More than 25 years ago, Shirley Murdock set out to sing gospel music and offer her praises unto the Lord.But along the way, her career took a different course, as she became a back-up singer for the Funk band, Roger Troutman and Zapp. Shortly after, she went on to become a successful solo artist in her own right with memorable Top 10 R&B hits like “As We Lay,” “Go On Without You,” “Husband” and “In Your Eyes.”
The 80s were good to Shirley, but the desire to sing gospel remained. In 2002, God fulfilled her dream, with the help of Bishop T.D. Jakes, as she released her first gospel album “Home.” Since then, Shirley has continued to collaborate with other artists and appeared in several movies and stage plays. In 2007, she released her second gospel album, Soulfood, on Tyscot Records.
Fast forward to 2011, Shirley Murdock is back with the release of her first live cd/dvd recording, The Journey, which hit store shelves today!
HWIH: Tell us about your latest project, The Journey.
Shirley: I’m thrilled about having this opportunity to finally do a live cd/dvd recording. God has fulfilled yet another one of my life’s dreams.
HWIH: How did you come up with the name for this CD?
Shirley: As I look back over my life, it’s truly been a journey and now I’m coming to understand the pieces of the puzzle. He’s revealing the “whys” and it’s starting to make sense to me now. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned and grown in my relationship with the Lord. I understand the call on my life to be an evangelist and share the word that He’s given me with the body of Christ and the world. I have the pleasure of carrying the good news forward. My prayer is that God shows me how to use everything He’s given me.
HWIH: Who are some of the artists you worked with on The Journey?
Shirley: This project was memorable for me because I was able to share this experience with Beverly Crawford, Regina Belle and Kelly Price. These ladies are my true girlfriends.
HWIH: What will listeners find different about this album?
Shirley: This project differs from my last one because as I continue being processed. I’m still growing spiritually and so is my music. The songs on this album are powerful. These “life songs” minister to the whole of us. They are practical for our everyday lives. Both of the projects have value, but there’s a lot of freedom on this record.
HWIH: Tell us about your family life.
Shirley: My family means everything to me. I’ve been married to my husband Dale DeGroat for 23 years and we have a wonderful 19-year old son named Devin. None of what I do would be possible without the support of “my village.”
HWIH: What do you wish others would notice about you more often?
Shirley: I think some have a tendency to keep me boxed into the music I was making in 1986. I’m proud of that work, but I wish they would see how my life has progressed. I wish they’d understand my entire body of work and to know that I’ve always had a desire to sing for Christ although my path began in R&B.
HWIH: Why should our readers pick up your “The Journey?”
Shirley: I encourage them to purchase this project because I believe we’re all on journey. I think this CD will help them along the way. It is my prayer that people will be blessed by the lyrics in this collection of songs.
Interesting tidbits about Shirley…
- Hometown: Toledo, OH
- Number of siblings: Youngest of six
- Childhood dream: To one day become a professional gospel singer
- Little known fact: She initially turned down her first record deal.
Check out Shirley’s CD, The Journey and let me know what you think!
Until Next Time,
-TL
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