Kevin LeVar

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Kevin LeVar
Birth nameKevin LeVar Gray
BornWashington D.C.
GenresGospel, praise & worship, urban contemporary gospel
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instrumentsvocals, singer-songwriter
Years active2008–present
LabelsOne Sound Entertainment
Associated actsOne Sound
Websitekevinlevar.com

Kevin LeVar is a gifted songwriter, recording artist, musician, author, and speaker. A native to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, Kevin's ministry has touched many audiences domestically and internationally.

Within the music industry, Kevin founded independent gospel label God Glorified Music, Inc. (recently renamed One Sound Entertainment) and partnered with Universal Music Christian Group for the national release of Kevin's debut project "Let's Come Together." This album experienced much commercial success. Both singles, "You Are Not Alone" (written to encourage families impacted by the VA Tech shootings) and "A Heart That Forgives" peaked at No. 1 on Gospel Music Channel. The "Let's Come Together (Deluxe Edition)" ranked as No. 3 Top Gospel CD in Jet Magazine and YouTube views for tracks from the Let's Come Together project exceed 5 million and counting.

Kevin's sophomore project, "Destiny! Live at The Dream Center" (released by Central South Distribution) was recorded at Angelus Temple, home of the Los Angeles Dream Center, led by Pastor Matthew Barnett. Of the thousands in attendance, the special guests of the night included over 500 of the community's recovering addicts, homeless, and rescued victims of human trafficking who were bused in for the live recording. The album's focus reminds listeners that like the story of Joseph, your future, and ultimate destiny is much greater than the tests and trials it took to get there. "Your Destiny," the project's first single, spent 28 weeks on Billboard peaking at No. 7 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and was performed by Kevin on BET/Centric's "Single Ladies" Season 4 Premiere episode (Executive Produced by Queen Latifah).

With over 300 songs in his catalog, Kevin has received honorable mention in the John Lennon Worldwide Songwriters Contest and his music has been recorded by Stellar, Dove, and Grammy Award winning artists. Kevin has also worked with acclaimed industry producers. His single, "Your Destiny" was produced by Harmony Samuels (Jennifer Lopez, Fantasia, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Ne-Yo), and his newest single "I Will Restore" (set for summer 2016 release) was produced by multiple Grammy Award winner Aaron Lindsey.

Kevin was selected as an invited guest to sing at the White House during Black Music Month and has been seen as a regular guest on Christian television and radio programs, such as BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, Hour of Power (from the Crystal Cathedral), Daystar's Celebration, 100 Huntley Street, TBN's Praise the Lord, RadioOne, The 700 Club, Sirius XM and many more. Kevin has also shared his gift of song at the American Heart Association Super Bowl XLIII gala, TD Jakes’ The Potter's House (Dallas), Stellar Awards Gospel Brunch, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Rosa Parks Breakfast, and on Capitol Hill (Congressional Briefing on Forgiveness).

Known primarily for his gift of song, Kevin's writing abilities have extended beyond music composition. Kevin has authored the book, ‘Destiny's Bridge,’ where he challenges his readers to dare to believe God. Kevin is also spearheading the FORGIVE AND LIVE Campaign (www.theforgivenesscampaign.org), a global forgiveness campaign to inspire 1 Million Acts of Forgiveness.

Early life[]

Kevin LeVar Gray was born in Washington D.C., the son of Pastor Joseph, also a policeman,[1] and Dorothy Gray, where they lead God Glorified Church of God in Christ in Silver Spring, Maryland.[2] He graduated from Eastern High School in 1995.

Music career[]

His music recording career got started in 2008, with the release of Let' Come Together, and it was released by Habakkuk Records on September 16, 2008.[3] The album charted on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart, where it peaked at No. 22.[4] He released, Destiny, on August 12, 2014, with God Glorified Music.[5] This album charted on the aforementioned chart at No. 21.[6]

Personal life[]

LeVar married his long-time tour manager, Shondale Bostick, on December 17, 2010.[7]

Discography[]

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Gos
Let's Come Together
  • Released: September 16, 2008
  • Label: Habakkuk
  • CD, digital download
 22
Destiny
  • Released: August 12, 2014
  • Label: God Glorified
  • CD, digital download
 21

References[]

  1. ^ Jones, Gerald (December 19, 2014). "Gospel Singer Kevin Levar Talks 'Destiny,' and Taking a Vow of Celibacy". Essence. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  2. ^ Thomasos, Christine (August 12, 2014). "Kevin LeVar Talks Recording with Former Drug Dealers and Prostitutes in Rehab Center for New Gospel Album". The Christian Post. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  3. ^ Fisher, John (December 29, 2008). "Review: Let's Come Together – Kevin LeVar". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  4. ^ "Let's Come Together charts". Billboard. October 4, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  5. ^ Saraco, Bert (October 1, 2014). "Kevin LeVar: Destiny". CCM Magazine. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  6. ^ "Destiny charts". Billboard. August 30, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  7. ^ Staff. "Kevin LeVar: Finding Hope in Love". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved August 13, 2016.

External links[]

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