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Gospel singer Norwood
By Tim Ryan
won’t upstage God
Star-BulletinGospel singer Dorothy Norwood has been called the "World's Greatest Storyteller." She's on the road at least half the year, performed in 10 countries, toured with the Rolling Stones, and considers her life's mission to spread the world of God in song.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Norwood began singing and touring with her family at age eight. She moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1956, and soon was singing with such notables as Mahalia Jackson, the Caravans, and Reverend James Cleveland.
Norwood launched her solo career in 1964, recording her first album, "Johnny and Jesus," on Savoy Records. The album brought her national attention and went Gold. Norwood followed it up with "Denied Mother" -- another gold record. That's about the time she was dubbed "World's Greatest Storyteller." The Star-Bulletin caught up with Norwood on tour in New Jersey.
Question: With more than four decades of professional singing to your credit, how is it you've never performed in Hawaii?
ON STAGE
Who: Gospel singer Dorothy Norwood
Answer: Don't know really. We've had people talk to us from time to time but it was just talk. This time promises were kept all the way along and finally I'm coming to Hawaii. Yippee!
Q: Hawaii hasn't been known as a place where gospel music is overwhelmingly enjoyed. Are you nervous about singing in uncharted territory?
A: Oh there's always a bit of nervousness when you go to any new area, though for me it's usually about a country where English may not be spoken fluently. Then I want to make sure that we have enough interpreters so they can understand and respond like everyone else. But usually people in other countries have been quite receptive to the message of God.
Q: You say message and not music?
A: A slip of the tongue maybe, but I am first a minister then a singer. The only difference is I spread the word of God in song and music. This show is not really about us but what God is saying through us.
Q: Have you ever been tempted to work in a different musical genre?
A: Never really. I understand that in this life this is my mission and I accept that. My father was a minister and had a gospel singing group, the Norwood Gospel Singers, and I understood early on where I fit in God's role for me.
Q: You're known to be a shouter, known for your strong, raspy voice. What are the themes of songs you tend to sing?
A: Well it's been said I have a tendency to sing songs about children who stray from their all-suffering mothers. And there are a lot of those.
Q: You've recorded some 40 albums and received six Grammy nominations. What else would you like to achieve?
A: Well, I would like to win one of those Grammys. It'll happen when God believes it's the right time. And when it does, and I believe it will, it also means that people are really listening to gospel music.
Q: In 1972 you did a 30-state American tour with The Rolling Stones. Why?
A: Simple, I wanted to spread the gospel in an area that had been closed to gospel artists. I wanted to reach an audience which maybe had never heard gospel music before and maybe the words would reach some of them. It was a very interesting experience.
Q: You're 65 years old; any thoughts about retiring?
A: Oh my, not yet. I'll know when Christ taps me on the shoulder.
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