Lipscomb University’s Gospel Choir releases first single
“Alright” is now available on streaming platforms, video of the recording is on YouTube
Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 |
Lipscomb University’s Gospel Choir has added the title of recording group to its list of accomplishments with the release of its first single “Alright,” on Jan. 13. It is available on all streaming platforms and the music video made when the song was recorded may be viewed on YouTube here. The choir receives all proceeds that will go to help with travel and other ministry needs.
Aaron Howard, director of Lipscomb University's Gospel Choir
Dr. Aaron Howard, director of the Lipscomb University Gospel Choir and assistant professor of ethics and reconciliation, says he chose Friday the 13th for the release date to counter the traditional fear and dread of the day.
“Friday the 13th is supposed to be a day of superstition and darkness,” said Howard on the day of the single’s release. “But today it’s a day of faith and declaration: ‘Jesus will make it alright!’ No matter your trial or circumstance, trust God and know all things are working together for your good (Romans 8:28).”
The song, originally entitled “He’ll Make It Alright,” was rearranged by Howard and taught to the choir last year but it was not included in the songs they were singing this fall… until the choir stopped by the chain restaurant Raising Cane’s after performing at a Christian school conference in Houston, Texas.
Howard burst out singing the song in the middle of the restaurant and to the customers’ surprise and enjoyment, the choir joined in. Someone posted a video of that impromptu performance on Instagram, where it received 2 million views, and then on Twitter, where it received 3.5 million views in only three or four days.
Lipscomb University's Gospel Choir
When the choir returned to Lipscomb, Howard recorded and posted a rehearsal of the song, and it received the most views of any by far. He knew that song had to be the choir’s first single. Three 2022 graduates, Phynley Joel, Will Smitherman and David King, were hired to record the video at the same time the single was recorded in Shamblin Theater on campus.
The full choir of about 40 singers is on the recording. Since launching in the fall of 2021, Lipscomb’s first gospel choir has more than doubled in size, starting with only 17 student singers and has performed more than 20 times.
“I think my favorite performance was the president’s dinner for the board of trustees in November 2021,” said Howard. “We were brand new at the time and I was just so honored that she included us. The band was the best it ever was, the choir looked and sounded amazing, and the board received us well. It was an amazing night.
Student David Green leads the Gospel Choir at an MLK event on campus.
“The choir’s favorite is the most recent MLK celebration here at Lipscomb where they ended with Revelation 19:1,” said Howard. “So many students told me they had never experienced anything like that before. The sense of God’s presence filled the room and profoundly moved the choir and the audience.”
The choir has received more than 7 million views on Instagram on various videos. Each helps to promote the Christian education and community of Lipscomb University and more importantly, the Gospel message of good news, hope and joy.