In the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, known as "The Motor City," a truly special musical duo has emerged, captivating audiences with their soul-stirring melodies. Prepare to be enchanted by the inspirational and contemporary gospel powerhouse that is "Sounds of Imani," led by the dynamic husband-and-wife team of Drs. Gerald and Carol Ervin. Their harmonious voices possess an undeniable magic, and it's no wonder they have been likened to the renowned sibling duo, BeBe and CeCe Winans. Yet, in this extraordinary case, their love story unfolds on stage, as they conclude each performance with a heartfelt center stage kiss, a testament to their enduring bond.
In 1996, Carol experienced a divine vision, igniting her passion to create a contemporary gospel group. Fuelled by unwavering faith, she assembled a group of talented local singers and musicians, originally naming them "Imani of Detroit." However, as their journey progressed, the name evolved to reflect their growth. With a crystal-clear vision and strategic planning, Carol enlisted the talents of four additional members. It was within this circle that Gerald, gifted with an abundance of expertise and experience from his time in the secular music world, was invited to audition for the group. Seizing the opportunity, he became their esteemed Public Relations representative. Little did they know, destiny was conspiring behind the scenes, weaving a divine plan that would forever change their lives.
Over time, as Gerald and Carol cultivated a deep friendship, music became the common thread that bound their hearts. Their connection soon blossomed into a love story for the ages, culminating in their marriage in 1999. Recognizing the profound harmony they shared, and remaining steadfast in their divine calling, Gerald and Carol made the courageous decision to forge ahead as a dynamic duo. Thus, the evocative name "Sounds of Imani" was born. "Imani" holds a powerful meaning - faith - a testament to the unwavering trust that has propelled this group forward. With their captivating performances of love songs, Sounds of Imani continues to grace various churches, special events, festivals, and even weddings, infusing each occasion with their heartfelt and awe-inspiring melodies.
In 2002, the group unveiled their first full-length album, "Revelation," which marked the beginning of a remarkable musical journey. Subsequently, they released a string of successful singles, including the resonating projects "Must Be an Angel" and "It's Alright," which garnered significant attention both domestically and overseas. These projects featured their velvety voices layered atop funky R&B tracks, complemented by exquisite ballads and a touch of jazz. Collaborating with producer Daron Steward, Gerald and Carol took an active role as Executive Producers on their independent label, Heaven-Wings Records.
Sounds of Imani's extraordinary talent has not gone unnoticed, earning them numerous accolades and awards, including recognition from the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards, the Royal Society of Motion Picture Awards in India, and the Gospel Choice Music Awards, to name but a few. Their captivating performances have graced illustrious stages, such as Loren Harper's Legendary Soul of R&B, the Bloomfield Hills Arts Festival, Inner Court Live TV Show, Anointed Faces Gospel Coffee House, The Gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, the Gospel Choice Music Awards in Georgia, and the Jazz Explosion in Hart Plaza alongside the renowned saxophonist Yancyy.
Following the resounding success of their recent single, "Come Praise the Lord," produced by Gregory Pearson and Demetrius "Krayon" Nabors of Inner Court Music, Sounds of Imani is set to release a captivating "Come Praise the Lord Remix" in June 2023. This thrilling remix, produced by Marcus "Daheatmizer" Devine and Gregory Pearson Sr. of Inner Court Music, presents a vibrant house-mix version of the original, further showcasing their versatility and passion for innovative sounds. The group is also poised to embark on exciting new opportunities with the esteemed Miles Away Music Group.
Hailing from a city renowned for producing legendary musicians such as The Temptations, DeBarge, Stevie Wonder, the incomparable "Queen of Soul" Ms. Aretha Franklin, The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Fred Hammond, and Commissioned, Sounds of Imani carries the torch of musical excellence with grace and reverence. Prepare to be captivated and inspired as their melodic voices transport you to new heights, for the world can expect nothing less than brilliance from the enchanting "Sounds of Imani."
Immersed in a wellspring of inspiration, we find ourselves compelled to craft lyrics that deeply resonate with the hearts and souls of listeners. Each song we create emerges from the depths of our own profound and personal journeys, breathing authenticity into our music. It is this genuine connection that renders our compositions accessible, relatable, and undeniably believable.
Our musical influences draw from a rich tapestry of both gospel and secular artists, who have left an indelible mark on our creative souls. From the heavenly harmonies of Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, to the groundbreaking sounds of Edwin Hawkins and the infectious rhythms of Earth, Wind & Fire, we find inspiration in every note and lyric. Patti Austin's soul-stirring voice and the soulful creations of Billy and Sarah Gaines resonate deeply within us. The timeless melodies of Atlantic Starr, the captivating artistry of BeBe and CeCe Winans, and the powerful vocals of Helen Baylor have all played a part in shaping our musical journey. The melodic brilliance of Phil and Brenda Nicholas, the soulful harmonies of Kindred the Family Soul, the enchanting melodies of Rene and Angela, and the passionate duets of Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack have also influenced our musical landscape. These remarkable artists, among many others, have imprinted upon us a profound appreciation for the power of music to touch hearts and souls.
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