Psalmist Shonda English is one of the outstanding virtuoso voices touching the Gospel music industry and making an indelible impression on all who hear her. She released her debut album, THINK ON THESE THINGS, in 2009. Since then, she has experienced life’s trials and triumphs and has put her testimony and talents into a new body of work that is profound and perfectly presented in God’s timing.
Her latest album is TRAVELIN’, featuring collaborations with Gospel legends Lemmie Battles on “While Traveling Through” and Dorothy Norwood on “Fly Away.” TRAVELIN’ will take you on a phenomenal musical journey with iconic musicians contributing to the project. Organist Richard Gibbs plays on “While Traveling Through” and “Freedom Highway.” Legendary guitarist Jonathan Dubose strums on “Let’s Journey Together,” while Bishop Neal Roberson adds soulful harmonica to the track.
Over the last few years, Shonda released seven singles leading up to TRAVELIN’. She added eight new songs to make this prolific 15-track project. In a follow-up to her “Step Right In,” Shonda has released a new single from the album, “There Wouldn’t Be A Me,” which is her testimony and encouragement to listeners.
Shonda shares, “Have you ever been at your lowest point, and it seemed God wasn’t there? God wasn’t watching or hearing you, nor answering your prayers? Then, at the darkest hour, when you had nothing to hold on to but the little bit of faith you had left, out of nowhere, the Mighty Deliverer appears with a breakthrough to shatter all shackles of bondage and hopelessness. The truth is, He was there all the time. This song speaks of such experiences.”
To further encourage the listener in “There Wouldn’t Be A Me,” she pens the lyrics to uplifting melodies and catchy rhythms, a style she created to make the listener feel encouraged and happier as the song progresses. The vamp is simplified to encourage everyone to sing along while asking themselves, “where would I be?”
Listen To “There Wouldn’t Be A Me”
In honor of her father, the late Bishop W. T. English, Shonda shares their unique bond with a special spoken word piece on the album, “Daddy’s Girl.”
Shonda’s TRAVELIN’ album has garnered her six 2024 Rhythm of Gospel Award nominations for Contemporary CD of the Year, Special Event CD of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, CD of The Year, Contemporary Song of the Year (Step Right In) and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year. The ROG Awards will be handed out June 19-23 in Mobile, AL.
Also known as “The Gospel Diva,” Shonda is the vibrant and prolific host of her highly successful weekly international radio show “The Old Landmark Gospel Hour,” syndicated on over thirty radio stations worldwide. She is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a current South Carolina resident who is the Director of Music Ministry at Greater St Paul Non-Denominational Church.
You can connect with Shonda and learn more about her music and media ministry by visiting her website, ShondaEnglish.com.
