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Teen singer Baker moved by the gospel
07/25/2008 7:00 PM, Reuters
Gail Mitchell
Spensha Baker isn't your typical teen singer. Possessing a powerful voice that draws comparisons to Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, the 15-year-old is breaking into music by way of gospel. "I didn't choose gospel -- it's in my heart," Baker says on the phone from her Converse, Texas, home. "I can't picture myself singing for anyone else but God and sharing his message with everyone. But I'm doing it my way." That way is showcased on her Geffen debut, "Outloud!" (August 5). Lead single "Hallelujah," originally recorded by gospel icons the Clark Sisters, reflects the exuberant, message-oriented material that makes up the album. Guest producers Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary), Tim Miner (Steve Perry), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston) and Eric Dawkins (Fantasia) weave Baker's testimony within an R&B/pop fabric threaded at times with a traditional feel. "The message is to live your life out loud," Baker says. "Don't go through life closing yourself off. Let people see you for what you are." Geffen chairman Ron Fair sees Baker as "the truth. She's got that God-given tone that's handed out so rarely." Fair witnessed Baker's talent firsthand as a judge for "American Idol" precursor "Star Search." Although the then-12-year-old finalist didn't win the competition, she did earn a Geffen contract. Baker's commanding voice has been nurtured since the age of 7 by her mom, Marcy, who also serves as her only child's manager. Baker is up for whatever challenges lie ahead. "Because I'm young and doing gospel, a lot of odds are against me," she says. "But in the end, I believe I'll have the victory." Reuters/Billboard
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