Preview the debut CD from Rev. Rudolph McKissick Jr. and the Word and Worship Mass Choir, titled Because You Are Worthy. Check out the three audio snippets available at the bottom of this page. The album releases on May 21, 2002 from Allen & Allen Music Group (AAMG).


Album Information Courtesy of AAMG:

Allen & Allen Music Group (AAMG) and Troy Sneed Ministries announced recently a partnership for the release of the debut project for Pastor Rudolph McKissick, Jr. and The Word and Worship Mass Choir of Jacksonville, Florida. The recording, Because You Are Worthy, is slated to release May 21, 2002.

As the pastor of Florida’s oldest Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, McKissick is an ordained minister with more than 6,500 in his congregation. His 200-voice strong Word and Worship Mass Choir has long been a focal point of the church. GRAMMY-nominated producer and recording artist Troy Sneed (Preacher’s Wife Soundtrack, Georgia Mass Choir) was enlisted to produce McKissick’s debut. Sneed was so impressed with the quality of the artistry that he took the project to Allen & Allen Music Group where the partnership was formed to release Because You Are Worthy.

A live recording with a praise and worship theme, Because You Are Worthy, captures the "Bethel Experience," as it is known at the church, with an impressive diversity in styles. The project weaves traditional spirituals, anthems and hymns with contemporary praise and even hip-hop grooves.

"This project really bridges the gaps between gender, race and denomination," said Sneed. "It will appeal to different ages because that was the concept for the album. We wanted music that could reach everyone. Pastor McKissick is a very gifted musician in his own right and working with him was a pleasure. It was a wonderful, wonderful journey."

Rev. Rudolph McKissick Jr. Info

“Music has always been very important in my life,” says Rev. Rudolph McKissick Jr. He was born the son of a preacher, who continues to serve in a pastoral capacity at Bethel Baptist Church. “My father pastored this very church before me,” said McKissick. “Growing up as the pastor’s son who could sing, I was always being put on stage. My first solo was a hymn called “Even Me” when I was 7 years old. So I’ve been singing my whole life.” “I think praise and worship is so vital in the life of each person because it is the one thing that really allows us to focus on God and God only. It is one of the major ways that we remain connected to God. It is where we really begin to sense the presence of a God who is invisible. For a congregation it gives a vital connection between individuals as they become like-minded in the pursuit of God, and really opens people up to whatever is going on in the worship service.” Check out www.BeTheLite.org for more information on Rev. Rudolph McKissick Jr.

In selecting songs for Because You Are Worthy, Sneed and McKissick captured the essence of the live worship service with its broad range of musical styles. Renowned songwriter Alvin Darling ("He’s All Over Me," The Preacher's Wife) contributed "My Soul Doth Give You Praise" and Michael A. Young penned the traditional hand-clapping "This Is The Day." The soothing worshipful title cut was written by Michael McDowell, and reveals a striking contrast to the contemporary grooves of "Somehow, Someway," by Sneed’s long-time keyboardist Andre Forbes.

"We tried to cover not only praise and worship, but also different moods," said McKissick. “‘This is the Day’ is an old ‘70’s church style, while ‘Because You are Worthy’ is a very contemporary cross-cultural worship song and ‘Somehow, Someway’ had a real hip-hop drive. It was a very unique and diverse worship experience."

Bruce Allen, co-founder of Allen & Allen Music Group, and keyboardist for inspirational jazz duo Allen & Allen adds, “Pastor McKissick is a long-time friend of mine. His musical talent and abilities have always been evident and respected by his peers, especially now as he has become one of the most sought after speakers in this nation. I look forward to the release of Because You Are Worthy by Pastor McKissick and The Word and Worship Mass Choir, so that the world can be blessed the way I was when I heard it!”

National sales and distribution of Allen & Allen Music Group Records, including the release of Because You Are Worthy, for the mainstream and CBA marketplace are provided by LKS Entertainment, Inc., in association with IDN (Innovative Distribution Network) and IMG/CNI Distribution (Inspirational Music Group/Christian Network International Distribution.)

Three songs snips from the debut Rev. Rudolph McKissick Jr. and Word and Worship Mass Choir album, Because You Are Worthy, are available as RealAudio downloads. If you don't have RealAudio, be sure to obtain your free RealAudio player software first, by clicking on the blue RealAudio icon on the right.

To download the two-minute song snips, simply click on the highlighted text below, let stream on RealAudio, and enjoy.

• "He's Worthy"
  
  
• "Glorify The Lord"
  
  
• "This Is The Day"