CD, picks up where Come Bless His Name left off. In comparing the debut project to the new release, Belton says, “the new project shows more of me. The first CD was more of a collaborative project, a Pentecostal Churches project. But this recording showcases me with a more contemporary sound as well as praise and worship,” says the director.

Songs like “There Is None Like The Lord”, “Magnify Your Name” and “He Brought Joy” keep the focus where it belongs. The title track, “Great & Mighty”, is pure church-choir perfection. With astounding choir vocals, sweet gospel melodies and a vamp that’s worthy of the repeat button, “Great & Mighty” is the next addition to a discography th