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|  |  Bill Kent - Tenor Born: Ada, Ohio 1964 Church: Ada First Baptist Church Children: Son - Branden Parents: Darrell and Jackie Kent Since my early childhood, I have been listening to southern gospel music. I can remember the first Gospel Quartet I seen was The Imperials in 1982 in Findlay, Ohio. The excitement and the passion for the love of Christ they showed filled my heart with the same. Of course, at that time, I didn’t know that I would be singing southern gospel music myself. During my junior high and high school years, I was involved in the music programs and also held a lead part in the musical “Hello Dolly”. Never having formal voice lessons, I will be forever greatful to my high school music teacher for showing me the great joy of music. After leaving high school, I ventured to Florida where I lived for about a year and a half then moved back to Ohio. When I returned to Ohio in 1985, I joined the Ada Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department and remain a member to this day. A few years following my return to Ohio, I began listening to southern gospel music once again. I can remember hearing the Cathedrals singing “Champion of Love”. I knew that one day; I would like to sing that song myself and eventually did! As my interest grew with southern gospel music, so did my desire to sing and bring out the Lords word through song. I began collecting soundtracks and soon began singing solo going from church to church. Once I became confident in myself, my experience grew as well. I had always wanted to be involved with a southern gospel quartet, but just never seemed to have the chance, so I continued to sing solo. Following Christmas of 2005, my parents had purchased the Ernie Haase & Signature Sound DVD and CD and gave this to me for Christmas. This gift was so much more than they could have ever imagined. Thanks mom and dad, I love you!! Once I heard and seen this quartet, my desire to sing with a quartet became very important to me. The day after Christmas, I sent an email to Ernie Haase and explained my desires and how I felt about wanting to be involved with a quartet. His response and advice was more than I expected. It wasn’t too long after, that I was contacted to try out for Sojourner. Once this occurred, it seemed that my heart as well as my voice was going to explode. I have been able to sing like I have never sung before. Following three weeks of singing, I was offered the chance of a lifetime and it seemed like my prayers were being answered. I was offered the chance to sing Lead/Tenor and I gladly accepted! Since then, I have been able to sing in many venues in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan and Illinois. I am very fortunate that the Lord has blessed me with a voice with such range to be able to sing and it is for Him that I make its use. Singing with Sojourner has opened many doors for me. Recently, I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with Roger Talley at Summit Studios in Morristown, Tn. His advice and vocal instructions has provided me with more focus on my voice and has allowed me to sing better than I ever have before. Roger has become a true friend and I am truely greatful for all he has done. My son, Branden, is a true inspiration and God could not have given me any gift more special than him. He loves to sing along with me and at the age of 6, has memorized many songs! Most everytime we are together he always say, "Daddy, I want to listen to Ernie!" I couldn't be more proud of his desire to sing the Lords music and his passion for every word he sings! He is not only my son, he is my best friend and I love him with all my heart! I have been truly blessed throughout my life and have chosen to give my life to the Lord while also "vocally" give back to Him. The Spirit of the Lord is among us and I know that “Through Him, all things are possible”. | | |||||||||||||||||
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