By Deborah Evans Price
NASHVILLE (Billboard) -
When well-known artists record an
album in a genre different from the one for which they're
known, it can often feel a bit forced. But for R&B singer
Regina Belle, a pastor's wife who has long been an outspoken
believer, the move seems so obvious that it begs the question,
Why didn't she take this leap of faith before?
"God says the time is right," says Belle, whose "Love
Forever Shines" comes out May 13. "He's transitioning me to do
a work for him. It was opportune."
Belle is known for such R&B hits as "Baby Come to Me,"
"This Is Love," "Make It Like It Was" and "A Whole New World,"
a duet with Peabo Bryson from the Disney film "Aladdin."
However, gospel music has always been part of the New Jersey
native's life. She grew up singing in church and is minister of
music at New Shield of Faith Ministries in Atlanta, where her
husband of 17 years, John S. Battle III, is senior pastor.
Belle wrote the bulk of the album and tried out some of the
new music on her home congregation before recording "Love
Forever Shines." One song, "Come Into This Place," is "seven or
eight years old," according to Belle, who wrote it during a
choir rehearsal. The first single is "God Is Good."
In the future, Belle says she plans to continue to record
gospel and mainstream R&B projects, but for now is focused on
promoting "Love Forever Shines," visiting churches across the
country for nine consecutive Sundays.
Reuters/Billboard
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