Published: September 5, 2009 11:57 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
Gospel Today Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Reggie MaGee
Reggie MaGee
Reggie MaGee Interview
Singer Reggie MaGee is taking Gospel Music to a new level. When you are listening to MaGee's music, the theme of love, faith, and spiritual connection are all presented in the artist's songs. One of the biggest appeals to MaGee's music is the urban flavor that comes across throughout his songs. A devoted Christian MaGee's love for our Savior in Christ is what makes his music most meaningful. In this recent spotlight with Gospel Today, Reggie MaGee speaks about his faith, his family, and his love of Gospel music.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Reggie: First of all, thanks for having me on for this interview Isaac. I started singing in church when I was about 6 or 7. The group was called the sunshine band. We would occasionally provide special music for events. We had a choir director and everything. Those were my earliest memories. But as boys sometimes do I got involved in sports and music was put to the side until I left high school. I went on to Howard University where I sung with Myrna Summers choir at Refreshing Springs COGIC. Twinkie Clark was also there at that time. But you are also right that I have many influences starting with Andre Crouch, Walter Hawkins, and Smallwood, but there are some many others. I could go on and on but I'll stop right there.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Reggie: Though I only play well enough to present my music, I love the sound of two instruments: the piano and the acoustic/lead guitar are my favorites. I admire anyone who plays both those instruments well. But I had to learn to play in order to communicate my music to people who could really play if you know what I mean. (Laugh)! But, I would have to say that my best instrument is my voice.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Reggie: Not at all. I was recruited to play football for the University of Louisville and some other colleges. But something happened after I graduated from high school. I Accepted the Lord into my life that summer and every thing changed. After that, I discovered music in a very great way. The Lord had a different plan for me than football.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Reggie: Wow! I would love to work with someone like George Duke, he is an amazing pianist and producer. Also, back in his day I would have loved to work with Maurice White. If I could add for more guys from today it would be Jam and Lewis or Tim and Bob, I loved their energy!
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Reggie: I like Smallwood for his musicianship and The Hawkins family for their live presentation and overall excellence. Stevie Wonder to Rascal Flats and so many in between will give you the breadth of my listening regiment.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Reggie: My objective is to continue to create a fan base. I don't know if that means fame or not. I just want to make music that people love and are blessed by. There is no greater feeling than to hear people respond to something that came from your heart.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Reggie: Wow again! I started my career back around 1992 with TM Records. That label went under and then I got off the road and took a place as the praise and worship leader for a local church. Maybe stopping to raise my children was an important obstacle. My youngest son is now in college and I am again able to concentrate on music.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Reggie: I believe that it requires focus, dedication, understanding and patience to be successful in the music business. If God has blessed you to sing or play and you have a dream, you need to pursue it. Do not let others dictate your destiny.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given by others in the music industry.
Reggie: Create your own place. Do not wait on others to do it for you. Work hard at perfecting yourself and take your case to the public. Demonstrate to them why they need to buy your music. Everything else will take care of itself.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Reggie: This last CD entitled "Pressing On" has been a long time in the making but I am very happy with what we accomplished. We meaning myself and three other partners, Bill Woodson, and David and Michael Randle
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Reggie: My CD can be purchased on Amazon.com, ITunes, and for the complete CD CDBaby.com. My websites are:
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Reggie: I must first thank God, from whom all blessing come. I certainly would acknowledge my lovely wife, my mother and father (my father is now deceased), and my children. I am also blessed to have a bunch of people around me with enormous musical talent; I truly thank God for them all. I also want to thank all those out there that are praying for and supporting what I do.
Isaac: Any last words?
Reggie: Keep me in your prayers my friend and hit me up on one or all of those websites!
