Keith Childress

Orange High School

Class of 1971

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Keith Childress - Class of 1971 - Orange High School

First Name	Keith
Last Name	Childress
Graduation Year	Class of 1971
Gender	Male
Hometown	Orange, New Jersey
Relationship Status	Married
About Me	Artist KEITH F CHILDRESS is a composer whose sound is like none other. The style of music that comes out of this man is the trend of praise and worship for the future. His sound is one that invites others to join in and celebrate. “Oh magnify the Lord with me; Let us exalt His Name together.” This message is clearly defined and exemplified in Keith’s debut recording entitled “Unity”. In addition, during these High School years Keith began to play with an R&B group. They appeared in shows with such artists as Kool & The Gang, James Brown, The Manhattans and many others. “My mom and dad were not pleased with this decision,” says Keith. Nevertheless, the call on his life soon led him away from the R&B arena. The giftings in Keith gradually took shape, revealing the truth of a significant childhood dream. “When I was a little boy I had a dream where I saw people of different nations come together and offer up one glorious combined sound of praise to God. They were singing a celestial song of worship that made them all one.” His travels throughout the world, sharing the music God has placed within him, have enabled him to see people of different races and ethnicities gather under one roof and send up a united praise to the King of the Ages. Keith is a 1982 graduate of Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. While attending ORU, Keith was privileged to serve as one of the “World Action” Television Singers on the Oral Roberts telecast. He appeared on their Primetime Specials with such artists as Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Mel Torme, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Larnell Harris and many others. Stylistically Keith is multi-faceted. He is equally comfortable writing a modern day hymn or composing a tune ringing with tasty Caribbean spices. For example, on his CD, the hymn “Jesus Be Glorified” is reminiscent of Mozart or Beethoven, while the title cut, “Unity”, explodes with delectable flavors of Jamaica and Urban America. This tune also introduces some listeners to a form of rap that is known in Jamaica as “Dub Poetry”. There is definitely something for everybody in Keith’s music. Keith’s music ministry has taken him to England, Norway, Jamaica, Bahamas, Guyana and Canada. In 1995, he had the honor of singing in South Africa’s first Freedom Celebration. “I will never forget how God moved during those weeks in South Africa.” In Norway, Keith and his music team were featured in concert at a church where few of the people present could speak English. The anointing on the music was so powerful that it transcended the language barrier. “The normally stoic Norwegians were weeping in the Presence of The Lord,” states Keith. Keith’s music draws the listeners together in a common bond as one family unit. Keith has also been known to write a love song or two, inspired by his darling wife Adrienne. “When Christians fall in love they don’t sing, At The Cross.” Keith has written “You”, and, “I’m so Glad That You’re Mine” to help us expand our love vocabulary. “I refuse to be one dimensional in my song writing. I also want to encourage people to follow their God given dreams.” Keith has written a song entitled, “It’s Not Over”, which does just that. In fact, it has become the theme song for a group of homeless people who are fed at the Third Street Church of God in Washington DC where it is sung weekly. They call it their song. Keith was a 2002 nominee for the prestigious Marlin Award for “Most Outstanding International Song,” for his song “Unity”. The other nominees in that category were Donnie McKlurkin, Brooklyn Tabernacle, Clarence McClendon and Lisa Kemp. Although Donnie won, Keith counts it a blessing to be named among this listing. Keith was commissioned to write a song for the National Day of Prayer that was sung on the steps of the Capitol in Washington DC by various school children from the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. The song is entitled, “Pass Us the Dream”. It admonishes all adults to be examples to our future leaders. Keith realizes that his music is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. Keith has also had the honor of having Alvin Slaughter sing one of his worship songs. Alvin is featured on the Living Waters Worship Center’s new release singing Keith’s song entitled “Exaltation.” Alvin knocked the ball out of the park. Alvin is one of Keith’s favorite artists. What an honor! In July 2007 Keith had the honor of going to The Congo and serving as Music Director for a ministry team. It was quite an awesome experience. There were about 10,000 people in attendance and the stadium rocked as the songs of praise penetrated the air. Also in 2007, Keith has also had the honor of arranging the background vocals for the Carman CD. One of Keith’s mentor’s, by way of recordings and concerts was also on Carman’s CD. It is none other than Andre Crouch. Keith’s song “We Lift You Up” is also be featured on the CD. Keith was inspired by the Barack Obama Campaign to pen the song “The Road to Change.” It can be heard on youtube. He has also written a song of thanks dedicated to our troops, both past and present entitled “Thank You.” Keith is presently the Minister of Music at NewSong Bible Fellowship in Bowie Maryland. His pastor is Dr Bernard T Fuller. Keith is the worship leader at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. He can be found there on most Sunday evenings worshipping with the Midshipman. In November 2011 Keith and his singers were asked to sing at a reception honoring the president of the newly formed nation, South Sudan. In April 2012 Keith conducted a songwriting workshop at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. He has written songs for such artists as Bishop TD Jakes, Micah Stampley, Alvin Slaughter, Beverly Crawford, Ron Kenoly, Morris Chatman, O’landa Drapper and many others. Keith is a man of vision, with a heart surrendered to Christ with l...(read more)