MUSIC BUZZ: Jonathan Nelson becomes 1st Non-Family Member Signed to Karen Clark Sheard’s Karew Records
Friday, January 20, 2012 at 3:13PM 
She may be shy, but she's also business savvy and we love it! EEW Magazine is all about celebrating empowered Black Christian women like Karen Clark Sheard, making big moves in the music industry. The Karew Records CEO has signed the super talented Jonathan Nelson to her family's label.
You're likely already familiar with the multiple Stellar Award winner and GMA Dove nominated recording artist, Jonathan Nelson. If you're not, you've probably been singing his songs without even knowing it. He's the guy that penned Donald Lawrence's mega hit and EEW Magazine favorite, Healed.
Yep, he wrote that one, for which he won a Stellar Award for Songwriter of the Year in 2006.
Nelson is also the gifted writer behind the song "everybody and they mama's" choir was singing, "My Name Is Victory," which spent 65 weeks on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart.
"I have been a longtime follower and supporter of Jonathan's ministry as praise and worship leader," said Clark Sheard, co-founder of Karew Records. "Jonathan is an extremely gifted, talented and anointed artist -- and a great songwriter too. He is our first signee to the label from outside of the Clark Sheard family, and we are excited that he chose Karew Records as his new home." Bishop J. Drew Sheard added, "We are building a record label on the legacy of great talent and ministry that keeps with the family tradition, and Jonathan is certain to help us do just that."
"I am thrilled to have joined the Karew Records family with Bishop J. Drew Sheard and Karen Clark Sheard," said Jonathan Nelson. "I had my first experience in the gospel music industry with Karen more than 10 years ago; how fitting to now be joined to her company. This connection is going to be absolutely amazing! It has been declared at my church that 2012 is the year of 'great opportunity.' I receive that and continue to expect greater things to come. Get ready!"
Nelson's father, Bishop James Nelson, was the senior pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple Church in Baltimore, MD, for over 30 years. Jonathan Nelson and Clark Sheard's relationship began when she was first invited to his father's church as a special guest artist. She made a request for background singers, and Nelson, along with a group of singers from the church, now known as Purpose, sang with her.
How cool is that?
Congratulations to Karen Clark Sheard and the Karew Records team as well as Jonathan Nelson, whose album is slated for a late Spring/early Summer 2012 release.
Reader Comments (6)
How did I not know this! LOVES J. Nelson!
Great pairing! I look forward to hearing the new album. Hopefully Karen will collab with Jonathan. I think the two would do an AMAZING duet!
He wrote HEALED?!! All this time I though Donald Lawrence wrote that. Wow.
A lot of singers these days can only sing, but they can't write. To be able to do both is a HUGE asset. Congratulations all around to everyone.
I wish she would have signed a woman. The industry is already male dominated. Women need a shot like that.
Love it!