More than music - Former Grace Thrillers singer George Banton on God’s mission

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer staff reporter livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, June 06, 2011

FORMER Grace Thrillers singer George Banton is a busy man these days.

Banton, who now lives in Canada, is preparing for a new tour, even as he just completed a series of performances in Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the United States.

It's a hectic schedule, but for Banton it's more than music. It is his way of sharing God's love and ministering to hungry souls.

"It is rewarding to me when I hear stories from people, via e-mail or in person, about how a song I have done has been such a blessing to their lives," he shared, adding that this kind of feedback makes it all worthwhile.

Banton's last two albums, Roll Away The Stone (2010) and Jesus' Blood Covers It All released early this year, have been greeted with enthusiasm by his fans and other lovers of gospel music.

And even though both sets add to his impressive discography that includes Leave Me At The Altar, Sit Down Servant, My Jesus and I, and I'm Next In Line For My Blessings the singer insists he is nowhere near his peak and is looking forward to doing more recordings.

"I am constantly recording. I don't wait to put an album out; whenever I feel it's the right time to release one, I do," he told the Observer.

"The Lord has been giving me so many songs to sing — songs to heal me and also songs to heal others... songs of comfort, songs of joy, redemption and deliverance. I feel I have to share them with others as I travel through this land," he added.

Born in 1948 in Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, Banton used to sing in his hometown church — United Brethren in Christ. He later on went on to perform at numerous churches across the island, among them the Church of God of Prophecy, the New Testament church and a number of Baptist churches.

When he was 18 years old, Banton formed his own gospel group — The Hope Brothers. However, two years later he left them and moved to Kingston.

In 1970 he decided to venture into a different genre — he wrote and produced a reggae song called I'm A Lonely Boy. The song, however, was a chart failure and it didn't take Banton long to figure out that his strength was in gospel.

One night in early 1972 while at a church concert on Omara Road in Kingston, he caught the eye of Isaac Lawrence, director of the then Gospel Light Band — one of the top gospel groups in the country at the time. After auditioning for Lawrence, Banton was immediately contracted to join the group.

This was the turning point in the young singer's life.

In 1972, Banton became involved with two groups that emerged from the split of the Gospel Light Band — the Insight Gospel Group and the then six-member Grace Thrillers, for which he was the lead singer.

In 1973, the Grace Thrillers recorded Too Late Shall Be Your Cry, written by Banton. The song climbed to the number one spot on local gospel charts, giving the group their first hit. The group went on to record five additional singles, and scored another hit with It's Just About Time.

In 1974, the Grace Thrillers produced their first gospel album called I've Got A Love, which was released throughout the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and the US.

Banton continued to sing with both groups until 1976 when he migrated to Canada.

But four years later, Banton made the switch from gospel to secular music and over the next 11 years he released nine albums, earning two Juno nominations in the process. However, he was still not satisfied, as he said he knew that his true calling was to serve God.

Although he had made the switch from gospel music, Banton said he maintained his religious beliefs and standards, applying them to the material he chose, the venues at which he performed, and the life he led.

Then came another defining moment in his life.

One night in January 1991 as he slept, Banton dreamt he was in his hometown visiting with his friends and family. An old woman, he said, approached them with a strong warning for Banton — a warning from God. He was to turn his life around, "pick up the cross" and follow the Lord.

That was all that Banton needed to convince him that the Lord wants him to do God's work.

Amid criticism and speculation, Banton marked his return to gospel music by recording Jesus Is Everything To Me. With this, and his second comeback album, Oh How Sweet It Is To Walk With Jesus (a tribute to his mother) in 1992, Banton has experienced renewed success as a gospel singer and said he is totally committed to his music.

Now, with that level of experience under his belt, the gospel singer is in a good position to offer advice to upcoming artistes: "Whatever you are ministering let it be for glory of God," he said. "Always point to Calvary, never focus on fame and fortune because when you give to the Lord your best, He will surely do the rest."

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More than music - Former Grace Thrillers singer George Banton on God’s mission