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Most
gospel music fans know the smash hit “Praise Is What I Do”—the
title track from Shekinah Glory Ministries’ 2002 gold-selling
album—much better than they do the name of its writer, William
Murphy. But that is
about to change, and in bold and dramatic fashion.
With
the release of William’s Sony/Urban Gospel debut album, All Day, the world can now
hear the amazing voice and deeply moving songs of a young man who
already is one of the brightest lights in the firmament of
contemporary praise & worship music.
Possessing
a voice that is nothing short of stunning, in range and dynamics,
and with seasoned hit-makers flare for instantly accessible,
engaging and unforgettable words and music, William makes music that
crosses all lines of age, creed and color.
William Murphy makes for the masses, and All Day is the calling card introducing one of the most
formidable talents in contemporary music.
Recorded
live before a vocally enthused and inspired audience, All Day runs a gamut of
musical influences from modern gospel, urban, R&B, rock and pop,
all drawn together into a brilliant and original combination that
defies easy, preexisting categories.
Don’t bother with labels.
Just call it William Murphy, and be prepared to be amazed.
The
classic “Let It Rise,” the
album’s first single and video, moves from simple guitar and
percussion to a full-throttled gospel/R&B and rock-fueled
anthem, as William and his band and vocal ensemble soar above it
all, giving new life and high-octane energy to the venerable
standard. This single is
currently #4 on R and R reports.
“Church is what I’ve known all my life,” he says.
“My family is rich in the heritage of the Gospel, in
spoken-word ministry as well as music.
That was the foundation I grew up on.”
His
first major step up the ladder of recognition as a worship leader
came when he met Bishop Paul S. Morton, the International
Presiding Bishop at a
national convention of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in
1995. William was asked
to record a song for the album released from that conference, on
which Bishop Eddie Long gave a spoken introduction.
The two became friends and William was soon after offered the
position as the Fellowship’s worship minister.
As his presence rose in the fellowship,
and word of his immense talents spread ever farther, William was
presented the opportunity by Bishop Long to serve at the renowned
New
Birth
Missionary
Baptist
Church
in 2001 as the Senior Minister of Worship.
William and his wife and two children moved to
Atlanta
at this time after having lived in
Detroit
his entire life.
On
September 13th, 2005 during New Birth’s Spirit and
Truth Conference, the Spirit of God spoke to both William and
Danielle and made it perfectly clear that their season to Pastor was
indeed upon them. After
serving both his dad and granddad and then Bishop Long, God called
William up to another level of responsibility and leadership.
On January 15, 2006
he became the pastor of the dream Center church, which is located in
Atlanta
.
“Great
musicians touch the hearts of men,”
he says, “but worshippers touch the heart of God.
I would hope the two
come together in what I do with a kind of power—and in a
language—that anyone can relate to and be touched by, inside as
well as outside of the church. I’m
not putting any limitations on God anymore.
I’m ready to take this as far as He wants it to go.”
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