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Sometimes one is blessed with an undeniable gift and the focused direction to share it. Natalie Grant is one of those people with a poised talent beyond her 27 years, a voice so breathtaking you know this gift is heaven sent.
Grant, a Seattle native and youngest child of five, was surrounded by music virtually from birth. The entire family dang at their home church and at the extraordinary age of two, she instinctively know how to harmonize with her siblings. Natalie's innate talent, ear for music and mature leadership abilities did not go unnoticed and by age 17 she was assisting the church's musical director in selecting and arranging music for a 100 voice youth choir. "I never thought I'd be a professional singer, I always thought I'd get married, travel around and sing in local churches and do short term mission work.
But God had a different plan for the young songstress. While at Northwest Bible College in Kirkland, WA, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, the popular ensemble "Truth" came to perform at her church. She auditioned for the group and spent the next two years (1994-1996) as part of the six-person ensemble, traveling around the United States and abroad. "We did 300 concerts per year," she laughs, remembering her grueling schedule. This extensive road experience fine-tuned her stage presence and helped motivate her to pursue a solo ministry. With no job, no car, and only $200 in her pocket, but a dream in her heart and divine intervention directing her life, she resolutely moved to Nashville intent on singing full time in Christian music.
The result is her debut, self-titled CD produced by celebrated producers Brown Bannister and Brian Tankersly. The CD reveals her influences, CeCe Winans & Whitney Houston, and is peppered with her powerhouse deliveries on ballads like "I Am Not Alone" and "One Child," easily showcasing her vocal control and strength. But it's the conviction of her ministry and the genuine sincerity of her faith that shines through.
Natalie wants to be approachable and real while being an example of Christ's compassion. "One of the primary commandments Jesus gave was to love our neighbors," she passionately says. Just as Jesus reached out to the ostracized leper, Natalie wants to offer this same message of hope, healing and restoration. "The Christian voices in our society today are so often perceived as condemning and judgmental. We live in a real world, with real hurt, in need of the only real answer - Jesus. There are so many empty people who, just like the leper, need to feel the touch of Jesus. We are to be His hand extended." she says with conviction.
Another passion for Natalie is being involved with the praise and worship ministry at her church, Strong Tower Bible Church, an interracial church outside of Nashville. "I recognize the importance of being plugged in to a local church and keeping spiritual authority in one's life. I have a wonderful pastor and the church embodies my mission statement, which is to embrace people of all color and economic backgrounds, and to help put hurting people on the path to healing."
Newly married, Natalie is often asked how she will balance her career and family life. "First and foremost I must keep my spiritual life up. This is the key to success in any area of life," she explains. "This may sound naïve, but I know God has called me to be an honorable wife, and to serve Him in a full time capacity through music ministry. I have to walk confidently in both callings and allow Him to take care of the rest."
Amid the critical acclaim that has followed her, Natalie remains unaffected. "It's not about wowing the masses with how great I can sing," she says, thoughtfully. "It's simply about undeniably proclaiming Jesus Christ through my music." With her engaging personality, warm smile and formidable passion, Natalie begins this new journey with confidence and faith. The music is inspiring. The message is clear. The truth has a way of setting us free and Natalie delivers that truth. |
