Kurt Carr

• Genre: Urban/Contemporary Gospel

About

Kurt Carr took himself to church at age 13 and from there to the center of the urban gospel movement. One of the more powerful musical forces in the genre, he's the self-proclaimed prodigy of the man he calls his godfather, the legendary Richard Smallwood. Carr began as the musical director and pianist for Reverend James Cleveland and his crew, not releasing his own personal collection until 1991. Shortly after that release, he left one of his most indelible marks on the industry by launching GospoCentric—the label home of countless top Christian R&B and urban gospel artists. A gifted singer, instrumentalist, producer, arranger and conductor, he brings a multicultural touch (flamenco guitar, Armenian accordion, bagpipes) to West Angeles COGIC Church where he serves as creative director. From the early days of the Kurt Carr Singers to collaborating with visiting musical VIPs including Stevi! e Wonder, Gladys Knight, Denzel Washington, Lynn Whitfield and Kirk Franklin, Carr keeps the Grammys coming.

- Amy Bartlett