Singing His Praises

 

Singing His Praises

The Bay has produced some of the world’s renowned talent in the music industry; not just for secular listeners, but performers belting out songs that express deep emotions for God in the Christian religion. Gospel singer, Dr. Yvonne Cole is a development of that culture, following the traditions of generations before, ministering word and song to all those around her.

Raised in the church and having sung with such groups at the Spiritual Specials, The Stars of Joy and under Bishop T.L. Smith, Dr. Cole is well acclimated to speaking and singing the word of God. “Growing up, I would listen to my Mom sing all the time and my father was a drummer in the band.” Even when she was a child she was involved in the choir.

Probably more known as the foster mother of famed Rhythm and Blues singer, Keyshia Cole, and biological mother to rapper Sean Cole- aka Nutt-so from the group Outlawz, Dr. Cole said she never intended to be a lead singer. She was always “pushed” to the front to perform lead because she was good.

Dr. Cole is currently working on her first Gospel CD, titled Get Your Praise On, which she hopes to have ready soon. She is taking her time with it because she is, “wearing a lot of hats that involve many speaking engagements, including those involving adoption, and her ministry is always in the forefront.

She very openly shared about her daughter and how she has motivated her to take the steps toward doing an album. “My baby Keyshia inspires me. She sings with a message,” and not just about anything. The mother of four also credited a few others like Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Caesar, Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight to part of her resonate for gospel singing.

At the 2009 Mother’s Day Fashion Show and Shopping Soiree, presented by the Nicci Butler’s the Baddest Bag , the praise singer was featured as special guest and entertainer. Before donning the crowd with a spiritual hymn, Dr. Cole gave a bit of her life’s testimony and remarked on how grateful and thankful she was to have the life she has and the opportunity to adopt and raise Keisha.

Dr. Cole, is also working on a book that will entail what is was like raising Keyshia and how her life has changed in the last 4- 5 years

Although she keeps busy traveling to see family, visiting the elderly in hospital and convalescent homes and praying for others, she recognizes her husband, Leon Cole Sr., for being very supportive of her endeavors.

For more info on Dr. Yvonne Cole, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/dryvonnecole