Allison Lynn Bio

For many years, Allison Lynn led an eclectic career singing all kinds of music, from music theatre to jazz to gospel to big band. 

But in 2005, Allison felt at a crossroads in her career. She started to pray for guidance. That summer, she attended Ben Speer's Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Nashville, TN, and God touched her life in a deep and profound way. She returned to her home in Toronto, ON, and started a gospel music ministry, singing at churches, festivals, and special events.

Within months, God was calling again, and Allison and her husband, Gerald Flemming, decided to make the move to Nashville. After many months of legal work, Allison was awarded an 01 (Artist) Visa, allowing her to live and work in the United States for a 3 year period.

Whether singing a fully staged concert, or leading a sing-along in a small inner-city church, Allison Lynn brings a message of God's unconditional love and faithfulness for all to hear.Allison's new CD,REAL BIG FAN is rooted in Southern Gospel, with a twist of jazz. Produced by Aaron Minick, the songs are a mix of gospel classics, originals by Allison and her husband, Gerald, and new songs by Daryl Williams, Joel Lindsey, and Wayne Haun.Allison writes the blog, ADVENTURES OF A STARVING ARTIST and is currently accepting bookings for 2008.

www.allisonlynn.com
www.allisonlynn.blogspot.com

.

Sometimes, God chooses a curvy pathway for us to follow.

Christy Sutherland has always been a singer, has always been a Christian, and has always sung in churches, but her path to full time music ministry took her on a journey that included honky-tonks, the Grand Ole Opry, and Nashville’s own Music Row.

With her powerful voice and moving songs, Christy is a welcome addition to the Gospel music scene. She and her husband, Matt Dudney, are building a ministry that spreads a message of joy and encouragement to churches and women’s ministries across the country.

When I heard Christy’s music and her great story, I knew I wanted to meet this awesome lady, and find out more about her pathway to Gospel music...

ALLISON: Your career really seems to have travelled full circle. You started singing in church, had success in country music, and are now singing Christian music full time. What has that journey been like for you?

CHRISTY: It has been a wonderful journey!  Like any journey, there were times when it was tough.  Going through one Country label going out of business and another being bought out by another company was really hard.  I remember thinking, "My dreams are over..."  I didn't realize how right I was!  My dreams may have been over, but God’s dreams were taking over!!  I had peace when I was doing Country music.  I don't believe I was out of God's will in doing that.  God needs His children everywhere.  But, I know without a doubt He was taking me into a new season - a season of full time ministry.  I could not be happier than I am right now, singing for Him and writing songs about Him.

ALLISON: What’s it like being a Christian in the world of Country music? What do you think is the connection between Country and Gospel music?

CHRISTY: There are a lot of wonderful Christians in the Country music field - my mother-in-law, Barbara Mandrell, for one!  I was fortunate enough to be associated with incredible Spirit-filled Christians who also happened to work in Country music.  I think the connection between Country and Gospel music is heart.  Both genres are very lyric oriented, very story oriented.  Both types of music lay the truth out there.  Whether it be eternal hope or heartache, they both have a way of telling a story exactly how it is!

ALLISON: Your biography mentions that, after years of writing, one day you “finally began putting Scripture” in your songs. What inspired that change in your writing?

CHRISTY: The inspiration for me writing gospel music was God Himself.  Early one morning at 4am I heard God's voice.  He told me He wanted me to sing for Him.  It was then that He called me into full time ministry.  The songs just followed.  I had actually begun writing Christian music prior to that, but I began to write with more fervency after.  The first song I ever wrote at age twelve was a Christian song.  I had never been opposed to writing Gospel music; I just focused on Country music for many years because as a secular staff songwriter, that was my job!  Two years prior to me hearing God's voice, a couple of different pastors had prophesied over me that I would write as a psalmist, that I would write songs for the Church.  I remember thinking, "Yeah, maybe when I'm old!!!" ... you see, I was going to be the next Country superstar first!!!

ALLISON: You and your husband, Matt, are real partners in your ministry. Did you know you would have that kind of partnership before you were married, or did it develop through your relationship?

CHRISTY: No, I didn't know we would have that kind of a relationship.  I knew I would be writing, singing, and traveling doing Gospel music.  I knew I was marrying the man God had for me.  I didn't know he would be such a big part of the music and the ministry.  I am so glad he is!

ALLISON: You also have another very interesting person in your life: your mentor is also your mother-in-law. Who is your mentor, and why is she important to you?

CHRISTY: One of my mentors is Barbara Mandrell.  She is not only important to me as a mentor, but as a second mother as well.  She truly has taken me in as her own.  I've never felt like a "daughter-in-law" with her or Dad.  From praying with me, advising me on concert details, loaning me clothing, giving me makeup and hair tips to just cheering me on, she does it all!  I feel so blessed to have such an incredible woman in my life.  She is not only one of the best entertainers of all time, but a strong Christian as well.  She praises Him in all she does.  I have learned a lot from her simply by watching.

ALLISON: Your new single, “Working on a Building,” is a duet with Pastor Dan Scott. It’s a great song, and you did a really cool rendition of it. Why did you record the song as a duet?

CHRISTY: Thank you, Allison!  I'm so glad you liked it.  I recorded "Working On A Building" as a duet because I've sung that song so many times with Pastor Dan at church.  It only seemed natural to include him on the album.  The album, however, was the first time I gave him a whole verse!!  I just love that man's voice.

ALLISON: You recently did a Radioactive Airplay ‘first’ when you had a live online single release party. How did that come about? What was the reaction from DJs?

CHRISTY: The idea was Charles Brady's at Radioactive Airplay.  He and Matt got the details worked out, and voila!  We had great reactions from the DJs.  It was a lot of fun for everybody and lots of stations added my songs "Cry In The Dark" and "What Child Is This" (duet with Scot Inman of Triumphant Quartet).  Plus, I got to see lots of friends here in Nashville and eat cake, too!

ALLISON: Your songs have been recorded by some wonderful, and well known, Christian artists. Sandi Patty recorded “You Call Me Yours,” and “When God Sings” is on Kim Hopper’s solo project. What is it like to hear one of your songs recorded by such powerful artists?

CHRISTY: It is amazing.  I feel humbled and honored all at the same time.  I have cried every time I have ever heard one of my songs done by another artist.  I am always so touched that God has touched them through me.

ALLISON: You’re such a powerhouse singer yourself - how do you know when a song is “yours” or when it should be recorded by someone else?

CHRISTY: Ooh, that's really tough!  I used to try and hang on to everything (when I was in Country music).  I now let them go a little easier.  "You Call Me Yours" is an example of that.  At first, I told other artists "no" when they asked to record it.  Then I decided just to see what would happen.  That song being cut started a whole string of cuts for me.  It has been nothing but positive and I still do the song in my concerts.  Plus, the message gets to more people.  Not only did Sandi Patty record that song, but also the group Prelude.  It was also put in an Easter musical by Word.  The character Mary Magdalene sings "You Call Me Yours" to Christ after the resurrection ... pretty awesome!  I've learned the best thing to do is write the song and then ask my Father to place it where He will.  He knows what is best and He will never let me down.

ALLISON: What are your plans for 2009?

CHRISTY: In 2009, Matt and I will be traveling to lots of churches.  He has already booked quite a few places to go and more are coming in everyday.  We will both be featured in the Louise Mandrell Christmas show at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, next November and December as well.  We also hope to be announcing the birth of our first baby!  We are planning on starting a family in the next few months.  God is so good.  Everyday I am amazed at the opportunities He has brought our way.  I can't wait for His plans to unfold in 2009!

ALLISON: If you could tell people one thing about Jesus, what would it be?

CHRISTY: I would tell them He is the God of second chances ... and third, fourth, fifth ...  He is truly the Redeemer.  Making things new is what He does.  He delivered my husband Matt several years ago from alcoholism and depression.  He delivered me out of a terrible relationship and healed me of anxiety related stomach problems.  Nothing is too hard for Him.  His mercies truly are new every morning.

For more information on Christy’s music and ministry, please visit http://www.christysutherland.net/