Psalmist Doris Stokes

There are singers and there are SANGERS; Psalmist Doris Stokes just happens to be blessed as one of the latter! This dynamic vocalist hails out of the Stokes Family of Dayton, Ohio. Doris is the youngest member of this star-producing family, possessing a song and style all her own. She has been singing ever since she can remember, starting in church and at home with brothers, Otha (formerly of the group The Ohio Players & The Sugarhill Gang), Arthur (Hakim, formerly of the Dayton R&B group “Heatwave”), Frank, Ralph, Otis (formerly of the R&B group “Lakeside”) and sister Diane. The family often sang in huddles in the back room or in the basement of their parent’s home. “Otis and Hakim were always in charge of giving out the singing parts to all of us and we would sing some commercial jingle or cartoon theme song in five (5) part harmony.”

Doris and her siblings were raised in a Christian home by parents who loved the Lord. “It’s really all we knew from the very beginning. My Mom and Dad made us sing in the choir. We were “drafted” into it; once the secret was out that we could all sing! Since going to church was never an option in our household, being in the choir was a requirement that was not open for discussion. Just like school… it was ‘understood.’”

Doris began writing songs at the age of nineteen, however she first sang professionally on brother Otis’ first solo project. During these early years, she also sang background vocals with brother Hakim on several recordings including the soundtrack to the MGM movie, “All Dogs Go To Heaven” on MCA/Curb Records. Soon she began singing Gospel professionally and became a founding member with contemporary gospel choir out of Cincinnati, Ohio “David Minor With One Voice.” She went on to lead praise and worship services in penal facilities (prison ministry is her passion) all over the Ohio Valley and the Tri-state areas. “I realize there’s nothing glamorous about singing in prison, but you are either Anointed to do it or you’re not. I looked beyond the metal bars and barbed wire and realized that Jesus died for them too.” Doris was later brought into her oldest brother’s music ministry, the late (and dynamic) Gospel saxophonist, Minister Otha Stokes, Jr. until his unexpected passing in June 1999.

Doris’ old choir “David Minor With One Voice” which had disbanded in 1997, was re-grouped and re-named “New Vision under the direction of Archie Byers.” This group began to make an impressionable impact on the gospel music scene all over Cincinnati, the Tri-state and the southern region. They completed one “live” CD in which Doris was a featured soloist. New Vision opened and/or served as workshop choir for such gospel artists as: Rodnie Bryant, LaMar Campbell, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kurt Carr, Tramaine Hawkins, Beverly Crawford and Charles Fold just to name a few.

Doris is fast becoming a premier guest at workshops, convocations and conferences nationwide. She has also become a TBN “favorite” guest music minister! She is a teacher/clinician on the importance of praise and worship as a lifestyle. Doris has served as a faithful member of the powerhouse praise and worship background group “Praise” which sings behind former Crystal Rose Records recording artist, Elder Rodney Posey.

Doris has shared stages with some of the Gospel industry’s finest including Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, the late Dr. Charles Fold, Karen Clark-Sheard, CeCe Winans, Mom Winans, Vickie Winans, Elder Carnell Murrell, Rance Allen, Father Hayes, J. Moss, Deitrick Haddon, Men of Standard, Fred Hammond, Minister Earl Bynum, Helen Baylor among many others and has served as background vocalist for such favorites as Byron Cage and Dorinda Clark-Cole. In August 2009, Doris was honored to have been the Opening Artist for the Annual 2009 Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion in Cincinnati, Ohio which featured the McDonald's Inspirational Gospel Concert with Special Guests: J. Moss and CeCe Winans!

In addition to her busy music ministry, Doris is the mother of one son, Nouri whom she adores. She is also a fashion designer (designing most of her stage outfits) and looking to launch a line of clothing in the future specifically for women in ministry.

Doris is also very active as an actress/vocalist in gospel stage plays whenever the opportunity arises! She was featured in the gospel play “An Upper Room Experience” which also featured Shirley Murdock. She has traveled extensively with the God’s Champion Entertainment stage production “Someone To Love Me” as the special Guest Psalmist during intermission. Doris is presently writing her own stage production tentatively entitled, “We Are Family…?” She believes this stage version of her testimony will have audiences laughing hysterically one moment and in tears the next. It should also make everyone who sees it inventory themselves on some very key life issues, especially racism in the church.