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MUSICAL DIRECTORS FOR THE CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
Cornell Thigpen (Musical Director)
A gifted music producer, talented music director and phenomenal musician, are only a few adjectives that best describe Cornell. His credits are indisputably impressive; they include working with legendary artists, such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Kenneth (BabyFace) Edmonds, Stevie Nicks, Patti Labelle, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and many others. Cornell’s extensive music career includes worldwide tours with appearances that include; The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and The View.
Cornell’s extensive experience is trumped only by his impeccable character. He has a compassionate heart for musicians of all ages. Cornell is known for empowering church musicians and industry professionals worldwide with wisdom and knowledge through workshops and speaking appearances. Cornell often says, “The better person you are, the better musician you are.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Cornell grew up in a community of great singers and musicians. His uncle is the famous Jazz drummer Ed Thigpen. At the young age of 6, Cornell became the drummer for his church, and at the age of 12 he was appointed as Choir Leader. Cornell played his first professional show at the age of 15 for James Chambers and ECC.
Cornell was determined to pursue a career as a professional musician after he was invited to be the featured musician for his school’s program. He has produced, composed, and arranged music for many jazz, gospel, and classical artists. When asked the source of his inspiration to pursue a solo career, Cornell states,
“Robert Townsend encouraged me to record my project. I remember it just like it was yesterday. I remember him saying, “If you’re good enough to make the artists great, then you’re good enough to be great yourself.”
The birth of his freshmen project, “See the Song,” in which he brought together some of the industry’s most talented musicians, is slated to be released in the spring of 2014. Cornell stated: “It is my vision to restore music back to its original form of writing and not sampling. Don’t get me wrong, sampling is fine, however, I believe there is a certain feel that can only be achieved with “live” instrumentation.”
Cornell has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence, as well as the respect of the music industry for being one of the most creative musicians in the world today.
Valencia Lacy (Vocal Director)
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Valencia Lacy has been sharing her God-givengift of song with the world since she knew how to talk. She was born into a familyof talented musicians and singers and was destined for a career in music.
Valencia’s voice is melodic. She is classically trained; she possesses aclear understanding of music theory and the meticulous transitions of major,minor, and augmented chord changes. Valencia’s early vocal influences were Commissioned, Fred Hammond, Thomas Whitfield, Tye Tribett, Kirk Franklin, andJohn P. Kee. She has a great appreciation for all genres of music.
If one had to describe Valencia, you would hear words like; accomplished vocalist,arranger, vocal producer, modern day Levite, and warrior in worship. She is theunconventional worship leader of New Life Covenant South East Church in Chicago(NLCC), under the leadership of Pastor John Hannah. NLCC is one of the largest andfastest growing churches in the country, with a membership exceeding 20,000 strong! Valencia says, “My greatest passion is, and has always been, leadingGod’s people into a deeper knowledge of Him, while ushering them into uninhibited worship.”
Valencia’s passion and giftedness as Song Writer and Worship Leader is evident onShekinah Glory Ministry’s CD release titled, “YES.” The song YES, a worshipevolutionary release, continues to be a music favorite on radio stations andministries across the country.
Valencia is the founder of Unquenchable Worshippers. This unique praise andworship team is comprised of multi-talented psalmists, dancers, writers, andminstrels. Their energy and passion for God is very evident in their radical style ofworship. The mission of Unquenchable Worshippers is to set the stage for God’sglory and presence to be revealed.
Valencia and Unquenchable Worshippers recently released their debut CD, “TheGathering of Worshippers.” This project consists of 14 tracks with a combination ofChristian music, contemporary gospel, praise, and worship. Standout titles were“Big,” “At Your Feet,” and a cover of Beyoncé Knowles “Dangerously in Love,” withthe twist of Valencia being so in Love with Jesus that “I Never Wanna Leave ThisPlace.” Ministering this song with Valencia’s specially anointed twist, was soimpactful at concerts, that the audiences were left yearning for more of God.
She has worked on numerous projects with award winning artists: Kirk Franklin,Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, WilliamMcDowell, the late queen of gospel; Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, Ashford andSimpson, BeBe Winans, Micah Stampley, Dorothy Norwood, Bishop Paul Morton,Hezekiah Walker, and Vanessa Bell-Armstrong.
Valencia is an instructor of music ministry; through workshops, conferences, andclasses. She teaches everything from Praise and Worship, to Prophetic Dance, tothe Anointing of the Minstrel. Valencia Lacy and Unquenchable Worshippers have evolved into one of the most sought after praise and worship teams in the Chicagoland area.
