Interview with gentry Richardson
February 2006, BlackGospel.com

For the avid Gospel fans, who were spiritually nurtured over the years on the energy and artistry of Gospel legends like Shirley Caesar, Tramaine Hawkins and Commissioned, to name a few, The Praise Collection, Signature Series DVD release is a definite keepsake collector’s item, featuring many of today’s most recognizable names and faces in their formative and/or pique seasons.

The brainchild of this new DVD release comes from the CEO of Praise Collection – Gentry Richardson – founder of a Hollywood-based company that aims to offer a new media property to appease a new generation of Christians.  His ambitions are grand, his intentions are noble and it’s all captured in our recent sitdown with him on BLACKGOSPEL.COM.

Christopher Heron:  Let’s begin with your company and the vision and mission you had for this media ministry – Praise Collection.  How did this dream of yours evolve into a DVD Gospel series for public consumption?  And what inspired you to bring Praise Collection to the market place?

Gentry Richardson:  My vision is to spread the Spirit of God worldwide through DVDs that inspire and help people with their walk.  Our DVDs are designed not only to provide entertainment but also to be used as a bible teaching tool.  As far as I know, there is no media tool like this available.  Our company mission is to provide gospel based media to offset some of the morally questionable material released.  God has driven this vision every step of the way.

CH:  The current release from the Praise Collection is called the Signature Series…that’s a great name. But can you give us some insight on what gives this particular DVD series its own signature or trademark from any previous or current Gospel DVD release on the market?

GR:  Each Signature Series is based on the contribution of the original producer (i.e. Teresa Hannah) and the creativity of our production staff.  There will be additional signature series, including a gospel based comedy signature series. 

CH:  The contribution of both Teresa Hannah and Dr. Bobby Jones to this special DVD release provides both excellence in production and market value to the release. But can you kindly measure and evaluate, in your own words, their contributions to the Signature Series?

GR:  Teresa Hannah and Dr. Bobby Jones have been instrumental in supporting and spreading this ministry.  At a recent gospel leaders retreat, Dr Jones referred to Praise Collection as “a company that will provide a new way of exposing gospel music and entertainment”.  Both have made a great impact on our market value and caused our product to be taken very seriously.

CH:  Who are some of the marquee names and memorable performances you’ve captured on DVD for the Signature Series?

GR:  Tramaine Hawkins “Amazing Grace” is one of the best performances of this song I have ever heard.  I think it is up there with Mahalia Jackson.  The Fairfield Four performances are special because there is now only one surviving member of this ground breaking quartet.  There is also “queen” Albertina Walker and the great Shirley Caesar.  The sermons by some of the leading ministers in this country will be shared and discussed.  I could go on and on. 

CH:  Who will enjoy the Signature Series the most?  What type of audience was the Signature Series intended for?

GR:  Any gospel aficionado will enjoy this series.  The artistry of the performances is incredible.  Any artist that would like to study how “it” is really done will benefit.  Also, our market for this particular series is focused on but not limited to those that are thirty plus and can appreciate or relate to pure gospel.

CH:  In conclusion, can you tell us where you believe God is taking your ministry in 2006?  And what can we expect to see in the future from Praise Collection?

GR:  God has guided our ministry throughout this effort.  Everyone involved has grown and been blessed in some fashion.  I see God taking this ministry worldwide and establishing Praise Collection as the leading gospel based media and inspirational company.  I challenge anyone to experience this series and not be touched or inspired at some point.....that can only be done by God!

For more information on the Praise Collection: The Signature Series, visit the official website at www.praisecollection.com. To contact Gentry Richardson, email him at gentry@praisecollection.com.