Giving God the glory is what Peyton Bailey has always been about.  Whether it’s through song or through her natural ability to bring comfort and healing to strangers, Peyton Bailey understands the application of the Gospel in day-to-day affairs.  Her life’s mission is about bringing souls to the alter.  Her album (My Refuge) shares this perfect message in a delightful way with a purity and earnestness that’s undeniable.

With a life that’s been nurtured from the sacred church pews and inspired by legendary pioneers like Bishop FC Barnes and Margaret Allison, Peyton Bailey’s foundation is firmly rooted in a legacy that will stand the test of time.  BLACKGOSPEL.COM spoke with Peyton about her lifelong music ministry, her trials and victories along the way and her life’s calling to give God all the glory in everything she does.

Christopher Heron: Peyton, your passion and talent for singing was evident at a very tender age, as a member of the Acree Sisters, then later on as a member of the Family Of Faith Singers.  What fostered such a love for singing God’s music from the age of 3?  Was it your home life and was it the church or some combination of the above? 

Peyton Bailey:  I grew up in Lockerman United Methodist Church where my Grandmother was a gifted musician. She taught us that whatever we do we must do it with excellence. I grew up watching her dedication and how she gave the Lord all she had. When I started to sing she always said these words "Pat your hands" and "Give it all you got!"  When she felt it wasn’t our best, she would simply just stop playing the piano. She refused to let us get away with halfway service to the Lord.  I thank God for her.  She truly taught me about excellence!  Although she has gone onto glory now, I still remember what she has taught me and try my best to do whatever I do in excellence!

CH: Growing up as a singer, who were some of the artists that were played in your home?  And who left a marked impression on you, whether it was their special voice or their undeniable anointing?

PB: My mother always played Margaret Allison and the Angelic Gospel Singers, Bishop FC Barnes, Slim and the Supreme Angels and Jay Caldwell and the Gospel Ambassadors. The Angelic Gospel Singers has made quite an impact on my life as I lost a sibling at the age of 9. My oldest sister passed away at the age of 15 and I remember listening to Touch Me Lord Jesus by the Angelic Gospel Singers. I truly needed a touch from the Lord and that song got me through that tough time in my life. To God be the glory right to this day. Ms. Allison of the Angelic Gospel Singers and I are close friends.  She adopted me as her Godchild.

In my senior year in high school, I didn't go to my prom because Jay Caldwell and the Gospel Ambassadors were in town. I just had to go hear him sing Time Has Made A Change and Grand Ma's Hand.  Right to this day, I am still a big fan of The Gospel Ambassadors. As far as Bishop FC Barnes goes, he is Papa Barnes to us, since he is our spiritual Father. It is he who saw gifts and talents in me and my sisters and reached out to us to nurture us. My husband and I visit his church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina every 90 days and we thoroughly enjoy the undeniable anointing that is on his life!  Slim and the Supreme Angels truly minister in excellence! Rev. Hunt ( Slim) always has a word from the Lord!

CH: You’re an active member of a very special ministry – The Body Of Christ Church International.   How has your membership in such a multicultural church helped shape your faith and music ministry in recent years?

PB: I truly enjoy the Body Of Christ Church!  Excellence is taught there. Our Pastor and first Lady walks in it. I'm learning so much about people in general from all different walks of life. I know the Lord sent my husband and I there to gain knowledge on leadership as He has given us the vision of Jasper Walls International Ministries. My husband, John Bailey, has been chosen to pastor. Dr. and First Lady Ripley are great examples of what true leadership is all about!  It is important to be up under the right covering!

CH: It seems as though your life has been built around servicing and nurturing people both spiritually and physically.  Aside from your singing ambitions, you’re also a professional health care worker.  How has your experience and training as a nurse prepared you for tending to the needs of people, both physically and professionally?

PB:  I always try to get my patients to see the bright side of whatever situation they are in. I always let them know that God’s word says that "By His stripes, we are healed”. I encourage them to believe and trust God for He will not come short of His word. As I was training in this area, I gained a lot of compassion for people and I give my patients the best possible care I can give them by letting my light shine and letting them see Jesus in me. Nursing is a Ministry in itself and we must do it in excellence.

CH: It’s one thing to sing from church to church, share your talent as a guest singer and record a professional album for the mass market to enjoy, particularly as an Independent artist.  How has this experience to produce your first album challenged your faith and streamlined your mission for the Lord?

PB: This scripture comes to mind, "To whom much is given, much is required!”  Producing this album has had some challenges and some road blocks along the way, but thanks be to God, I always could see His hand moving in all situations. When the enemy would try to throw doubt my way, I had to remember what the Lord said!  Even though sometimes I couldn't see the outcome, I still had to trust the Lord. This has definitely made my faith stronger.  Many said I wouldn't make it, many talked against this ministry and many won't support or promote it.  I count it all joy for the Lord is my strength!  Basically, what I'm trying to say is totally trust God. Keep your eye on Jesus! I thank God for the test as it has made me stronger.  Now I know exactly what "unwavering faith" means.

CH: Your new album is entitled, My Refuge.  Tell us why you chose this title for your project and what is the heart and soul of this album, as sung by Peyton Bailey?

PB: I have found the Lord to be whatever I needed Him to be. I sought refuge in Him and Him alone. Nothing compares to Jesus! I wanted my listening audience to know that there is so much power in the name of Jesus. So many people are guilty of seeking refuge in other things.  These things are only temporary. Seek refuge in the Lord and you will come out a winner every time. It's all about Jesus!  To God be the glory!

CH: In closing, could you share with us your hope and prayer for those who will hear a song on the radio or get a chance to pick up a copy of your album at their favorite Christian bookstore?

PB: It is my Prayer that many will be led to Christ and that the saints will be encouraged to keep on keeping on. I get numerous emails and letters from fans that are getting healed, delivered and set free, I want to receive even more testimonies of how the Lord is blessing them through this CD. I want everyone to see Jesus in me! To God be the glory!

For more information on the ministry of Peyton Bailey, visit her official website at www.peytonbailey.com. To contact Peyton Bailey for booking, ministry or feedback, email her at peyton66@bellsouth.net.