If his new album – Thank You (Feel So Good Entertainment) – is any indication of things to come, Contemporary Gospel music fans are in for a treat. Julius Petty meticulously crafts a series of inspiring selections that are both testimonial and current. Having endured a season of defilement and the absence of spiritual direction, Mr. Petty persevered in the hands of the enemy and now testifies through his God-given talent about the grace and mercy of God.
But we’ll let Julius share his enlightening story of being lost in spiritual darkness, only to find the marvelous light of the Lord, in our Spotlight feature this week on BLACKGOSPEL.COM.
Christopher Heron: Julius, you were saved from your former worldly life, five years ago. I’m certain that spiritual transformation was a definitive turning point in your life and focus. Could you share with us what brought you to the altar and inspired you to have a new song in your heart?
Julius Petty: At a certain point, I reached the lowest point in my life. All the
bad decisions I made in my life caught up with me and I reached a point where I
couldn’t go any further. I was self destructing. I was a victim of self-abuse. I
abused myself through drugs, alcohol and sex. As a result, I disappointed those
that were closest to me like my children, my parents, and my grandmother. The
guilt was so overwhelming that I lost my will to live. During this time, my
sister began to minister to me about God. I heard of God, but did not know Him.
One day, I was so stressed out and guilt overcame me over my debt situation,
over my poor relationship with my children, and over being unemployed because of
my lack of education that after my sister ministered to me, I went home and
prayed. I got down on my knees and asked the Lord to take all the pain away, take the guilt away and if he could do that I would give my life to Him. I did not ask him for material things. I just wanted Him to take the guilt and pain away. I told Him the truth that I knew that I was going to mess up, but that if He would promise me to be there to hold me up, I would serve Him. Although my issues didn’t go away, knowing God was there for me made the burdens lighter and I began to see the light in dark days.
CH: Your life before becoming a Christian included being an R&B artist, once upon a time. What was that experience like?
JP: The experience of singing was fantastic because it’s what I love to do, but the R&B scene was not healthy for me. The people around me were not looking out for my best interest and every time I tried to move forward, doors would shut. While I was singing, it made me feel good but when that didn’t go right it felt horrible.
CH: And how has that former life and lifestyle prepared you to serve the Lord today as a recording artist and music minister for today’s generation?
JP: It prepared me by bringing me to the point of understanding the Gift God gave me. Singing made me happy but singing for God brings me true Joy. I learned that it was so important to surround myself with a great team that looked to God for guidance. There were times in R & B that my singing voice put me in front of powerful people, but because my team was not right, doors would shut down for me. My experiences have prepared me to minister to today’s generation, that there is hope in hopeless times and light in dark days. Let God be your light and you’ll never lose your way.
CH: You live in the outskirts of New York City, so you have access to a world of musical influences and artists. Who are a few of the performers who have influenced your music and style over the years, both as an artist and minister?
JP: Having my roots in R & B my first influences were Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Johnny Gill, and Stevie Wonder. After being saved, Rev. John P. Kee, Karen Clark Sheard and Daryl Coley became influences. These artists have been a great influence in my Gospel career.
CH: You’re building a healthy string of performances that have covered venues ranging from the Apollo Theatre to the Urban Impact Gospel Music Summit. It’s clear you have a palpable passion for performing. Where did this fervor for the stage first begin? And what was the evolution of your musical career that has brought you to this point in your ministry?
JP: There is nothing more rewarding than ministering to an audience live. To
connect with them in song and share God’s message is awesome. I didn’t grow up
in the church. I think of my ministry and I know that I am supposed to reach
outside the walls of a church to perform in venues where I can reach those that
don’t know God. When I’m performing, I want everyone to see through my
performance, my personal relationship with God and how much I love Him and He
loves me. In the evolution of my music career, I’ve grown from singing for
myself because that is what I loved to do to, singing for others and receiving
joy from seeing what they take away from my music. CH: Your album is quite a musical achievement and will undoubtedly surprise a lot of folks who love Urban Contemporary Gospel music but are not familiar with Julius Petty. Could you give us some insight on your new album? What was the inspiration behind some of the songs? And what is the message you’re hoping to convey to the audience that enjoys your style and sound?
JP: As I ask God for guidance, I’ve asked him to let me be myself in the music. This album comes from my true life experiences. No matter what situation comes up, when I turn to God through prayer, He answers me with the lyrics to a song. Make A Way, Believe, Move, and Press On are all as a result of God ministering to me to stay strong in my Faith. This album is full of messages to reach out to those who think they have nowhere to go. I’ve suffered through the worse sins that anyone could imagine and if God can deliver me, He will deliver you.
CH: In conclusion, could you share with our audience your heart for God and any parting words you hope to share with listeners of your album, Thank You?
JP: My desire is to fall so deeply in love with God that nothing else matters, that I can share with Him my intimate love in the way He shows me His love for me. I could never repay Him, but I hope that I can minister to others as a testimony to Him, His love, and Salvation. My message for everyone out there is to stay encouraged. God has a plan for you and if you let Him, He will give you glory and Victory.
To purchase his groundbreaking CD – Thank You – visit www.cdbaby.com/juliuspetty. For more information on Julius Petty, visit www.feelsogoodentertainment.com/julius. You can contact Julius Petty for singing and speaking engagements at feelsogoodent@comcast.net.
